When you think about it, there are really two kinds of people when it comes to flying: those who are deathly afraid of it, and those who pretend like they don’t have any deep-seated fears. Simply put, air travel is one of the least understood modes of transportation. It makes sense, given that most people wouldn’t be able to explain how an airplane even works!
As a student of the Internet, you should understand what happens when gaps of knowledge crop up… Myths flood in to fill those gaps! That’s why air travel is one of the most myth-laden things out there!
Below, we’re going to separate the facts from the fiction. We’ll take a look at 15 of the craziest myths about air travel, and we’ll let you know which ones have a grain of truth and which ones are total bunk. Let’s take a look…
1. Fact: Flying Direct Overseas Is Best
It’s usually believed that layovers can create a cheaper way to travel. Not true. When you factor in all the costs associated with layovers, direct flights are almost always the best.
2. Myth: Cellphones Are A Safety Risk
It’s long been believed that cellphone can interfere with a plane’s electronics. Not so. The ban on in-flight cellphone use is on its way out…
3. Myth: The Oxygen Masks Are to Get You High
Yeah, we all heard that one in “Fight Club”, and it’s total bunk. The oxygen masks are there to keep you breathing if the cabin depressurizes.
4. Fact: Your Tray Table Is Dirty
Some people think that airplane bathrooms are the biggest germ factories on an airplane. Not so! It’s your tray table!
5. Myth: A Small Hole Can Crash a Plane
Planes are able to re-pressurize quickly if a small hole is opened in the fuselage… A big hole, though, would cause serious issues.
6. Myth: You Can’t Get Healthy Airplane Food
Many airlines actually offer plenty of a healthy food, if you ask for it. Aside from that, you can always bring your own food on board!
7. Fact: Airplane Air Is Circulated
Those flying tubes aren’t closed systems of air. Airplanes pull in about 50% of the air that’s circulated in the cabin during flight.
8. Myth: Planes Dump Their Bathrooms in the Air
This one is just laughable. Much like a port-a-potty, airplane bathrooms get sucked out once the plane lands…
9. Fact: You Can Get Free (or Cheap) Upgrades
You’re not going to have a 100% success rate, but if you ask at the gate, you might be surprised with what you’ll get…
10. Myth: You Can Open the Door In Flight
Have you ever tried to open a door when it’s really windy outside? It’s much harder, right? Well, imagine what it’s like to open a door in 400 mile-per-hour winds. Not gonna happen!
11. Fact: Turbulence Doesn’t Cause Plane Crashes
Nothing stokes a fear of flying more than bad turbulence. Don’t worry! Turbulence does not cause airplanes to crash. Period.
12. Myth: Airlines Stopped Serving Peanuts Due to Allergies
Some airlines have moved away from peanuts as their preferred complimentary in-flight snack. But, you can still get peanuts if you want them!
13. Fact: You Can’t Get Stuck on an Airplane Toilet
It’s the stuff of comedy, and so it’s made up. Flushing while you’re sitting on the toilet will not cause your behind to get suctioned in.
14. Myth: Drinking in the Air Yields a Quicker Drunk
There’s no science behind this one, folks. You get drunk at the same rate in the air as you do on the ground. (The altitude might make you feel loopier than normal, though.)
15. Myth: Jet Lag Is Unavoidable
Not true! If you take precautionary steps to avoid jet lag – like skipping alcohol and sleeping pills, for example – jet lag doesn’t have to become your travel reality.
