It doesn’t matter if you’re a frequent flyer or occasional jet-setter, there are always certain aspects of air travel that might pique your curiosity.
For instance, you might have wondered about the mysterious ‘ding’ during take-off or what that ‘sunken’ feeling means in the air. Well, now there’s another intriguing detail about aeroplanes you may not have noticed before, but it serves a crucial purpose.
Eagle-eyed Reddit users spotted a small triangle mark on the interior walls of aircraft, and its significance is quite interesting.
In a post that garnered 400 likes and comments, one user queried: “What does this mark signify? What do these marks on the walls of an Airbus 320 in aisle 8 and 15 signify?”
Accompanied by a photo of the mysterious triangle, it’s something that many passengers may have overlooked in the past.
However, this seemingly insignificant symbol carries an important meaning. This small, usually black, triangle indicates the optimal vantage point from which to observe the aircraft’s wings and control surfaces.
Known as ‘Shatner’s Seats’, these spots are strategically used by flight crew to monitor potential issues such as icing, damage, or improper flap positioning, particularly during emergencies.
For passengers, this could mean that their seats offer an unobstructed view of the wings – perfect for capturing photos or videos of their journey.
The triangle also helps passengers understand their position relative to the wing, providing a unique perspective throughout the flight.
Regarding other uses, some sources suggest the triangles might also mark spots on the fuselage where emergency services could force entry during a crisis.
They could additionally assist with the aircraft’s centre of gravity to enhance balance and fuel efficiency, meaning passengers may be positioned near the triangle to support this.
However, not every aircraft features one of these triangles, so don’t worry if you’ve never spotted it.
These markers aren’t always there as some sources suggest they’re more prevalent on Airbus aircraft.
On Reddit, people were astounded when some users provided an explanation.
One commented: “Dang you’re clever thats awesome!”
In a similar post about the same mark, users joked it’s how flight attendants can tell which way is up.
Then someone else confessed: “My daughter and I were just wondering about this. Thank you!”