Air travel is still somewhat a novelty for us as a relatively new mode of transportation — one that has a lot of myths that go a long with it.
For instance, I know people who refuse to travel on planes because they think they are dangerous. This is one common misconception about air travel, especially since planes are actually considered safer than cars.
According to a recent MSNBC article, "The odds of dying in an airplane crash are 1 in 11 million while the odds of dying in a car crash are 1 in 5,000."
According to a National Transportation Safety Board study, 95.7 percent of passengers in plane crashes from 1983-2000 survived.
Many flights usually delay departures because of lightning, but lightning striking a plane will not cause it to crash.
"Studies show that each commercial airliner gets hit at least once a year by lightning. Lightning striking the plane travels quickly along the plane's skin and disperses into the air," according to the article.
It is common knowledge that air is recycled on planes, but that doesn't mean that germs and infections are quickly spread through the plane. The air recirculates every three to five minutes. Some germs spread, however, planes are no worse than subways or office buildings.
This article goes a little more in-depth on the recirculation of air on planes.
One myth that is outdated is cell phones cause planes to crash, citing that it interferes with the planes navigational systems. However, you are allowed to use iPods, laptops, Gameboys and other electronic devices. Now some planes even have wireless Internet. The myth is simply a way to back up airline policy about the use of cell phones.
My favorite myth is row 13. Everyone is aware that the number 13 is unlucky and planes don't have a row 13 right? Sometimes.
Certain airlines such as AirTran, Continental and Alaska Airlines do not have a row 13 on their aircrafts. One reason is because people wouldn't want to sit there, another is the airline trying to reduce the anxiety of passengers.
Lufthansa not only has no row 13, but it also does not have a row 17. In Italy and Brazil, 17 is an unlucky number.
However, gate 13 is used.
Posts in The Traveling Gator appear on Wednesdays.
