Plane Facts

• Do planes still avoid Bermuda triangle? Read no.3
• Could you really get high on oxygen from the plane's emergency masks?Read no.6
• Are the seats closest to the exits the safest in case of a crash?Read no.9
• Do you get drunk quicker on a plane?Read no.8
• Can you get sucked down a plane toilet?Read no.12
• Can lightning make a plane crash?Read no.4
• What is Rule 240?Read no.15

1. Can mobile phones (or other electronic devices) really cause problems on a plane?

Your little iPad alone would not cause a flutter in a plane’s navigation systems. If everyone kept their mobile or electronic gadgets on then the combined interference from all these devices might be an issue. However, little is known about the real effects of staying switched on. So it’s more of a precaution. But it’s probably best to stick to the rules, just in case. It would be rather embarrassing to cause a plane crash.

2. Why is there never a row 13 on an aeroplane?

If you doff your cap to crows and avoid black cats, then you’ll appreciate this. Rather than spook superstitious flyers, many airlines remove row 13 from their aircraft. Lufthansa also fly without row 17 to avoid unnerving Italian flyers, who consider this number unlucky too. Alaska Airlines are one of the few who actually operate aircraft with a row 13. Why they do remains a true air travel mystery...

Written reference to the superstitious fear of the number thirteen dates to the late 1800s. Its origin is conjectural (a matter of guesswork). The term triskaidekaphobia first appeared in the early 1900s. It was derived from treiskaideka, the Greek word for thirteen + phobia, fear of = a fear of thirteen.

3. Do planes still avoid the Bermuda triangle? (and did they ever?)

Legend has it that over 1,000 planes and ships disappeared while crossing the area betwixt Bermuda, Puerto Rico and Florida. So you’d forgive pilots if they preferred to give it a wide berth. But they don’t...and they never have. The fact is, planes have travelled across the mysterious zone for years and continue to do so, despite the myths. It’s possibly worth the risk when the only other option is a 1,800 mile detour.

4. Can lightning make a plane crash?

You’d think a big chunk of metal flying through a storm would be a likely target for lightning. Well, it is. Lightning strikes every commercial plane on average once a year. But don’t worry(!) the last plane to actually crash as a result was in 1967. Nowadays, aeroplanes have to successfully pass a number of rigorous lightning certification tests and most people only report slight turbulence if lightning strikes.

5. Would a plane explode if you fired a gun on-board?

If you’re Harrison Ford in Air Force One, then you’ll probably be fine. It depends on what gets hit. If a bullet goes through the side of the plane, it’s no biggie. Cabin pressure will compensate for any pressure leaking out of the hole. If a bullet goes through a window, that’s slightly more worrying. All the air rushes out the window, so it’ll take anything with it that’s not strapped in. If it hits the fuselage then there’s the potential for an explosion, and it’s probably a good idea to make a quick exit, which could be problematic at 39,000 feet.

6. Could you really get high on oxygen from the plane's emergency masks?

Brad Pitt seemed to think so in Fight Club. But then again, maybe we shouldn’t get our 'scientific facts' about planes from a fictional character. The real answer is no. Whilst oxygen could technically make you feel a little more chilled, breathing 100% oxygen can actually be harmful. It’s a loss of oxygen that can make you feel ‘high’, so airlines provide emergency masks so that you stay alert if the cabin pressure suddenly drops.

7. Is it true that no-one is allowed to stand up while the pilot is in the toilet?

When the seatbelt sign lights up, all passengers must remain seated. Despite what you may assume, it's not because of unexpected turbulence. Airline pilot fact: it usually means the person at the flight controls is making a break for the loo. The number one cabin crew member will guard the flight deck door to prevent anyone storming the cockpit. Just hope that the man in control of the controls doesn't get engrossed in the sports section, or lock themselves in like this poor pilot.

8. Do you get drunk quicker on a plane?

This commonly-quoted 'fact' about flights claims that a lack of oxygen on-board means alcohol will go to your head much faster in the air than it would on terra firma. However, research found that there are no notable differences between drinking on the runway and 12,000 feet up. The same applies whether you’re in the pub or the sky: six glasses of champagne before breakfast will get you a bit squiffy.

9. Are the seats closest to the exits the safest in case of a crash?

Whilst the extra legroom is a luxury, sitting by the exit has no real impact on how safe flying is. Accidents involving aircraft happen for a number of different reasons, making it impossible to say that one seat is safer than any other. If the aircraft was to catch fire then being next to an exit might be handy; less so if the doors fly off and you get sucked out first. Simply knowing the location of your nearest exit is probably your safest bet.

10. You’ve got a good chance of catching a cold on a plane...

Does the recycled air on planes spread germs? The short answer is no. Aeroplanes are fitted with a High Efficiency Particle Air Filters (HEPA) system. This takes air from outside, mixes it with the recycled air and then filters it, capturing airborne germs and pumping clean air into the cabin. A complete air change occurs every two to four minutes. Don’t believe us?

11. Can commercial jet doors be opened mid-flight?

There have been a handful of incidents in which passengers have had sleeping pill-induced moments of craziness and tried to open the doors mid-flight. Whilst they were usually wrestled to the ground by fellow passengers and attendants, there really was no threat to flight safety. The doors used in commercial airliners are called ‘plug’ doors. Because the pressure seals the door, you would need the strength of 100 bodybuilders to open them. If you happen to get on a plane with 100 bodybuilders however, start worrying…

12. Can you get sucked down a plane toilet?

Related plane toilet rumours have it that you can get stuck to the loo seat, and even have your insides sucked out! In cult film Soul Plane a character sues the airline after being sucked into the toilet during a flight. You'll have to look elsewhere for your fun plane facts, however, as it is technically impossible for this to happen, due to the shape and size of a modern aeroplane toilet. Much as you’d like to prove us wrong, don’t try this at home – it won’t work there either.

13. Diet cola is difficult to pour at altitude

Yes, it’s true. Diet cola's extra fizziness, combined with altitude makes it harder to pour than any other drink on a flight. Apparently, in the time it takes to pour one, an air steward could serve three other passengers their drinks. So if you want to annoy the cabin crew, now you know what drink to ask for. Just be careful, these people are serving your food!

14. Do planes collide with birds on a regular basis?

Yes they do. And yes, poor birds. Although there have been some extreme cases, most of the time you won’t even notice. As with most things, a plane is most at risk at take-off and landing as they cruise at a good deal higher altitude than most birds. Some airports are in close proximity to large concentrations of birds, for example, JFK and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge on Long Island, New York, but birds do their best to keep out of the way.

15. What is Rule 240?

Invoke 'Rule 240’ and airlines will compensate you for any inconvenience they may have caused you. Or will they? Does Rule 240 really exist? Well, just mysteriously saying the words ‘Rule 240’ to the check-in staff won’t help. Not anymore anyway. It was a condition that the U.S Department of Transportation filed with most major airlines to ensure you were treated in the best possible way (how quaint!). Now however, every airline carrier has a different policy. These are called Conditions of Carriage which, if within Europe, must currently adhere to EU Law. Make sure you read these thoroughly before flying, and take a copy with you, so you can complain properly.