Special Sub-Topic: Air Sickness Bags Click Here To Play: Air Sickness Bags

Historians of the air sickness bag (namely, me) have not been able to establish exactly when the air sickness bag came into use. However, is it safe to say that air sickness bags have been around since the early days of commercial aviation?

Yes. I interviewed someone who has been flying since the early days of commercial aviation. Turbulence tended to be bad, and so he vividly remembered the presence of air sickness bags on those early flights. But, you know, I really wonder which came first, the in-flight dinner or the air sickness bag. Sadly, that seems to be lost in the murk of time.

Being engineers, we have to give this item a high-falutin' name. What is the "technical" term for an air sickness bag?

Emesis Bag. You know, I used to think "Emesis" came from the Latin words "e" meaning "out of" and "mittere" meaning "to send." I was confused why they went to all the trouble to make up a new word, when the Romans had not just one, but TWO perfectly good words for the process: "vomere" and "vomitare." Then uglybird pointed out that "Emesis" comes from the Greek "emeO," meaning what you would expect it to. And I thought I wanted to be a linguist. But hey-- Greek and Latin roots-- this quiz IS educational!

How do you say "For Air Sickness" in German?

Für Luftkrankheit. This tidbit brought to you by Delta. Do you see how the French "Pour le mal de l'air," the Spanish "Para las nauseas," and the Italian "In caso di nausea" look similar, but the German "Für Luftkrankheit" doesn't? It's because French, Spanish, and Italian are all Romance languages and descended from Latin. German is a Germanic language, and descended from Proto-Germanic. See, air sickness bags are educational!

Which airline sponsored a design contest for air sickness bags, known as "Design for Chunks"?

Virgin Atlantic. The idea, according to their website, is that "puking in dull bags can no longer be accepted, imagine your delight when you discover the receptacle you are about to puke into is of the highest pedigree . . . how much happier you would be handing the steaming bag over to the hostess. . ." Uh, yeah. Whatever, man.

Which airline introduced Star Wars themed air sickness bags in 2005?

Virgin Atlantic. One of the head honchos of Virgin Atlantic said, "We want [passengers] to see the funny side ... not the inside." Of course, USA Today made comments about "Puke Skywalker" and "Barf Vader."

Air sickness bags are highly collectible, and some specimens can sell for as much as $200. Where could you buy one of these?

Ebay. I know you're thinking, "Buy an air sickness bag? And for $200?". But you are taking this quiz, no? You must not be TOO aloof from the attraction of the air sickness bag!

Does the Space Shuttle have its own special space sickness bags?

Yes. Emesis bag. Sorry. It is made out of some special material and is lovingly sewn together. These bags are very important. See, in zero gravity, if you...uh...Well then it...ahem...You know...!

Has an innocent air sickness bag ever been the cause of a bomb threat?

Yes. Yes-- twice, in fact. ubermom reports that "while we were living in Germany (1984-1987), somebody left an unattended airsick bag in the Frankfurt airport. The bomb squad was called. They removed the bag to a remote location and detonated it. I'll never forget the quote from the bomb squad guy: 'That was when we found the nasty diaper.'" And again, in July of 2004, United Airlines flight 840 returned to Sidney after the pilot interpreted a note scrawled on an air sickness bag as a bomb threat. The note was "BOB," in fact "best on board," flight attendant shorthand for the most attractive person on the plane. Love and an air sickness bag? Stranger things have happened!

Is there really is a website, www.airsicknessbags.com?

Yes. Possibly the most complete compendium of said bags in the known universe. The "Air Sickness Bag Virtual Museum." It does not just feature bags for air sickness. You can find bags for movie sickness, train sickness, sea sickness, heli-sickness, bus sickness, car sickness, and even space sickness. Buy, sell, or trade bags. Buy an air sickness bag poster! "Ironically," says webmaster Steven J. Silberberg, "I'm single, [and] I've never been outside North America." "Yours in motion sickness and in health," indeed.

Air sickness bags are not just for air sickness. Which of these could you do with an airsickness bag?

All of these (Package souvenirs to send your friends, Get the autograph of the celebrity in the seat beside you, Use it for a lunch sack). Air sickness bags are highly functional and versatile items. Anything you could do with a sack, you can do with an airsickness bag, but better. Note all the advantages of an airsickness bag over the pedestrian brown lunch sack. If something leaks, no mess. Airsickness bags are durable. I regularly send my friends souvenirs packaged in air sickness bags, and they never rip. And, if you are in an airplane, air sickness bags are available in a pinch. No paper for that celebrity to sign? Get him or her to sign your air sickness bag. Think of the possibilities. Be creative. Great at parties. Thrill your kids!