Flight attendant explains mystery detail on plane windows that leaves passengers puzzled
Kya Buller
Featured Image Credit: TiKTok/@_hennylim_
Whether or not you’re a confident flyer, you’re sure to have a whole host of questions about how planes actually work.
Whether you’re pondering how we actually stay up in the air, why cabin crew have such distinctive uniforms, or whether you're in with a chance of being upgraded to first class, we can pretty much guarantee TikTok has your answer.
If you’re flying long haul, it gives you an even longer time to think about the plane itself, and all of those nuts and bolts.
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Maybe you’ll find yourself mulling over which ready meals they have on offer, the likelihood of anybody joining the Mile High Club during your flight, or how on earth in-air WiFi works.
Or maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself admiring the windows and taking in their every detail.
If that’s the case, you might have considered - why do those windows have tiny holes in them?
If you did - it’s TikTok to the rescue once again. If you didn’t, you might want to read on anyway for some truly fascinating info…
There’s actually a little-known explanation for this mystery detail. Flight attendant Henny Lim has your back, and is no stranger to spilling the high-life tea online.
Lim, who flies with Philippines-based airline Cebu Pacific, begins: “If you’ve ever sat in the window seat on a flight, you’ve probably noticed the tiny hole at the bottom of the window.”
Cabin windows on planes are usually comprised of three layers — outer, middle and inner — mixing glass and acrylic to keep them sturdy and well insulated.
As it turns out, the small holes are actually called ‘bleed holes’, and aid the controlled flow of air between those layers, equalising the pressure and reducing window pane stress.
“The tiny hole helps to balance the pressure difference between the cabin and the outside air,” Lim explains further.
During the flight, the exterior of the airplane windows can become cold due to the low temperatures at high altitudes. Because of this, the moisture from the cabin air can fog up the windows.
The tiny holes help prevent condensation and keep the windows clear.
Lim concluded: “It also has another purpose, which is to release moisture and stop frost or condensation from blocking your view.”
If you didn’t know, now you do! Some useful information to consider next time you’re waiting for your flight to leave the runway. We got you.