Commercial flying is one of the safest forms of travel. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), of the 40.6 million flights in 2024, there was only one accident per 810,000 flights. Nevertheless, an analysis from aircraft manufacturer Airbus shows that the takeoff, approach, and landing stages of a flight are statistically when the most incidents happen. Thankfully, clearly defined rules are in place to keep passengers and crew safe. One aspect of these precautionary protocols concerns lighting — you may have noticed that the cabin lights are dimmed before takeoff and again as the crew prepares for landing. Ever wondered why? We’ll explain below.

Your Eyes Need Time To Adjust if It’s Dark

If you walk from a brightly lit space into a dark one — such as when you first walk into a movie theater — it takes a moment for your vision to adjust. In fact, sometimes it takes much longer than a moment — that process, known as dark adaptation, can require as much as 20 to 30 minutes. As light levels recede, photoreceptor cells in the retina called cones and rods become more light sensitive, enabling you to see better. 

In the event of an aircraft evacuation, your eyes will need to similarly adjust, especially if it’s dark outside. Therefore, in order to balance out the light levels within and outside the plane, it makes sense for the cabin lights to be dimmed. This gives your eyes a chance to begin to adjust while you’re still on the plane, so that if an emergency evacuation is called for, you have more effective vision as you exit the aircraft.

Exit Lights Are More Visible in a Dim Cabin

Of course, if you are asked to evacuate the plane, you’ll need to find your way to an emergency exit. One of the features of an aircraft that helps you do so is a line of lights that illuminate the aisle. In the event of a smoke-filled cabin, for instance, the floor of the aircraft is likely to be where visibility is greatest, which is why the lights are embedded into it. 

Interestingly, in situations when your vision is impaired, studies show that up to 83% of your wayfinding ability is lost. A smoke-filled cabin can therefore seriously impair a traveler’s ability to safely evacuate, meaning that every single precaution that can be taken to counteract this disadvantage should be in place.

Though passengers are instructed to note the position of the nearest exit row during the crew’s safety briefing, this information may not register, or it may be forgotten in the event of an emergency. Emergency exit lights play a crucial role in helping passengers reach the exits as quickly as possible — and they will be easier to pick out if your eyes have already adjusted to a dim cabin.

You’ll Be Better Able To See What’s Happening Outside

In addition to dimming the cabin lights, sometimes you’ll find that crew members also instruct passengers to open window shades, at least in certain seats, which allows all those on board to better see what’s going on beyond the aircraft windows. On a routine flight, this means that travelers in a window seat will be able to enjoy the view, but really it’s safety that drives this.

These regulations ensure the cabin isn’t as brightly lit and are also useful in extraordinary circumstances when it could be beneficial to know what’s going on outside the aircraft. This may be especially advantageous if the plane is on the ground but the need to steer clear of a part of the aircraft effectively puts an emergency exit out of action.

Featured image credit: Santiago Urquijo/ Moment via Getty Images 

If you’ve run out of time to prepare before a trip, you might find yourself at the airport with a shopping list. But is buying travel items in the terminal a smart move? With a captive market, retailers may choose to hike prices knowing that it won’t harm sales. Take a look at 10 things you should never buy at an airport.   

Foreign Currency

High commission fees and unfavorable exchange rates mean that buying foreign currency at the airport, though convenient, is rarely a wise financial move. Alternatively, plan to withdraw the notes you need from an ATM on arrival at your destination, where the exchange fees will almost always be less than at airport kiosks.

In many parts of the world, you won’t even need cash. Throughout much of Europe, for example, acceptance of contactless payments is widespread. That said, you should bring a small amount of cash for those occasions when it’s needed. If you’re traveling somewhere and expect to use cash, it’s often also a good idea to order it through your bank or credit union in advance. 

Bottled Water

The dry, cool air that is recirculated through the plane cabin has a dehydrating effect on your skin, so it’s always a good idea to drink plenty of water during your flight. Unfortunately, long-standing restrictions mean that carrying liquids greater than 3.4 ounces through airport security is not permitted. 

