PASSENGERS were stunned when they discovered the real reason why planes are almost always painted white.
Tourists often wonder why aircraft are usually all the same color.
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And it’s for good reason, as explained by former pilot Dan Bubb, now a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
He said Travel and Leisure: “Most planes are painted white because the color reflects sunlight, keeping planes cooler and minimizing heat damage.”
Since Air France introduced the first ‘Euro-white’ livery in 1976, the all-white fuselage look has become increasingly standard for airlines around the world.
Shea Oakley
It makes sense for the aircraft to reflect the sun as this will reduce cooling costs.
And it makes the cabin temperature on board more comfortable for passengers.
Planes are also subject to more exposure to solar radiation above the clouds, and light colors help deflect this.
The trend began in the mid-1970s, when most planes were left to take off with their polished aluminum exteriors.
Aviation historian Shea Oakley added: “Since Air France introduced the first ‘Euro-white’ livery in 1976, the all-white fuselage appearance has become increasingly standard for the world’s airlines.”
American Airlines maintained the classic aluminum aesthetic until 2013, before following suit with most of the industry.
Planes don’t have to be all white, with several companies choosing brighter and darker colors.
Mango, a wholly owned subsidiary of state-owned South African Airways, flies passengers around the world in bright orange aircraft.
South African company Kulula Air uses a green camouflage print design.
Hungarian low-cost airline group Wizz Air has a lot of purple on the nose of its aircraft.
Meanwhile, Edelweiss Air, now an affiliate of Swiss Air, is covered in red and blue.
It turns out that the planes’ secret buttons and handles that you may have never noticed have been explained.
According to Condé Nast TravelerMost planes built in the last fifteen years feature an integrated handrail just below the overhead bins.
If you’ve ever seen a cabin crew member running their hand through the overhead compartment – what you actually witnessed was them steadying themselves on this “secret” handrail.
There is also a “secret” button that few air passengers know about, which allows you to raise the aisle armrest.
Meanwhile, a flight attendant has revealed the real reason your outfit could get you banned from the plane.
Plus, a fellow flight attendant shared the one packing mistake that could delay your plane.
Airport delays are very common, but there are ways passengers can minimize the chances of delays.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
