10 Common Air Travel Myths

Over time many myths about air travel have been propagated and many of them have endured. Knowing about these myths and the truth behind them is essential if you want to enjoy your flights and avoid anxiety. The10 common air travel myths and the truth behind them are given below.

1. One of the most widely believed myths about air travel is that you will be compensated when your flight is cancelled. Compensation is a definite possibility in case of cancellation due to a mechanical failure, non availability of crew or some other reason arising from the airline's fault. However, if the cancellation is due to reasons like weather problems, civil disruptions and other such things beyond the airline's control then there may be no meals, hotels or transportation. In such cases of "acts of God" or force majeure the airline is not obliged to compensate you.

2. Many airline passengers believe that they will automatically be booked on the flight available irrespective of the airline. This will not usually happen if you are booked on one of the low cost airlines. Also with the advent of electronic tickets this is becoming increasingly difficult. In case of a force majeure cause it will not happen at all.

3. Again many people believe that if their flight is cancelled due to a force majeure they will be surely booked on the very next flight out. This is not true what it means is that in such cases they will be adjusted in the next flight that has space available. Airlines will surely not bump passengers already booked to accommodate you. All you can do is request to be put on standby and try your luck.

4. Some passengers believe in the myth that if they miss their flights then they will automatically be booked on the very next flight out. This is not necessarily true and it may not be for free. Everything depends on your reasons for missing the flight. They may consider your case and accommodate you without additional fee if there was a public transport strike or if your connecting flight was late. However if you just arrived late at the airport then they are not obliged to book you on the very next available flight without charging a fee.

5. Many people believe that flights will hold for passengers who check in late. Even if you phone the airline requesting them to hold the flight because you are stuck in a traffic jam they will rarely do so. If you ever check in late get to the gate immediately. You may be in luck.

6. Another common air travel myth is that in case an airline becomes bankrupt your interests are protected. You may have to forego your money when an airline closes shop. You may only be accommodated by another airline on a space availability basis if there was a previous arrangement.

7. Fight attendants will have you believe that it is FAA policy that you should not operate your cell phones or electronic devices because they interfere with the plane's navigation system. Some people even believe that the plane will crash if they do so. The truth is that FAA scientists have, for the last 25 years, experimented with 100 times the RF interference of these devices within 3 feet of the cockpit avionics and nothing has happened till date. Therefore the FAA has left it to the individual airlines to formulate their policies about this.

8. Many people think that it is more likely that they will be upgraded from a 99 cent ticket they you request at the gate or check-in. This is highly unlikely because usually for major airlines there are already many frequent flyer and full fare ticket holders already waiting and they get preference.

9. Another air travel myth is that if you have a group booking then you will certainly be seated together. The truth is that it will not happen automatically, although you have better chances if you book in advance. Still you can get the flight attendant or gate agent to help you.

10. Many airline passengers think that they have a better chance of being upgraded if they check in late. This may not happen if the flight is full and there are no volunteers who will give up their seats.