Travel myths are like bedbugs.
No one knows where they really come from and they’re almost impossible to get rid of.
So I’m going to tackle five common myths about travel and get the record straight once and for all.
Myth 1: Your cellphone affects the plane’s navigation.
Verdict: FALSE. Once I was seated next to a pilot on a plane and I took the opportunity to ask him about the cell phone rule.
He said what is now fairly well-known, that no, your cell does not affect the plane’s navigation ability (a relief - If my dinky phone was enough to take down a plane we have bigger problems).
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has actually tested personal electronic devices, bumping up their RF interference to super high levels, right near the cockpit. Nothing.
Truth: Ever been in an elevator with someone on a phone? Annoying, right? Studies have shown that humans can tolerate a two-person conversation much better than a one-sided one, the reason being we have a cognitive mechanism that forces us to listen.
So - think about an entire plane of people chatting on their phones. It’s up to the airline to determine the policy but I’d say overall it’s a good one.
Myth 2: It’s cheaper to get around Europe by train than plane.
Verdict: FALSE. If you’re planning to travel around Europe on a budget, check out RyanAir.com. I just looked up flights from Paris to Dublin and found one at 14.99 EUR (about $20 USD).
Throw an extra 100 EUR or so for the same trip on a train. Many travelers still opt for a Eurail Pass to get around but you’re paying for the scenery and experience.
Myth 3: Planes are crawling with germs and pumped with recycled air.
Verdict: TRUE (unfortunately). Modern jet planes were designed to bring cold air in from outside at a high altitude that would then be heated by the engine and circulated into the cabin. This costs money however, a huge aversion to airlines nowadays, so most usually just recirculate the air already onboard.
The AARP posted an article on the six places germs breed on planes, and it isn’t pretty. Airplane water has been under review for years for traces of E. coli; your seat pockets likely carry cold and influenze A, B and C viruses; the tray table keeps company with MRSA, a deadly superbug; and your airplane meal comes with a side of Listeria, a microbe known to cause gastrointestinal illness and meningitis. I won’t even touch the lavatory.
My advice: bring a small bottle of antibacterial gel (use liberally) and antibacterial wipes to clean your seat tray and area.
Myth 4: Duty-Free is an awesome deal!!
Verdict: FALSE (usually). Lisa Cheng of Frommer’s Travel wrote a interesting article on Tips for Buying Duty-Free Goods. Buying designer-anything (bags, perfumes, clothes, etc.) most certainly is not a bargain because the designer label is so tightly controlled there’s little variation in price, regardless of where it’s sold.
Fancy chocolates are marked up, so skip ‘em unless you get a chocolate-attack or like the foreign packaging (hello, gift for Mom). Regional wines and spirits however (like Bicardi in Puerto Rico) are usually worth it.
Myth 5: For a good deal on a flight, you have to book far in advance.
Verdict: FALSE! Kinda. Once you’ve decided to go somewhere, it’s a good idea to begin researching flights as soon as possible to get an idea for how much you’re going to spend.
In my opinion, even more important than booking in advance is being flexible about your travel schedule. It’s not always easy if you’re using set vacation time, but by playing with dates and airports you’re likely to score a deal.
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