Zaragoza on June 10, 2024
If you have traveled on commercial airliners, you may have noticed a curiosity: many airplanes do not have a row number 13 . It is a deliberate decision made by airlines and aircraft manufacturers. But why exactly is row 13 removed from airplanes?
The main reason lies in superstition. In many cultures around the world, the number 13 is associated with bad luck. This belief is so prevalent that it even has its own term: triscaidecaphobia, which is the irrational fear of the number 13.
The history of this superstition is long and complex, with roots going back to various religious and mythological traditions.
Where does the fear for the number 13 come from?
For example, in Norse mythology, it is said that at a banquet of gods in Valhalla, Loki, the spirit of evil, was the 13th guest and caused chaos. In Christianity, the Last Supper had 13 diners, including Judas, the traitor. These stories, among others, have contributed to the negative perception of the number 13.
Airlines and commercial aircraft manufacturers are well aware of these beliefs and, in an effort to make all passengers feel comfortable and safe, have opted to eliminate row 13 on many of their aircraft. The idea is simple: to avoid any possible discomfort or anxiety passengers may feel when sitting in a row they associate with bad luck.
In practice, this means that, when boarding a plane, you will see the row numbering jump from 12 to 14. For some, this may seem like a simple curiosity, but for those who are superstitious, it is a detail that can make a big difference in their flying experience.
This practice is not exclusive to airplanes. Many buildings, especially hotels and hospitals, also omit the 13th floor for similar reasons. The elimination of row 13 on airplanes is simply an extension of this same superstition that is prevalent in various areas of everyday life.
Some airlines and commercial aircraft manufacturers argue that this decision is a way to respect the beliefs and feelings of all their passengers. After all, the goal is to provide a smooth and pleasant flying experience. If something as simple as eliminating a numbered row can contribute to that, airlines are more than willing to do so.
However, not all airlines follow this practice. Some consider that superstition should not influence the logic of row numbering. But most prefer not to risk it and choose to eliminate row 13 on their planes to ensure that all passengers, regardless of their beliefs, feel comfortable.
The absence of row number 13 on many commercial aircraft is a reflection of how superstitions can influence design and operational decisions in the aviation industry. While it may seem like a small detail, it demonstrates the commitment of airlines to ensure the comfort and peace of mind of their passengers by eliminating any potential source of concern, even if it is a simple number.
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