Recently, people have been intrigued by the real reason why we always board planes on the left side. As it turns out, there is a fascinating explanation that connects this habit.
The preference for boarding from the left side originated from boat transportation.
A TikTok video by Dougie Sharpe shed light on this mystery, revealing a connection that dates back centuries and is more closely tied to maritime practices than aviation itself.
According to Dougie, the preference for boarding and disembarking from the left side can be traced back to the era when humanity relied on boats for transportation.
When entering an aircraft, whether from the front, rear, or through attached corridors or stairs, passengers have likely noticed that boarding is consistently conducted from the left side.
This convention remains unchanged, regardless of the airline or the specific aircraft.
Why do we always board planes from the left side?
The terminology of "port" and "starboard" used on ships and boats is likely familiar to many.
"Starboard" refers to the right side of a vessel when facing the front, while "port" designates the left side.
The origin of the term "starboard" can be traced back to Anglo-Saxon, where it was formed by combining the Old English words "stéor" (meaning "steer") and "bord" (meaning "side of the boat").
This amalgamation arose from the placement of the steering oar on the right side of the ship.
As marine vessels approached docks, it was more convenient for them to align with the left side, known as the "port" side.
Consequently, passengers would disembark, and cargo would be unloaded from this side.
With the transition from boats to airplanes, engineers carried forward this concept and incorporated it into the design of airports and aircraft.
Therefore, the tradition of boarding and unloading airplanes from the left side was established, paying homage to the practices of Anglo-Saxon mariners from over a millennium ago.
Michael Oakley, the managing editor of The Aviation Historian, confirmed the historical validity of this explanation.
He highlighted the significant influence of maritime traditions on aviation terminology and practices.
Just as boats have a designated port side adjacent to the dock, aircraft have adopted the same convention, with passengers continuing to board on the left (or port) side.
Numerous individuals expressed their thoughts in the comments section.
Among them, one person marveled, "How did I never realize that port as in the direction was the same as a port as in a dock."
Another commenter shared, "I adore these kinds of historical facts, enduring practices that have stood the test of time."
A third individual enthusiastically chimed in, exclaiming, "That's such an enjoyable fact! Amazing!"
