Whether you're a first time flyer or you've spent years in planes, chances are you have at some point in your life believed or at least pondered about one of these myths or facts about flying.
But now it's time to sit back, put your tray table away and let Newshub Travel bust some of the myths about air travel... as well as confirm one as actually being true.
The first time you flush the toilet in an airplane you might think you're going to get sucked out of the aircraft like some sort of Willy Wonka action sequence.
Can you get sucked into the toilet on an aircraft?
False, you certainly can't. The vacuum system is especially designed to only remove things that are near the bottom (giggle) of the bowl. However, one report has said, if you were to sit on the toilet and make it completely airtight, you might end up losing a bit more than your lunch.
Can someone open the cabin door mid-flight?
False. The air pressure between the outside and the inside of the aircraft is so different that no human would have the strength to be able to push the door open. Air pressure has to be the same outside the aircraft as it is inside the aircraft for the door to open.
Can thunder and lightning make a plane crash?
False. This one is another myth. While pilots avoid thunderstorms when flying, that's as much for the comfort of passengers as it is for the safety of the aircraft itself.
It's estimated lightning strikes each aircraft in operation around once per year, yet lightning hasn't brought down a plane since 1963.
Does being born on a plane entitle you to free flights for the rest of your life?
False, sadly. While some airlines have done it in the past, it's certainly not common practice.
Do planes drop raw sewage from the sky?
False. This is probably the most commonly believed myth out there, but no, airlines don't drop their toilet waste while flying over oceans, or even worse over people's houses.
Much like a human on a long road-trip, it's all held inside the plane until it makes its destination when it can all finally be released.
Are some plane seats safer than others?
While some studies have found you're more likely to survive a plane crash by sitting at the back of the aircraft, there is no real way of answering this, as the statistics don't give a clear enough picture - because of that, we'll also label this one false.
In 2015, an analysis by Time Magazine found the seats in the back third of the aircraft had a 32 percent fatality rate, compared with 39 percent in the middle third and 38 percent in the front third.
But this idea probably came about around the same time as the introduction of first class flying - it would be a comforting to share with fellow passengers in economy class: "They might have champagne up the front, but we are safer back here"
Are there bedrooms on planes for crew members?
True, but calling them bedrooms is a bit of a stretch, perhaps bunk rooms is a bit more accurate. Depending on the aircraft they're located in different places, but more modern aircraft have them above the cabin. It's unlikely crew members will get the best sleep of their lives in these beds, but they are comfortable enough just to recharge the batteries on a long-haul flight.
If there's any other myths or facts you'd like checked over then get in touch through our Facebook Travel group or via email travel@newshub.co.nz.
