Would You Shower On A Flight?
For most of us, getting from place to place via a big metal bird is exciting, nerve-racking, and usually a little uncomfortable. How can you blame us, being packed like sardines 35,000 feet high in the sky? Even economy flights are expensive nowadays, so this list may be the closest you’ll ever get to experiencing mile-high luxury.
1. Thunderstruck
Planes fly through our storm-ridden skies all the time, so it’s not even a question that they should be able to withstand a lightning strike. It’s not as common as you may think, as commercial flights usually only get struck once or twice a year, but you can feel safe knowing that it won’t affect the safety of the metal bird.
2. Ornithopters
These wooden birds are a piece of ancient technology that is based on the Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus. Leonardo da Vinci was fascinated with these models as well, making many drawings and models of the style when he was alive. While they appear to be a precursor to modern flight, they actually contributed very little to the planes we see today.
3. Longest Continuous Flight
The longest continuous flight ever recorded was 64 days, 22 hours, 19 minutes, and 5 seconds. It was set between December 4, 1958, and February 7, 1959. The plane used was a Cessna 172, and was sponsored by the Las Vegas Hacienda Hotel. The actual plane is hung up in the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport.
Matthias Wesselmann on Unsplash
4. Light On Turbulence
The standard commercial flight occasionally comes with its share of turbulence, due to the cruising altitude and rigid flight paths they have to take. However, private jets rarely deal with these bumps, as they have more flexibility in flight paths and tend to cruise around 40,000 feet.
5. Square Versus Round
It was actually much more common for older airplanes to have square windows. The design was switched to the more rounded shape we see today, as the square design couldn’t withstand the change in pressure as the plane climbed in altitude.
6. How High?
Anyone who's ridden a few planes in their life knows that cruising altitude is around 30 and 35 thousand feet, which is the sweet spot for fuel efficiency and maintaining enough lift. If you wanted to gauge that in distance, 30,000 feet is the equivalent of 5.7 miles, or 9.1 kilometers.
7. Boarding On The Left
It’s standard to board on the left side of the plane, but the reason doesn’t come from a safety or organisational feature. It actually dates back to horse riding. A rider would commonly place his sword on his left side so he could draw it with his right hand, meaning he would mount a horse from the left to not trip over his sword. This method of entering or mounting types of travel has stayed with us ever since.
8. Overnight Flights
Sure, you can sleep in your seat during a long haul, but where does the crew go? On some larger commercial flights, there is a secret sleeping space that comes equipped with a few beds for the flight attendants and pilots to rest when needed.
9. Gotta Go Fast
The standard speed for most planes is between 480 and 575 mph, or 770-930 km/h, but it’s all dependent on the weather conditions. The fastest passenger plane in the world is the Boeing 747-8m, which can reach 652 mph, or 1050 km/h.
10. Shortest Flight In The World
The shortest flight in existence is 80 seconds long. It’s performed between two islands in Scotland’s Orkney archipelago, which is 1.7 miles, or 2.7 kilometers. The flight is usually done by a twin-engine prop plane.
1. Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
This cross-Atlantic flight will cost you over $6,000 USD, but it’s not for nothing. The airline comes with beds, in-seat massages, and complimentary pajamas. You’ll even get a chauffeur who will drive you to and from the airport, and access to Virgin’s Clubhouse Lounge.
2. Singapore Airlines
A flight from New York to Singapore will set you back around $14,000 USD or more. However, you’ll experience the height of luxury. You essentially get your own hotel room: a standalone bed, dining table, entertainment system, gourmet food service, and a wine list.
3. Etihad Airways, Residence Class
Etihad Airways’ A380 aircraft are top of the line. The planes have private apartments, equipped with a living room, a bedroom, and an en-suite shower. It also has a butler who will bring you whatever you need throughout your flight. And it only costs a measly $24,000 USD.
4. Qantas First Class
This business-oriented flight is for the fancy and frequent flier. Your space comes with a leather-covered sheepskin mattress, a fireplace, an entertainment system, booze, and a selection of La Carte dishes. Tickets for this flight will cost you around $15,000 USD.
5. All Nippon Airways First Class
This Japanese-based airline has private cabins, leather seats that can turn into beds, gourmet dining, and a selection of Shiseido skincare products, which are expensive in their own right. It’s no wonder that this flight costs around $9,000 USD.
6. Swiss Air
A flight from New York to Singapore will set you back over $22,000 USD. However, you’ll be showered in food from a Michelin-starred chef, toiletries from several international skincare brands, and a full-length mattress bed.
7. Emirates
A first-class ticket on this flight can cost you anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 USD, but you’ll get the full pampered treatment. These flights have private suites with electronic sliding doors, moisturizing pajamas, gourmet dining prepared onboard by chefs, and a huge wine and champagne selection.
8. Japan Airlines
A flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo can be spent in comfort on this plane. Equipped with leather upholstery, a fully reclining mattress, a 23-inch flat-screen TV, and plenty of storage, you will have no problem getting comfortable. The food is also well received, featuring Western and Japanese à la carte dishes, and even includes sake as well as standard wines - all for $16,000 USD.
9. British Airways First Class
Only costing $12,000 USD per ticket, this flight gives you a full bed with cashmere blankets, slippers to wear during the flight, and a gourmet menu of British-inspired meals. Oh, and how can we forget about the wine pairings?
Steve Lynes from Sandshurst, United Kingdom on Wikimedia
10. Korean Air First Class
This airline has something called “Kosmo Sleeper Seats,” which are fully reclining chairs situated in a private suite. The airline won the Mercury award for in-flight food service, and they also provide a selection of popular international wine labels. For only $27,000 USD, all of this could be yours.
