A revealing Quora thread poses the question: “What do flight attendants know about flying that they don’t tell passengers?”

Since the topic of discussion was posted online last week, there have already been some surprising responses.

From the times that are worst for turbulence to how long the food has been kept on board, here are seven of the most startling revelations…

1. The food is far from fresh

It’s no secret that plane meals are often not very tasty… but one flight attendant may have spilled the reason why.

The airline worker alleged: “You get served frozen food which is kept for up to 72 hours.”

2. Morning flights are less turbulent

Quora user Anya revealed that when it comes to booking flights, the earlier in the day the better.

She said: “One of the things, that flight attendants won’t tell you, is that morning flights are better because the air is less bumpy.

“Obviously, the airline wants you to book at any time of the day.

“There is also less chance to hit thunderstorm, as these tend to happen mostly in the afternoon.”

3. The most hygienic part of the aircraft isn’t the toilet

Around your seat, you’re likely to pick up germs that cause the common cold, flu, staph infections, or norovirus — many of which can live for days, weeks or months on a surface.

A cabin crew worker informed the thread: “The most unhygienic thing in the aircraft is your seat belt then the tray tables.”

This Quora post is backed up by Philip Tierno, a Professor of microbiology and pathology.

He explained: “Once an aeroplane drops off its passengers, [flight attendants] may spray [something] or pick up papers, but no one’s cleaning the tray tables.”

4. A smooth landing depends on the weather

An airhostess confessed that it’s important that passengers stop judging pilots on how turbulent their landing is.

She said: “Landing in the rain can be bumpier, because the plane needs to touch the runway hard to avoid aquaplaning.

“So next time have a rough landing, keep in mind, that although pilots are usually judged by their landing skills, hard landing is necessary and a correct, safe way to land the machine.”

5. Travel sickness medicine is less effective when taken during the flight

Cabin crewmember Ishrat advised that it’s always important to take air sickness tablets BEFORE the plane takes-off.

She admitted that she only ever gives out the travel medication when she needs to calm a passenger down.

6. Bad behaviour on the flight could affect future trips

If a passenger becomes rowdy, the chances are the airline will be notified.

This could be particularly damning if you’re planning on taking a connecting flight.

An insider revealed: “They know about your connecting flight. So please don’t make a scene when your flight is delayed…

“If you’re obnoxious, they can call ahead to the next gate and let them know that you absolutely miss the flight, so they should leave without you.”

7. That there’s a secret ash tray on board

While smoking is not permitted on flights, some eagle-eyed travellers might have noticed that there are still ash trays available.

This is to put out any cigarettes that have been lit by rebellious passengers.

One air steward revealed: “There are ash trays on the lav doors beside the no smoking sign, for those passengers who are adamant and still decide to smoke so that they won’t just trash the lit cigarette in the bin which could lead to a fire.”

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