Plane passengers just discovered exit row tray table detail that can save lives

Everyone has a spot on the plane they prefer to sit. Some people like to sit at the front so they don't need to fight their way to the back and can get off quickly, while some prefer the emergency exit row seats, situated in the middle of the plane.

These seats are usually situated right next to an emergency exit door and usually have extra legroom so that people would be able to more easily access it in the unlikely event of an evacuation.

There are several other differences with the emergency exit rows, for example, in some planes the armrests can't be lifted, or the seats don't recline.

There's a difference in the emergency exit rows that people have only just noticed (stock image) (Getty Images/Mint Images RF)

But there's one difference that people are only just realising after Swiss International Air Lines (Swiss Air) uploaded a video to its TikTok account.

In the video, the Swiss plane company said: "The more you know! In the emergency exit row, the opening of the tray table is only possible in one direction, compared to all other seat rows.

"Like this in the unlikely event of an emergency, an unintended opening of the tray table (due to people rushing by) is avoided."

In the video, a Swiss Air employee showed how the stopper holding the tray table up can only be moved in one direction, towards the inside of the plane, on an emergency exit row.

The Swiss plane company showed the difference (flyswiss/Tiktok)

The button only twists to one side on the emergency exit row (flyswiss/Tiktok)

In the comment section people expressed their surprise to learn the information, with one person saying: "This is some serious attention to detail. Love it."

Another said: "Well that actually makes a lot of sense."

"Seasoned passenger but didn't knew [sic] this," commented another.

A fourth person commented: "Small details like this is why I love aeronautical engineering."

While some people prefer to sit in an exit row, others would rather sit elsewhere. A frequent flyer has said he always chooses the 'worst' seat on a plane – the window seat at the back by the toilets.

Despite its bad reputation, the traveller said it can be the most relaxing place to sit, because it doesn't have anyone sitting behind it.

That means no one can kick your seats, or inconsiderately lean on it when they get up to go to the toilet.

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