You might not have given it much thought, and it may not seem important, but have you ever pondered why we typically board airplanes from the left side, even though there are doors on the right side too? It turns out, there are precise reasons why the left side of a plane is usually preferred for passenger boarding. Of course, it’s not forbidden to board from the right side, and a few airlines have occasionally used the right side for boarding, but such instances are uncommon.
When you travel by air, you may not give much thought to which side of the plane you enter. However, it’s a routine part of air travel that we almost always board an aircraft from the left side. It’s such a common occurrence that many of us don’t question why it’s done this way. This article aims to unravel this air travel mystery, exploring the reasons that led to this seemingly arbitrary tradition.
Ground Crew Operations
One major reason for this boarding method lies in the workflow of the ground crew. The right side of the aircraft is the hub of numerous crucial activities, including fueling and baggage loading. These tasks need to be completed quickly and efficiently, particularly with airlines striving to achieve short turnaround times. The hustle and bustle in this area can indeed be a sight if you happen to be seated on the right side of the aircraft during these operations.
To ensure smooth and unobstructed ground operations, passenger boarding occurs on the left side of the plane. This way, the ground crew can proceed with their duties uninterrupted, facilitating quicker departures and preventing any potential safety issues.
The Nautical Legacy
Apart from practicality, tradition also plays a key role in dictating which side passengers board. This tradition hails from nautical practices, with ships and boats influencing the norms of modern air travel.
In seafaring terms, the left side of a ship is known as ‘port,’ while the right side is ‘starboard.’ This nomenclature can be traced back to a time when ships were guided by a steering oar, typically located on the right side or the ‘steerboard’ due to the right-hand dominance of most individuals. To avoid interference with the steering oar, embarking and disembarking were usually conducted from the left side of the ship – the port side. This maritime convention carried over into the aviation world, and even today, passengers board planes from the port or left side, honoring this age-old tradition.
The Captain’s Convenience
Another factor that contributes to left-side boarding relates to the convenience of the pilot, who traditionally occupies the left seat of the cockpit. In the early days of aviation, airports were designed such that aircraft could taxi close to the terminal for passengers to board or deboard. Having the boarding door on the left side of the aircraft made it easier for pilots to judge the wingtip clearance from the terminal building, thus avoiding any unwanted accidents or damage. So, the left-side boarding method also caters to the comfort and operational ease of the pilot.
As you see, the practice of left-side boarding on planes is no random occurrence but rather a well-thought-out procedure influenced by practical requirements, historical precedents, and pilot convenience.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
