The hidden meaning of the triangle stickers above your airplane seat
Next time you’re in an airplane, scan the walls. You might spot four black or red triangle stickers above the windows, two on each side of the plane. They probably don’t mean anything to you, but they mean a lot to flight attendants.
If you go up to the seats with the triangles and look out the window, you’ll notice the stickers line up with the edge of the airplane wing—one for the front, and one for the back. (Check out these other 7 hidden airplane features you never knew about.)
When flight attendants or pilots need to look at the wings, the triangle stickers act like a sign telling them exactly where to look. If they’re checking the moving parts of a wing (the flats and slats) for problems like ice, they won’t have to crawl over ten passengers before finding the best view, according to Travel + Leisure. (Find the answers to 11 more airplane questions you’ve always wondered.)
Related: Secrets all travelers should know
While many travelers are enduring long waits to get through security these days, insiders are taking advantage of Global Entry ($100) and TSA PreCheck ($85) for faster screening. “Global Entry is a must for anyone who travels internationally and includes TSA PreCheck for your domestic flights,” said frequent traveler Lee Huffman, founder of BaldThoughts.com. "Because you are what's known as a Trusted Traveler, you can skip security lines at the airport and don't have to take off your shoes or remove your 3-1-1 liquids bag." Even if you don’t fly often, you could benefit from signing up for an airline rewards program. After just a few flights, you might have enough miles or points to score free or low-cost travel. And you might not even have to use the same airline to redeem your miles. “You can often fly on partner airlines using your airline's miles,” said Huffman. “In some cases, using Airline A's miles to fly on partner Airline B requires less miles than if you used Airline B's miles for the same flight." One way to make sure your stuff arrives safely is to pack like a pro and take only carry-on bags when you travel. Typically, airlines allow for one carry-on bag and another small item, such as a purse or laptop. However, checking your bags can mean waiting in long lines, and there's a risk of your luggage getting lost or even stolen. Instead, utilize carry-on bags to save time and ensure your stuff arrives when and where you do. Airport lounges aren't just for the rich and famous. “Many credit cards and airline loyalty programs provide free or discounted access to airport lounges,” said Huffman. Not only do these lounges allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport to relax before your flight, but you can also enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks. Call your credit card company ahead of time to see if you're eligible for entrance. Frequent fliers know that one of the best airport tips is to travel light. While it's wise to pack a few extra socks for your trip, stop and ask yourself if all the items in your suitcase are truly necessary. “When packing, think about [in] exactly what situation you'll want a certain item of clothing,” said Gillian Morris, CEO and founder of Hitlist, a travel app that alerts you when cheap flights are available. Many people enjoy taking summer vacations, but airport insiders know that traveling off-season is the best way to find deals. Typically, traveling to your intended destination at off-peak times — for example, during the rainy season — can save you money. Do your research to see when the "low season" is for the place you'd like to go. The best airport travel tips save you both money and time. Instead of having your water bottle thrown out by the TSA, or having to stop and buy a $5 water bottle at the food court, pack an empty bottle to stay hydrated. Airports have water fountains where you can fill up before your journey — for free. If you've ever searched online for a flight and then waited an hour or so to purchase, you might have seen the price increase. The culprit could be your cookies. After all, internet browsers track your activity online, and some booking sites might increase the price depending on demand. To avoid this situation, travel pros suggest clearing your cookies or using a private browser when booking a flight. You might just be able to score a lower rate on your next trip. Many airlines offer free in-flight entertainment, but not all of them provide headphones for free. In order to save money and keep yourself entertained during a long flight, pack your own headphones. As a bonus, you’ll look busy and avoid any unwanted conversations with people in your row. More and more airlines are making baggage fees the norm — and charging $25 or more per checked bag. One way to avoid baggage fees — and the hassle of flying with carry-on luggage — is to check a small bag at the gate. Most airlines don't charge to check carry-on bags at the gate, but you should check before heading to the airport to avoid surprises. Along with saving you money, this airport tip can help keep you comfortable during the flight. Instead of stuffing a bag under your feet, you can save this valuable space for a more crucial commodity — your legs. The weekend is prime travel time for many people, which can mean higher prices and larger crowds. For the best travel deals, fly on a Tuesday. Additionally, you should consider booking a flight that leaves at a non-peak time, such as early