Ever wondered how flight numbers are assigned? In the aviation industry, a flight number is a unique code for an airline service, usually consisting of a two-character airline designator and a one- to four-digit number. For instance, BA98 represents a British Airways service from Toronto Pearson to London Heathrow. Conventions have been developed for these numbers. Traditionally, eastbound and northbound flights get even numbers, while westbound and southbound flights get odd ones. Flight numbers less than three digits often indicate long-haul or premium flights. For example, flight number one is often an airline's flagship service. Interestingly, after serious incidents or crashes, flight numbers are often changed. For instance, following the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, the airline changed the flight number for subsequent flights on the same route. So, but, god, how am I supposed to stay sharp with a flat, stay flat, but, boop, tail.