9 Urban Myths about Flying Debunked the Truth

By Neecey

9 Urban Myths about Flying Debunked the Truth

The urban myths about flying are enough to put anyone who doesn’t like the idea of being 30,000 feet in the air off the whole idea of even stepping onto an airplane. They also circulate among hardened flyers – that’s how urban myths perpetuate. Here are some of the most common urban myths about flying – and the truth!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:

1

Falling Waste

Any human waste left in the airplane toilets isn’t dumped from the sky in mid-flight. The mechanics of the plane make this impossible. On the contrary, it’s held in a holding tank and removed on the ground. It’s one of the most persistent urban legends about flying due to people being hit with blue tinged material - the same colour as airline waste water. Well, the truth is that if it was jettisoned in flight, it would reach terminal velocity on the way down and might leave you sporting a nasty bump on your head. In short, blame the birds!

2

Gadgets Cause Crashes

Another one of the persistent urban legends about flying is that turning personal gadgets on interferes with the plane’s functions. It’s a lie because otherwise they wouldn’t be allowed on the plane. Pilots have been known to carry iPads into the cockpit with them. Lately, there has even been a rethink on lifting the ban on electronic devices during take-off and landing.

3

Air Sickness

You might think the recirculated air in the plane makes you ill. It’s actually fresh air which has been filtered to remove 99 per cent of bacteria. It’s healthier than the air you breathe in each day. If you get ill on flights, your stomach might not agree with the movements of the plane, or you touched something which was infected by bacteria.

4

The Food Sucks!

Whilst we won’t actively discount this urban flying myth, there has been research which reveals all plane food isn’t terrible. Researchers say the noise of the plane distracts people and causes them to change their perceptions of the food. In short, we’re being fooled into thinking the food is terrible. On the other hand, there are certain flights and airlines which do have bad food. You shouldn’t believe it’s a universal problem, though.

5

Doors Open

Are you afraid that the doors can open? You can’t open the aircraft doors whilst it’s in-flight. They’re locked and kept secure by differences in air pressure. The only way to open them is for a member of staff to press the release button. Nobody can force it open as it would take a superhuman effort to overcome the vast difference in air pressure. This remains one of the urban myths about flying to ignore for now, but you should worry if the Terminator happens to be on your flight!

Famous Quotes

Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable.

Bruce Lee
6

Brace Position

The brace position is one of the most controversial urban legends on the subject of flying. It’s where all the conspiracy theorists come out of the woodwork with their tin foil hats. Popular theories include it protects the teeth to make bodies easier to identify. Others say it’s a conspiracy by airlines to kill passengers quickly so they can save on compensation in the event of a crash. Research has proven time and time again it saves lives. By placing your head on the seat in front, your neck and head aren't going to snap forward on impact.

Let’s look at why this isn’t a conspiracy. For a start, we have DNA referencing so the reliance on teeth to identify bodies isn’t really there. And airlines have far greater problems than saving a few thousand dollars on compensation in the event of a major airplane disaster.

7

Autopilots for Pilots

Another myth is that autopiloting systems aren’t advanced enough for pilots to rely on. Contrary to popular belief, pilots aren’t drinking whisky and reading Playboy whilst the plane flies itself. They rarely use the autopiloting system on take-off or landing. Plus, they still have to adjust it and watch carefully during the flight. It’s a flying aid, not a replacement for the pilot.

8

Flushing and Sticking

According to one urban flying myth, you can get stuck to a toilet if you flush it because it creates a seal which anchors you to the toilet. Complete and utter garbage! One reason why this is false is your backside would have to create an impenetrable airtight seal. Secondly, once the toilet stops flushing, the source of the pressure disappears.

9

Alcoholics Anonymous

Drinkers on planes like to think they’re getting more for their money with overpriced drinks. Studies have shown the blood alcohol content of a person doesn’t increase if you’re in the air. The drinks are exactly the same composition as on the ground. The only real difference which gives flying myths like this credibility is the fact you aren’t doing a great deal. The only thing to do is drink. You get drunk faster because you drink faster. Air travel does cause dehydration, though, so drinking whilst in the air can make any resulting hangover worse.

Did you believe in any of these urban myths about flying before I debunked them? It’s ok to have a fear of flying, but not for any of the above.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Interesting read! Thanks

Meals have improved!!

Used to totally believe #6. But aer lingus has good food! In my opinion.

Actually, many people will get more tipsy on a plane. The drinks are made with 2oz minis, which is larger than a shot you will get in a bar, and the cabin pressure is usually equal to about 10,000 feet above sea level, NOT sea level or even the elevation of the city you just left. This means there is less oxygen going to your brain and the alcohol has more effect on you.

There are many fun and interesting articles on this site and I always enjoy browsing here. But I've noticed that the word "whilst" is being used frequently. Whilst this is a word, it is much more common in formal British English. While is a completely acceptable word, especially in American English.

One reason about electronic devices is because you wouldn't want one flying around the plane during bad turbulence or during a crash.

Related Topics

what are whole foods 7 Things You Never Knew about Where Your Groceries Come from ... 7 Interesting Facts about Halloween That Will Blow Your Mind ... 7 Super Neat Facts about Breastfeeding You Probably Didnt Know ... 9 Unusual Facts about the Human Body ... 7 Fun Facts about Halloween You Might Not Know ... 7 Interesting and True Things Your Boss Will Never Tell You ... weird honey facts about speech weird uk facts

Popular Now