Book a flight on a Tuesday for the best prices, make sure you get a voucher if an airline cancels or delays your flight, don’t ever book a one-way flight: these are just some things people have probably told you in the midst of booking a vacation.
But are these words facts or just a myth? Below is a list of some of the most popular travel myths debunked:
Are airlines are required to provide vouchers for delays or cancellations?
Sorry to burst your bubble, but this is a myth. U.S. airlines are not required to provide or offer vouchers for hotels and dining when something goes wrong with flights.
According to the Department of Transportation’s online publication Fly Rights, “contrary to popular belief, for domestic itineraries, airlines are not required to compensate passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled.”
Tuesdays are the cheapest days to book a flight?
Maybe 10 years ago but in this day and age, this is a myth. Data from Orbitz has found that Tuesday is actually the least expensive day to book a flight. And in the case of the “Travel Tuesday” (The Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday), Skyscanner found that it’s actually the worst time to book international and domestic flights.
Now, this doesn’t mean that you can’t score a flight deal on a Tuesday. It just means that you shouldn’t count out other does of the week if you’re looking for a flight deal.
Passengers are required to maintain a standard of hygiene?
Passengers may be able to walk to the bathroom barefoot but when it comes to smelling funny, that’s where many airline companies draw the line.
Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, and United all have rules that require passengers to make sure that your odor isn’t offensive.
Delta even warns customers that a personal stench “risks offense or annoyance to other passengers” and if you’re thinking about going on United with a foul smell: think again. The airline bans anyone with a “malodorous condition” and the only exception to the rule is if the smell is the result of a qualified disability.
One-way tickets are more expensive than round-trip?
Not a myth! (Unless you just happened to be online at the right time when an airline company is offering a one-way deal for $39).
There’s a reason why people tend to buy round-trip tickets even when they only need a one-way.
Orbitz data found that one-way tickets are more expensive than round-trip tickets at least 83 % of the time.
Someone can open the plane’s door mid-flight?
After the recent report of the student who managed to open the door of a flight and jumping to her death, many have questioned whether or not this is possible.
While it’s a good idea to keep your eyes on anyone who tries to open the door, experts say there is nothing to worry about as long as the plane in flight because the cabin pressure means the door cannot be opened on commercial jetliners.
The tragic incident regarding the young woman happened on a Cessna flight, a small, private plane.