But bottled water airside is often overpriced compared to what you’d find in a grocery store. Instead, bring an empty refillable bottle and fill it free of charge at a drinking water fountain before you board, which has the added bonus of reducing your consumption of single-use plastics. (Don’t have a reusable bottle? You can always try this trick, though it requires additional planning.)

Large Power Banks

Travelers are increasingly dependent on their mobile devices when they’re away from home. The rise of smartphones means that you can browse the internet, post on social media, check emails, and find your way around with considerable ease even when overseas. However, this level of use drains batteries, so you might be tempted to purchase a portable charger at the airport. 

Proceed with caution: Many airlines now ban the use of power banks on board for safety reasons because of the risks of fire associated with the lithium batteries in them. And while the TSA says that portable chargers containing lithium batteries are still permitted in a carry-on (they’re banned in checked bags), there are size limits. Lithium ion batteries must have a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery or less.  

Books

If you have a long flight ahead of you, stopping by a bookstore at the airport might seem like a logical move. But consider whether you’ll want to tote around a bulky, heavy book in your luggage after you’ve read it. A book could also tip the scales and make your luggage overweight. Instead, download books on an e-reader such as a Kindle in advance or subscribe to your favorite magazines and read digital editions on your device.

If you still wish to buy a physical book at the airport, one option is to look for a book swap at your destination so that someone else can also benefit from reading it. You can even sign up for BookCrossing and follow your giveaway’s journey once you release it into the wild.

Souvenirs

It’s no secret that many tourists love to buy souvenirs to take home from a trip. In fact, revenue from gift, novelty, and souvenir stores in the U.S. topped $21 billion in 2022. While souvenir shops at the airport might be handy for killing time, you’d be smart to rein in any impulse purchases. 

Prices tend to be higher than the equivalent at local stores and markets. Plus, fragile pieces can be easily damaged in overhead bins, and anything bulky will take up valuable space in your carry-on. Instead, browse the displays of reputable local stores at your destination to seek out authentic keepsakes that have been sustainably and ethically produced. With time to compare and consider, you’re far less likely to come home with something you’ll regret. 

Wi-Fi

If the airport doesn’t offer free Wi-Fi, or if it’s frustratingly slow, it might be tempting to pay for connectivity. However, even official airport networks can be vulnerable to hackers utilizing rogue access points. Instead, do your homework ahead of your trip: Research data roaming packages, e-SIMs, and safer wireless network providers such as Boingo to get yourself connected with minimal risk. Connecting via a VPN also helps ensure the data is encrypted. 

Duty-Free Liquor

While the price of duty-free items can sometimes represent substantial savings on prices in regular stores, it always pays to do your research. Buying liquor, for example, isn’t always cheaper at the airport, even with the savings on taxes. 

Check prices before you travel so you’re armed with the information you need to make comparisons. If there’s only a small discount, you may choose not to carry the heavy glass bottles on board, particularly if you are traveling with other bags or plan to use public transportation rather than a private car or cab once you arrive at your destination. 

Neck Pillows

If you’ve noticed a stand prominently displaying neck pillows at the entrance to a store in the airport terminal, you’ll understand just how effective the power of suggestion can be. Whether the pillow itself will help keep you more comfortable on a flight is a matter of opinion, but if you’re keen to try one, always compare prices before you fly. The airport version is typically, though not always, more expensive.

Medicines

It’s never a good idea to rely on airport pharmacies to have the medication you require in stock, but if you do end up needing to buy medicine at an airport abroad, make sure you know what to ask for. Make a note of any generic drugs you might need and see if you can figure out alternative brand names by which they’re known overseas to ensure any purchase, at the airport or otherwise, is the right one.