in the morning or late at night. The luggage you travel with matters, and having four wheels can be better than two. This way, you can avoid dragging your bag and push it in front of you instead. Additionally, bags with four wheels allow you to navigate tight spaces and maintain better control over your luggage. The end result is that you can get through the airport faster. One easy travel tip that can make air travel easier: Download your airline’s app. In most cases, you can enjoy paperless boarding and get real-time updates on any flight delays, changes or updates. As an added bonus, having a mobile boarding pass can help you save time — and some trees. If you dread taking off your shoes in the security line, make your life a little easier and wear slip-on shoes. This simple travel hack can keep the line moving and make getting through security a little less painful. Airline food has a bad reputation, and for good reason. Instead of eating substandard food on the plane, or picking up overpriced snacks in the airport, pack your own items ahead of time. Sandwiches, fruit, crackers and granola bars are all smart choices, but be sure to check with the TSA to make sure your menu follows security guidelines. While airport shops have a reputation for jacking up prices, travelers can occasionally score good deals. Some states, such as Oregon, have no sales tax. If you’re thinking of shopping at the airport, compare prices online and check tax laws before you travel. Planes can be cold, and the temperature tends to drop even lower by the window. In fact, cold air can leak right through the window glass at high altitudes. Opt for an aisle seat to stay warm on your next flight. As a bonus, you won’t have to climb over anyone to go to the bathroom. Airplanes can be hotbeds for germs. Be sure to bring hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes to avoid illness when you fly. One area not to miss is your tray table. Tray tables might contain germs, so take the time to sanitize that tray before you eat your snack off it. One of the best travel tips for saving money is to get social. Follow various airlines, airports and airline booking sites on social media sites, like Twitter and Facebook, to score promo codes, discounts and insider tips. Before arriving at the airport, learn your airport code or the three letters that refer to your destination, such as LAX. After all, some cities have multiple airports, and your luggage tags can get mixed up if you’re not sure where you’re headed. At baggage claim, the sea of bags can look eerily similar. One of the best travel tricks is to make your luggage unique by tying a ribbon or tag to the handle. Not only does differentiating your bag from the rest save you time, but it also ensures someone else won't walk off with your belongings. Picking the aisle seat might not be enough to keep you warm on your trip. For best results, wear several layers, including a jacket, so you're prepared to handle temperature fluctuations. Along with helping you deal with the cold, donning a coat gives you more pockets for small items that you want to keep handy on your journey. If you like flying with a particular airline, it might make sense to get an airline rewards credit card. Often, these airline-based cards can have generous sign-up bonuses and offer perks like discounted travel, early boarding and access to airport lounges. “If you have great credit and do not have any spending problems, you can sign up for credit cards to earn hundreds of thousands of frequent flyer miles, so your upcoming trips are all free or heavily discounted,” said Eric Rosenberg, travel hacker and founder of Personal Profitability. Frequent travelers plan ahead to make their lives easier and ensure they arrive at the airport on time. Pack the night before, look up driving or public transportation directions, check the weather and traffic, and print out important documents ahead of time. The amount of traffic in arrivals and departures can vary, depending on the day. However, you can still get where you need to go, regardless of which lane you choose. If there are too many travelers in the departures lane, consider changing it up and getting dropped off at arrivals. One travel tip that can limit the amount of time you spend waiting in line at the airport is to check in ahead of time. Many airlines allow travelers to check in early and print their own boarding pass. If you only bring a carry-on, you can head straight to security. Security lines can be a pain, but you can make life easier by leaving the jewelry at home. In some cases, you can keep your jewelry on while going through security, but it might set off the metal detector. So, you might have to put your bling in the bin or get a pat-down from security. For best results, avoid wearing jewelry altogether and pack it in your bag instead. If you're going home for the holidays, think twice about wrapping your gifts ahead of time. After all, airport security might decide to unwrap your items to get a look inside. Save yourself the hassle by putting your family's presents in gift bags. If you’re not in a rush to get to your destination, consider volunteering to get bumped off a crowded flight. Many airlines offer vouchers to people who give up their seats. In some cases, these offers are worth more than the original flight costs. Before heading to the airport, check your flight status online. Delays happen, and instead of waiting at the terminal for hours, you can get