A professional flight attendant has revealed the real reason why airplane windows all have tiny holes in them.
Henny Lim, an air hostess with the Philippines-based airline Cebu Pacific, shared that passengers often ask about the ‘mysterious’ holes and if there’s a hidden reason for them.
She said that the punctures are also called ‘bleed holes’ and are essential for safety.
‘The tiny hole helps balance the pressure difference between the cabin and the outside air,’ Henny said in a video.
Airplane windows are made up of three layers of glass and acrylic to keep them insulated and secure.
The holes create a controlled airflow and reduce the stress on windows from air pressure.
Henny also revealed another purpose – which is to ensure the glass stays clear of moisture.
‘The holes release moisture and stop frost or condensation from blocking your view,’ she said.
It’s essential for passengers to be able to see their surroundings in case of an emergency landing or similar extremity.
The hole allows dry air to flow between the outer, middle, and inner layers – which keeps the window clear.
The holes create a controlled airflow and reduce the stress on windows from air pressure
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Henny previously divulged why staff buckle up in their jump seats before proceeding to sit on their hands in the lead-up to planes landing.
‘Ever wonder why cabin crew sits like this during take off and landing?’ the video began, alongside a clip of a flight attendant assuming the ‘landing’ position in her jump seat.
‘It’s called bracing position,’ she said.
‘This position involves fastening seatbelts securely, sitting upright, sitting on hands – arms up, thumbs tucked – and arms loose, and feet flat on the floor.
‘The aim is to keep the body in a rigid pose so that if there was any impact from an unplanned emergency, the body is damaged less.’
She took to TikTok to address why passengers would see flight attendants put their hands under their thighs while buckled into their jump seats during landings
She added, ‘This keeps body movement restricted so that there is less chance of injury if there was an impact.
‘During this time, [your flight attendants] will also be going through the silent review, which prepares them for an emergency situation every take-off and landing.
‘This includes being aware of emergency equipment in the location, door operation, commands given and any visual clues outside of the aircraft.’