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Take The Brumley-Ronco World Travel Aptitude Summer Quarter Exam

AP Images
An American Airlines jet is pushed back from its gate at O'Hare International Airport Tuesday, June 16, 2015, in Chicago.

Sometimes the world can feel so trivial. Literally. We'll return to destinations and travel trips in short order. But this week, the "Going Places" crew offers some travel trivia. Take the quiz below and see if you get your passport stamped -- or seized.

1- What percentage of the world’s population has visited Antarctica?

A) Less than 1 percent;

B) 2 percent;

C) 3 percent;

D) 4 percent.

2- What is notable about the flight between the Scottish islands of Westray and Papa Westray?

A) It’s the most accident-prone commercial flight in the world.

B) It’s the bumpiest commercial flight in the world.

C) It’s the shortest commercial flight in the world.

D) They only serve scotch on board.

3- Where on the plane should you sit in order to get the smoothest ride?

A) Near the cockpit.

B) Near the wings.

C) Near the tail.

D) In the cargo hold.

4- In 1987, American Airlines made what change to recoup $40,000 per year?

A) Began printing tickets on thinner, cheaper paper.

B) Increased the price of a ticket by one penny.

C) Boosted fuel efficiency by using less paint on airplanes, making them lighter.

D) Removed one olive from salads served in first class.

5- If you want to pay a high compliment to your flight’s captain, what should you say?

A) Your uniform is well-pressed.

B) Smooth flight.

C) Nice landing.

D) The chicken a la king was quite tender.

ANSWERS

Question 1, Correct answer: A -- Although tourism numbers are tiny compared to other world destinations – just 46,000 people in the peak year of 2007-08 -- there are concerns about the ability of Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem to handle a growing number of visitors.

Question 2, Correct answer: C -- The flight is fewer than two miles long, and can be completed in fewer than two minutes. Needless to say, there’s no drink service. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-22668150 You can watch the whole flight on YouTube.

Question 3, Correct answer: B -- The plane moves around its center of gravity – near the wings and fuel tank. The differences might be minor, but technically, that’s the smoothest ride.

Question 4, Correct answer: D -- Sure, $40,000 isn’t a lot of money to an airline, but the move is often cited as an example of how small changes can add up. http://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/06/business/and-to-penny-pinching-wizardry.html

Question 5, Correct answer: C -- Most of the stuff that happens in flight is computerized. But the landing belongs to the pilot, and it takes a lot of skill. (Do they still serve chicken a la king?) 

Scoring:

5 correct = First Class

4  correct = Standby

3 correct = Domestic Travel Only

2 correct = TSA officials have asked to speak with you

1 correct =  Limit travel to no farther than the nearest mall until further notice

0 correct = Turn in your luggage

 

Ed Ronco is a former KNKX producer and reporter and hosted All Things Considered for seven years.