Electronics

Buying electronics at the airport can be a minefield. While the price of such goods, depending on where you’re traveling, may be considerably less than you’d pay at home, this type of purchase is also risky. Should the item prove to be faulty, it will be difficult to get a refund or exchange, and warranties may not be valid back in the United States. Additionally, there may be compatibility problems thanks to differing voltage, plug types, or even subtle differences with, for instance, the layout of laptop keyboards. At the end of the day, consider whether paying a little more back home will be worth it for peace of mind.

Pickpocketing is an ever-present threat in many popular tourist destinations. Even if you take all the proper precautions, a cunning thief may still end up surreptitiously snatching your phone — and throwing a wrench in your travel plans. But when it comes to iPhones, there’s a simple hack you can use to increase the odds that you and your phone will be reunited. Here’s a look at the trick in question, plus an easy guide for how to turn it on before your next vacation.

The One iPhone Trick That Pickpockets Hate

Whether their phone has been stolen abroad or simply misplaced around the house, many iPhone users rely on Apple’s Find My app to locate their lost device. But this helpful mechanism requires that your phone be connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. Unfortunately, the first thing many pickpockets do after snatching a phone is toggle on airplane mode — a feature that prevents the device from connecting to any network.

You may be thinking that a lock screen would prevent this from happening, but thieves can still turn on airplane mode even without your password or any facial recognition. All they need is to access the control center by swiping down from the upper right portion of the screen — iPhones allow anyone to do this on any phone without entering a password. However, there’s an easy way to change this setting to keep potential thieves out.

Follow these steps:

• First, head to the Settings app.
• Then, scroll down to “Face ID & Passcode,” click on it, and enter your passcode.
• Next, scroll down to the section that reads “Allow Access When Locked.”
• You should notice that “Control Center” is turned on (green) by default, so simply toggle that feature to off (gray), and you’ll be good to go.

Once you turn off this setting, you’ll still be able to swipe down to access the control center using facial recognition. But if a stranger tries to do it, the iPhone will lock them out, and there will be no way for them to turn on airplane mode. While the thief is still likely to run away with the phone, they’ll have no way to turn the connection off. So, if you notice that the phone is missing, you may be able to track it down before it’s too late.

What About Androids?

Much like with iPhones, you can track down a lost Android phone with Google’s Find My Device app. With Android devices, however, there’s no way to toggle off easy access to the control center like there is on an iPhone. Still, there are other steps you can take.

One protective measure is removing buttons (e.g., airplane mode) from the control center. To do so, follow these steps:

• Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to reveal Android’s control center.
• You should notice three vertical dots in the upper right corner; click them and press “Edit buttons.” (On other devices, you may simply see a pencil instead of the three vertical dots; clicking that icon will also allow you to edit the control center buttons.)
• Then, drag any buttons you’re looking to remove (including airplane mode) out of the control center and into the “Available buttons” section. (Alternatively, tap the minus sign on the button you want to remove.)
• Once you click “Done,” airplane mode should no longer be accessible by simply swiping from the top of the screen, making it impossible for thieves to turn on airplane mode (unless they have other ways of bypassing your lock screen).

Additionally, Android has recently introduced several anti-theft features that can protect any sensitive data. One such feature is Offline Device Lock, which locks your phone screen when disconnected from the internet for prolonged periods. While this won’t help you to recover your phone, it might prevent thieves from accessing any sensitive data such as bank details or flight information. There’s also Theft Detection Lock, which uses data from the motion sensors to determine if there’s any abnormal activity that could indicate someone grabbed your phone and is running away.

Other Tips for Phone Recovery

In addition to using the phone’s location tracking features, here are a few other steps you should take as soon as you realize the phone is missing.

• First, use a friend or family member’s phone to call your phone — if the ringer is on, this could help you track it down in a crowded space such as a subway car.
• You can also use Apple’s Find My and Android’s Find My Device apps to remotely erase data, lock screens, or change passwords after your phone is stolen. This could help keep a thief from accessing any sensitive information on the device.
• Be sure to also contact your cell provider to let them know that your phone has been stolen and that any calls, texts, or purchases aren’t yours. They’ll be able to lock the device.
• Lastly, contact local police and provide them with the phone’s location, or the last place you saw it.

