Michael Farr, a leading British 'Tintinologist', says Herge actually did a "lot of research" for Tintin's Indian journey: he secured catalogues of all the aircraft Air India used and uniforms the cabin crew wore at that time.

BBC: India's undying love affair with Tintin

"This policy reversal is against the best interest of the security of crew and passengers in the aircraft cabin and we will stop at nothing to fight it, " said the Flight Attendants Union Coalition, in a press statement issued Thursday announcing its campaign to reverse the TSA's decision.

CNN: Knives on a plane? Really?

To combat this threat, aircraft have a warning system which alerts the crew if the cabin altitude is approaching dangerous levels.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | Dangers of aircraft decompression

Air Wales had hit the headlines last year by appealing for cabin crew under 5ft 3 inches - a height restriction it insists on because of tight space on the aircraft.

BBC: Take-off for budget City flights