real-time updates before leaving the house. To get the best deals on flights, consider nixing the round-trip ticket in favor of two one-way tickets. One airline might have the cheapest departing option, while another might offer the most affordable return. You can purchase two one-way tickets on different airlines to save cash for souvenirs at your destination. Travelers need to keep track of various documents, including airline tickets, passports, itineraries, hotel reservations and driving directions. As a result, it's easy for important items to get lost in the shuffle. To ensure you have all of your required documents, make copies of the most important pieces of paperwork and keep them in your luggage. While Starbucks might be calling your name on those early flights, skip the cup of joe and the line to save money. Instead, you can score free coffee on your flight. Also, if you’re flying Alaska Airlines or Delta, you can enjoy Starbucks coffee as part of the complimentary beverage service. To ensure your toiletries aren’t thrown in the trash, make sure all liquids are stored in containers measuring no more than 3.4 ounces. Most people don’t have products of that size at home, so bring shampoo samples that you’ve received on other trips. Some stores also sell travel-size shampoo, toothpaste and other items for your convenience. Per TSA guidelines, your toiletries should be stowed in a separate bag for screening. However, those bags can break or get dirty during your travels. Bring a spare resealable plastic bag for toiletries for your next flight. When you go through security, you typically have to take out your laptop for screening. To move through the line quickly, keep your laptop in an easily accessible location, so you’re not digging for it while in line. If you have time to kill at the airport, you might start browsing on your phone to stay busy. Instead of eating up all your data, check the airport website ahead of time to see if it offers free WiFi. If not, you might be able to browse for free while visiting one of the airport restaurants or bars. Your smartphone could be your No. 1 travel tool. After all, it lets you access directions, view your mobile boarding pass, answer emails and communicate with others before and after your flight. While most airports have charging stations, they can often be crowded. Instead of fighting the crowd, bring your own portable phone charger so you’re never out of juice. If you truly want to avoid baggage fees, consider wearing your luggage. Some clever travelers have stuffed their jackets with items to save money. However, a company called Jaktogo has taken things a step further by creating wearable luggage. Using the My TSA app, you can get answers to your most pressing travel questions and assess what items you can and can't bring on flights. Additionally, you can get updates on delays, find out about cancellations and check wait times in the security line. See Gallery
1. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Are Totally Worth It
2. Sign Up for Airline Rewards Programs
3. Don’t Check Your Bags
4. Take Advantage of Airport Lounges
5. Pack Only What You Need
6. Fly Off-Season for the Best Deals
7. Pack an Empty Water Bottle
8. Clear Your Cookies Before You Book a Flight
9. Bring Your Own Headphones
10. See If You Can Gate-Check Your Bags
11. Fly on a Tuesday for the Best Deals
12. Four Wheels Are Better Than Two
13. Download Your Airline’s App
14. Wear Slip-On Shoes
15. Pack Your Own Food
16. Spend Money to Save Money
17. Pick an Aisle Seat
18. Bring the Sanitizer
19. Get Social
20. Know Your Airport Code
21. Make Your Luggage Unique
22. Wear a Jacket
23. Get a Rewards Credit Card
24. Plan Ahead
25. Choose the Path of Least Resistance
26. Check In Ahead of Time
27. Avoid Wearing Jewelry
28. Don’t Wrap Your Gifts
29. Volunteer to Go on a Later Flight
30. Check Your Flight Status Online
31. Mix and Match Flights
32. Make Copies of Important Paperwork
33. Skip the Starbucks Line
34. Bring Travel Size
35. Bring a Spare Plastic Bag for Toiletries
36. Keep Your Laptop Easily Accessible
37. Check for Free WiFi
38. Bring a Portable Phone Charger
39. Wear Your Luggage
40. Use the My TSA App
Queasy passengers might find their own use for the wings, too. The wings are the center of gravity on most planes, and the aircraft moves up and down from the wings like an axis. Sort of like sitting in the middle of a seesaw, you’ll get the least movement and smoothest ride by sitting over the wings, according to pilot “Captain” Joe. (Learn what the best seat on a plane for every need is, from more legroom to avoiding germs.)
Plus, flight attendants of airlines such as Ryanair might have passengers switch seats to be near those triangles on near-empty flights, according to the pilot. Having everyone sit near the center of gravity balances the plane better so it uses less fuel, he says. (Don’t miss these other secrets flight attendants won’t tell you.)
Another pro of that little triangle? It’s the best way to snap an Instagram shot out the window, points out Travel + Leisure. Add that to this list of 18 cliche travel photos you definitely want to take.
[Source: Travel + Leisure]
Related: Weird moments on caught on camera
See Gallery
More from Reader's Digest:
The Airport Security Line Just Got Slower Thanks to New TSA Security Measures
Attention, Book Lovers: The World’s Largest Literary Hotel Contains 65,000 Books
This Country Has the Most Powerful Passport in the World (No, It’s Not U.S.)