Physical Tools To Prevent Phone Theft

In addition to the software-based security features, there are a few commonsense tips to know. These include avoiding putting the phone in your rear pocket, which increases the chances of someone sneaking by and snatching it. Always keep the phone in your front pocket, or preferably an anti-theft bag with locking features that goes around your chest. Some travelers have also started tethering their phones to lanyards wrapped around their wrists. This is a good idea if you plan to use your phone a lot to take photos on your trip.

If you’re someone who relishes the thought of sitting in a metal tube for more than 24 hours to jet halfway around the world, we have great news: Later this year, one airline is launching a new direct flight connecting two major cities that are more than 12,000 miles apart. Here are all the details.

A 29-Hour “Direct” Flight

On December 4, 2025, China Eastern Airlines will launch a new twice-weekly service from Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. The journey will cover a distance of 12,229 miles and will take roughly 25.5 hours flying eastbound and a whopping 29 hours on the return leg.

While China Eastern is calling this the “world’s longest direct flight,” there’s an important distinction. Because the distance between the two cities is too long for any modern jetliner to fly nonstop, the flight will make a refueling stop en route in Auckland, New Zealand, for about two hours. That should be a welcome opportunity for passengers to stretch their legs on such a long journey.

So, how does the airline get away with marketing this as a direct service? In aviation terms, a “direct” flight — as opposed to a “nonstop” flight — refers to a service that operates with one single flight number, even if it makes stops in other cities along the way. These types of flights were more common in the early days of aviation, when jets had more limited range. Unlike on a connecting flight, passengers on direct flights need only one boarding pass and don’t have to switch planes at the stopover airport.

If you’re not up for the entire journey, China Eastern’s new Shanghai-Buenos Aires route is also sold as a “fifth-freedom flight,” which allows the airline to sell tickets on just the Auckland-to-Buenos Aires portion of the flight, too. 

That comes as welcome news for Kiwis. In a statement, Auckland Airport CEO Carrie Hurihanganui said, “This new service will reintroduce a direct flight connection between New Zealand and Argentina, enhancing not only tourism, trade, and international education, but providing another link home for the 40,000 South Americans who live in New Zealand.”

Connecting Antipodal Cities

China Eastern also touts this service as being “the world’s first commercial route connecting antipodal cities,” as reported by CNN.

Wondering what antipodes are? The geographical term refers to two points on Earth that are located diametrically opposite one another, most famously the North and South Poles. Two cities can also be antipodes of each other, like A Coruña, the second-largest city in Spain’s Galicia region, and Christchurch, New Zealand. 

Notably, the airline’s new service will also fly one of the southernmost regular routes in commercial aviation, with long stretches over remote portions of the Southern Ocean close to Antarctica.  

World’s Longest Nonstop Flights

While China Eastern’s announcement may seem like a clever marketing gimmick, it is possible to fly nonstop (no refueling stops) for up to 19 hours. Currently, Singapore Airlines holds the record for the longest nonstop flight in the world — a 9,527-mile journey from Singapore to New York’s JFK Airport. 

Singapore Airlines also flies the world’s second-longest flight, to nearby Newark Airport. Both journeys take about 19 hours flying westbound, and the carrier uses specially configured Airbus A350-900ULR aircraft that have only business class and premium economy seats — no regular cramped coach seats.

However, Singapore may not hold on to the title for long: Australian carrier Qantas plans to launch its ambitious “Project Sunrise” service in 2027, offering nonstop service from Sydney to both London and New York for the first time. Flight times for both routes are expected to exceed 20 hours. 

Featured image credit: Björn Forenius/ iStock Editorial via Getty Images Plus