True or False: 7 Popular Myths about Air Travel

Except for what is shown in popular culture, the general public knows very little about the actual mechanics of an aeroplane. Because of this, myths about air travel begin to circulate, discouraging people from flying. Following is the truth behind seven common myths about air travel.

Myth #1: Flying Is Too Expensive

Contrary to common belief, flying has never been more affordable than it is right now. It is true that plane tickets can be well over a hundred dollars; however, buying a plane ticket can be much cheaper than driving. In fact, on average, the cost of driving is around sixty cents per mile, whereas air travel is ten to fifteen cents per mile. 

To keep the ticket cost down, do some research on the lowest price. And according to Wandrd, when flying domestically, the cheapest time of year to fly is between the second week of January and the first of April, so there are plenty of options. Also, the cheapest days of the week are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Myth #2: Air Is Continuously Recirculated and Can Cause Disease

*Photo by SuperJet International on Flickr

During a flight, the air on a plane is circulated around the cabin until it is eventually pulled into the lower fuselage, where half of the air is released overboard through vents, and the other half is filtered through hospital-quality filters and is added to the new air pulled through the engines. 

Air recirculation on commercial planes is quick and makes for higher air quality. In fact, the environment inside a plane is much healthier than many other confined spaces. If you catch something from your time in the air, it's most likely due to the physical closeness of plane seats and not the germs in the air.

Myth #3: Popping Your Ears Causes Hearing Loss

While it relieves discomfort while flying, some worry that "popping" their ears may lead to hearing loss. But never fear – your ears will be fine. In fact, not popping your ears is what can cause problems. Aeroplane ear that lasts more than a few hours can result in severe tinnitus, vertigo, vomiting, and bleeding from the ear, requiring a doctor's visit. You can pop your ears by swallowing, chewing gum, pinching your nose and blowing.

Myth #4: Plane Doors May Open during the Flight

Some people fear that in mid-air, someone or something can open the plane doors, making them fall off the sky or get sucked in by air pressure. You should not have such worries as it is virtually impossible.

The mechanics of the doors are designed in such a way that they fit into the plane walls like a cork, and also, they can only be opened outwards. The only people allowed to open the doors are the crew members, which are only allowed after the plane has landed.

Even if the doors’ mechanical system were faulty, the difference between the pressure from outside and inside would eliminate any possible chance of the doors opening in the air. It is impossible for even the most muscular man on earth to open the doors in such a situation.

Myth #5: Flying in Storm Spells Is Highly Dangerous

*Photo by Heather Paul on Flickr

While nervous flyers may want to avoid flying in stormy conditions, the rest of us have no reason to worry. It's true that it's not pleasant to fly in inclement weather. However, electrical equipment and aerospace design developments will keep the instruments working. Thereby, the passengers and crew will be safe from possible disasters in case they get caught in a storm.

A possible exception would be during freezing rain when the de-icing system of the plane wings cannot handle the extremity. In such cases, the plane simply won’t take off. Planes are also pretty strong in the face of the wind, and only during crosswinds of more than 30 mph, do things become worrisome.

Myth #6: Planes Drop Their Toilet Waste While Flying

A popular myth concerns toilets and the waste system in commercial planes. Some think planes dump their waste mid-flight over barren land or water. There are examples in films and TV shows where blue ice – frozen waste from a plane – falls over people. Although there have been cases in the past, today, that is not the case.

Planes don’t dump waste in the air; pilots are not allowed and don’t even have the mechanism to do so. When you go to the bathroom on the plane and flush the toilet, the waste goes to a storage unit and stays there until landing. Then, the waste is discarded into the ground sewage system.

Myth #7: You May Get Stuck in the Toilet If Not Careful

There is a strange story that sometimes circulates around. It involves a woman on an aeroplane who sits on the toilet seat, and after she flushes, her bottom gets stuck. Then, she has to wait for the plane to land and for the crew to call a firefighter. 

Mythbusters debunked this myth. The toilet vacuum systems only affect the objects over the hole. You can get stuck only if your body and the toilet seat form a perfect seal. However, the chance of that happening is very minute.

 

Humans are using air travel now more than ever. Hopefully, knowing the truth behind some of these myths will relieve you of any qualms about flying and can help you tackle exploring the world. Just don’t forget to book somewhere to stay when you land at your destination!