13 Myths About Air Travel You Probably Believe

1. Planes are more dangerous than cars

Many people think flying in planes is way riskier than driving cars. But the truth is you’re far less likely to be in a mishap in the sky than on the road. For every trip you take, planes are designed with super strict safety measures.

In fact, your chances of having a car accident are way higher than experiencing one while flying. Experts have crunched the numbers and it turns out, getting around by air is actually the safer option.

2. Oxygen masks are just for show

Think oxygen masks on airplanes are just for decoration? Not at all! When you’re soaring high above the clouds and the cabin pressure drops, those masks are your lifeline. They drop down from the ceiling, ready for you to slip on, so you can breathe in much-needed oxygen.

And no, the masks aren’t connected to some big tank of air. They actually generate oxygen for a few crucial minutes, buying time for the pilot to lower the altitude to where the air is breathable.

3. Flying causes your hair to grow faster

Some folks think they’ve noticed their hair getting longer quicker after a plane trip. Flying high doesn’t mean your hair gets a growth spurt, though. Hair growth is pretty steady, no matter if you’re miles up in the air or grounded. Your hair typically grows about half an inch per month, and that’s not changing just because you’re flying above the clouds.

4. Airplane mode is necessary

Many travelers flip their phones to airplane mode before takeoff, thinking it’s crucial for a safe flight. But did you know, airplane mode is more about following regulations than technical need? Your phone’s signals are quite weak and not likely to interfere with the plane’s systems. When you’re way above the clouds, it’s also mostly to prevent your phone from constantly searching for service and draining the battery.

5. Lavatory water is clean

While cruising at high altitudes, you might wonder about the tap water in airplane lavatories. It’s tempting to splash some on your face or even brush your teeth with it, but hold that thought!

The reality is, airplane water isn’t always as clean as you’d hope. Studies find it can be a bit of a germ hideout, so it’s smarter to use bottled water for your dental hygiene. And when it comes to staying hydrated, stick to sealed, bottled beverages.

6. Cabin air will make you sick

Many people worry that breathing in the air on a plane might lead to catching a cold or the flu. But here’s some good news: the cabin air in airplanes is actually quite clean! Modern aircrafts are equipped with HEPA filters, which are the same type used in hospital operating rooms.

Sure, you’re sharing space with a lot of passengers, but the air you’re breathing is constantly being filtered and circulated, significantly reducing the spread of airborne germs.

7. The safest place is the back of the plane

Many people believe that sitting at the rear of an airplane boosts their chances of survival in an accident. Surprise – it’s not as clear-cut as you might think! Popular Mechanics reviewed crash data and pointed out that the back seats actually do have a higher survival rate in certain crashes. But don’t rush to pick a rear seat just yet! Your safety also depends on other factors like the type of crash and emergency exits.

8. Lightning can down a plane

Think a lightning bolt is strong enough to knock a plane right out of the sky? It sounds scary, but planes are actually built to handle it! When lightning strikes, a plane’s sturdy exterior takes the hit, and safely conducts the electricity out, making sure nothing inside is harmed.

9. Planes dump waste mid-air

Many believe airplanes release their bathroom waste while flying, but this is actually not true! Your flights are cleaner than you might realize. The toilets in planes have a special system that holds waste in tanks. These tanks are strictly emptied after the plane lands, ensuring nothing drops from the sky unexpectedly.

10. Turbulence is dangerous

When your airplane shakes and shudders in the sky, you might feel a little nervous. But let us tell you, turbulence is not as scary as it may seem. It’s just the plane moving through different patches of air, kind of like a boat bobbing over waves. Most pilots see it as a common part of flying and know exactly how to handle it.

11. Pricey tickets mean safer flights

It’s a common belief that splurging on expensive airfare guarantees a safer seat in the skies. However, air travel safety is governed by strict regulations that every commercial airline must follow, regardless of ticket price. Often, the cost of your ticket is more about amenities, brand prestige, and timing than safety measures.

12. Drinking plenty of water prevents jet lag

Staying hydrated is key when you’re up in the air, but can water really help dodge jet lag? Here’s the scoop: while sipping water is great for avoiding dehydration, it isn’t a cure-all for jet lag. Your body’s internal clock gets jumbled up when you fly across time zones. Sure, water keeps you feeling fresh, but it won’t necessarily sync your sleep cycle with the new time zone.

13. Jet engines are prone to failure

While it’s true that jet engines are complex pieces of machinery, the idea they frequently fail is exaggerated. Jet engines are the heart of an airplane and are built with precision. Their construction allows for an impressive reliability record. In fact, jet engines are considered highly reliable because they contain fewer moving parts that could fail compared to other engine types.