Welcome back to the Come Monday Travel blog! As part of our "Travel Terms and Knowledge" series, we're diving into a topic that has probably crossed every traveler's mind at some point: all those mysterious sounds an airplane makes. From subtle hums to unexpected clunks, understanding these noises can turn a moment of worry into a moment of "Aha!" So, let's demystify the symphony of flight!
Before Takeoff: The Ground Crew's Overture
Bumps Under Your Feet: Ever feel a series of bumps while boarding? That's usually the baggage handlers hard at work, loading suitcases and cargo into the plane's belly.
Banging in the Galley: If you hear banging sounds coming from the front or back of the plane, especially near the galley, it's likely the catering crew. Food and beverage carts are heavy, and moving them around can create quite a ruckus. Flight attendants might also be reorganizing supplies.
Grinding by the Wings (Airbus Specific): If you're on an Airbus aircraft and seated near the wings, a repetitive grinding sound during taxiing isn't a cause for concern. It simply means the power systems are gearing up for flight. This sound is characteristic of Airbus planes.
Hard, Crackling Sound (Colder Months): During colder weather, a loud crackling sound from outside the aircraft is often the de-icing process. Mobile de-icers spray a special fluid to remove any ice or snow from the plane's exterior.
In the Air: The Flight's Soundtrack
The Double Ding (10,000 Feet Mark): This distinct double chime, heard a few minutes after takeoff and again about 15-20 minutes before landing, is a crucial signal from the pilots to the flight attendants. It indicates that the aircraft has passed 10,000 feet on ascent or is below 10,000 feet on descent. These are known as "sterile flight deck" phases, meaning communication with the cockpit is limited to emergencies only.
Chimes Galore – Deciphering the Dings:
Double Chime (High and Low Tone): This is the sound of the flight attendants communicating with each other using the internal phone system.
High Single Chime: Heard this one? A passenger has pushed their call button, signaling they need assistance – anything from an extra set of earbuds to a more urgent request.
Low Single Chime: This chime accompanies the seatbelt sign turning on or off, indicating changes in safety conditions.
A Constant Beeping: If you hear a more insistent beeping, chirping, or a rapid high/low chime, it's typically the smoke alarm in the lavatory. This usually means someone has been smoking or vaping, not necessarily an actual fire.
Creaking Sounds: Particularly in some sections of Airbus planes, like the galley areas, creaking during takeoff and landing is normal. It's often just the plastic housing for various components reacting to the aircraft's movements.
A Whooshing Sound (Near Bathrooms): That loud motor or whooshing sound you hear near the lavatories every time someone flushes is the vacuum system for the plane's plumbing. It's quite loud due to the pressure differences involved.
Approaching Landing: The Descent's Crescendo
Grinding or Whining Below (Before Landing): As you begin your final descent, you might hear a grinding or whining sound, sometimes accompanied by a slight vibration. This is the landing gear (wheels) being lowered into place by hydraulic mechanisms.
Rare But Important Sounds:
A Loud Pop: This is a very rare and serious sound, indicating an issue with cabin air pressure and rapid decompression. If you hear this, oxygen masks will deploy automatically.
A Noticeable Hissing Sound: A continuous hissing suggests an insidious decompression, a slower loss of air pressure. If you hear this, especially near emergency exits or windows, it's crucial to immediately inform the flight crew.
Next time you're soaring through the skies, armed with this knowledge, those "weird" airplane noises will no longer be a mystery. Instead, they'll be a reassuring soundtrack to your journey. Happy travels from Come Monday Travel!
