Facts & myths about flying: What to know before takeoff

Airplane trivia and airplane fun facts, sometimes they sound so strange you can hardly believe it. From hidden bedrooms to built-in ashtrays, we separate fact from fiction.

1. There are ashtrays on board airplanes

Fact:
Although smoking on planes has long been banned, ashtrays are still present in the toilets. They are built in for emergencies: if someone does smoke, they can safely extinguish the cigarette without causing a fire in the trash bin.

Tossing a cigarette into the trash could start a fire. If you are caught smoking, you will face penalties. Did you know that the crew even has the right to deny you boarding if you break this rule?

2. If you are born on a plane, you can fly for free for life

Myth:
Unfortunately, this is a myth. In the past, some airlines used such births as a PR stunt and sometimes allowed those babies to fly for free (temporarily).

For instance, Shona, born on a British Airways flight, was given a free ticket for her 18th birthday. But lifelong free flights? Wishful thinking.

Here’s what you need to know about flying while pregnant.

3. Airplanes dump waste over the ocean

Myth:
Toilet waste is collected in a special tank. Using vacuum systems, the waste is sucked up and stored in sealed tanks until the plane lands. When parked at the gate, ground staff empties the tanks.

4. Cabin crew must meet certain height requirements

Fact:
The minimum height to become cabin crew varies by airline but is generally around 1.58 m (5 ft 2 in). This makes sense: anyone shorter might not be able to reach the overhead bins.

Most airlines also have a maximum height requirement, KLM’s is 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in). These rules exist because crew members must be able to access all emergency equipment, which is crucial for safety.

5. There is no row 13 on planes

Fact (partly):
Correct! Many airlines, including KLM, avoid row 13 because of superstition. The number 13 is considered unlucky in many cultures.

However, not all airlines follow this rule. Some, like TUI or Transavia, do have a row 13 to avoid confusion among passengers.

6. The safest seat on a plane doesn’t exist

Fact:
Every crash is different, depending on the type of accident, the aircraft model, seat layout, and more. While some studies suggest that certain zones or seats might be “safer” in specific crash scenarios, there is no universally safest seat.

Want to know more? Read: The safest seat on a plane – 13A or 18C?

7. Some planes have hidden crew bedrooms

Fact:
True. Long-haul aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner are equipped with crew rest areas, hidden compartments with bunks, accessible via a small staircase. Crew rest spaces are required on long flights to comply with regulations.

8. The lights dim during takeoff and landing

Fact:
The dimmed cabin lights serve an important purpose. In case of an evacuation, your eyes are already adjusted to the dark, which is essential for a quick exit. It also helps passengers spot potential hazards outside. Essentially, passengers act as the pilot’s “third eye.”

9. The little hole in airplane windows has a function

Fact:
Absolutely. Airplane windows have three layers. The small hole (breather hole) prevents the middle layer from being exposed to too much pressure and balances differences between the panes.

The outer layer is the thickest and strongest, designed to handle most of the pressure, while the inner layer mainly protects against passenger-caused damage.

10. Ice formation on a plane can cause a crash

Fact:
Yes, ice on an aircraft is dangerous because it disrupts aerodynamics, reducing performance during takeoff, flight, and landing. Furthermore it can even make the plane uncontrollable. This is why de-icing and anti-icing are crucial for flight safety.

Read more about de-icing and anti-icing.

11. Apples are best avoided on planes

Fact:
It’s better not to eat apples during a flight. The low cabin pressure can increase gas buildup in your intestines, and apples contain hard-to-digest sugars that also cause gas and bloating. The combination can make symptoms worse.

Feeling bloated during your flight? Here’s what you should avoid eating.

12. Turbulence can crash a plane

Myth:
Turbulence is uncomfortable, but modern planes are built to handle it safely. Aircraft wings are flexible and can move several meters up and down, smoothly adjusting to wind. Think of it like a jelly dessert: you wobble around, but you’ll never hit the ground.

Afraid of flying? Check out these 6 tips for coping with turbulence.

13. The airplane toilet door can’t really be locked

Fact:
Normally, the door won’t be opened unnecessarily, but if a strong smell of smoke comes from the toilet, the crew can override the lock and open the door.

Toilets are also locked during takeoff and landing, when passengers are not allowed to use them.

13 aviation myths busted. One thing is certain: aviation is full of wild stories, some true, some total nonsense. But next time you board a plane, at least you’ll have the facts straight.

Safe travels!

By: Rico Valkenborgh | December 1st, 2025