Odd Facts You Didn’t Know About Transoceanic Flights

Transoceanic flights are a marvel of modern travel. The ability to travel across an ocean in a matter of hours is something that would have seemed impossible just a century ago, but has become commonplace and relatively affordable over the past 50 years or so.

Flying across an ocean is pretty normal now, but there are some things about the process most people still don’t know! Here are some of the most interesting “secrets.”

Pilot Rest Areas

The crew that flies the plane—including the pilot and first officers—have a special space with a bed and often a TV above the first rows of the passenger cabin in which they can lie down, relax, and sleep. Since they share flying duties over the length of the flight, they are afforded some time to rest so they aren’t intensely focused for hours on end. 

Planes Follow Fixed “Tracks”

When traveling over land, airplanes are routed by air traffic controllers so they do not collide or enter the flight path of other planes. Air traffic control does not exist over oceans, however, which means planes must fly a pre-assigned fixed path over this uncontrolled territory while crossing an ocean to avoid any chance of a collision.

Free Alcohol is the Norm

In an interesting note for passengers who travel transoceanic, free alcohol in all cabins is the norm and completely commonplace while flying on these long journeys. While some passengers probably don’t know or are too timid to ask, flight attendants will happily serve you a beer or wine along with your meal.