Travelling by air can be a mix of excitement and little inconveniences, but what if we told you there's a hidden feature on Virgin planes that could make your journey just a bit smoother? It's a small detail that many passengers have overlooked, but thanks to a viral video shared by Virgin Australia, the secret is out, and it's taking the internet by storm.

The video, which has captured the attention of nearly 1 million viewers on TikTok, reveals a 'secret' switch located on the overhead locker of Virgin aircraft. This nifty little button is something most flyers have never noticed, yet it plays a significant role in the cabin crew's ability to manage the storage compartments with ease.


The gas spring assist button, as it's technically known, is the magic behind how flight attendants can close a heavy locker with just a light push. In the clip, a Virgin Australia cabin crew member demonstrates where this switch is and how it operates. The switch triggers an air-powered lever that assists in closing the locker, especially when it's laden with up to 58kg of weight – the maximum capacity for overhead lockers.


David Musolino, a cabin manager with Virgin Australia, shed light on the importance of these switches for both crew and passengers. He explained that the overhead lockers are designed to hold significant weight, so having a mechanism that makes it easier to close them is a welcome feature.

But the revelations didn't stop there. Musolino also mentioned other 'secret switches' around the cabin, such as seat recliner locks on the emergency exit row seats. These locks ensure that seats are kept upright during take-off and landing for safety reasons. Once airborne, the cabin crew unlocks these seats, allowing passengers in the emergency exit rows to recline their seats like everyone else.

The discovery of this hidden button has sparked curiosity and amazement among Aussies, with many taking to social media to express their surprise. Comments like 'I always wondered what those were on 777s' and 'That’s actually cool' reflect the newfound appreciation for the thoughtfulness that goes into aircraft design.


This attention to detail is just one of the reasons why Virgin Australia has been recognized for its outstanding service. Earlier this year, the airline was awarded the 'best cabin crew' title for the sixth consecutive year at the Airline Excellence Awards for 2024. Competing against more than 350 carriers worldwide, Virgin Australia stood out for its exceptional service, a testament to the dedication of its cabin crew.

The awards, presented by the aviation ratings website AirlineRatings.com, are judged by editors with over 200 years of combined aviation experience. Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka expressed her delight at the cabin crew team's recognition, stating that the award is a 'true reflection of our incredible cabin crew who work hard every day to consistently deliver the service we are known and loved for.'

Next time you fly with Virgin Australia, keep an eye out for these hidden features that could enhance your flying experience. It's these small touches that can make a big difference, ensuring that your journey is as comfortable and convenient as possible.


Have you ever noticed these secret switches on your flights, or do you have any other air travel tips and tricks to share with your fellow seniors? We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. Safe travels, and may your future flights be full of pleasant surprises!