An air hostess has explained what it means if your plane seat has a black triangle next to it.

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Air Hostess Reveals Real Reason Some Seats Are Marked With Black Triangle

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11:33 29 May 2025

Updated: 15:01 29 May 2025


An air hostess has explained what it means if your plane seat has a black triangle next to it.

Next time you’re flying and glance up, you may notice small black or red triangles positioned above certain airplane seats.

Although they may seem like a random design element, they hold a specific and practical purpose.

Now, a flight attendant has explained the reasoning behind these subtle markers, clearing up a mystery that has intrigued many curious passengers.

Air Hostess
Small black or red triangles may be positioned above certain airplane seats. Credit: Adobe Stock

According to cabin crew member @hennylim on TikTok, these triangles are not just for show – they are functional tools used by the flight crew.

She said: “1. Passengers sitting next to the triangles get the best view of the wings.

“2. If the flight crew needs to check the wings, these triangles let them know the best vantage points for the slats and flaps outside.”

These markers are aligned with the aircraft’s wings and serve as visual reference points.

In the event that the crew needs to inspect the wings, especially during times of concern such as winter weather or turbulence, these triangles help them quickly locate the ideal viewing spots.

During colder months, ensuring that the wings are free from ice is essential for safe flight operations.

@_hennylim_
An air hostess has explained what the black triangle actually means. Credit: @_hennylim_/TikTok

These visual markers offer the crew a consistent and effective way to inspect critical wing components like slats and flaps without leaving their post inside the cabin.

Seats located beneath these markers are sometimes humorously referred to as ‘William Shatner’s seat.’

This nickname is a nod to a famous episode from The X-Files in which Shatner’s character spots a creature on the wing of a plane through the window beside his seat.

While such external observations might be interesting, the design of aircraft windows themselves also plays a crucial role in passenger safety.

You might have noticed small holes in airplane windows and wondered if they are a cause for concern.

These are known as ‘bleed holes,’ and they are an important feature, not a flaw.

Black Triangle Seat
The triangles are not just for show – they are functional tools used by the flight crew. Credit: @_hennylim_ /TikTok

As explained by Henny Lim of Cebu Pacific: “The tiny hole helps balance the pressure difference between the cabin and the outside air.”

Airplane windows consist of three layers, and the bleed hole, located in the middle pane, allows pressure to equalize between the inner and outer layers, reducing stress on the structure.

A Federal Aviation Administration expert confirmed that as a plane ascends and external pressure drops, this hole helps manage the increased pressure differential safely.

These layered windows not only maintain temperature insulation but also prevent condensation and fogging – ensuring clear views and structural integrity throughout the flight.

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