We all know that 13 is unlucky for some – but in modern times superstition seems to have taken more of a back seat.
Perhaps surprisingly to some, however, is that beliefs around the number are still so prevalent in the airline industry that it’s led to row number 13 missing entirely from many flights.
Having a quick glimpse of the aircraft seating map will quickly reveal if your chosen airline company has decided to make the omission.
The rows – including on many British flights – jump straight from 12 to 14. Website Simple Flying explains more.
It says: “It may seem strange to make such a change in the cabin based on a superstitious belief.
“Most decisions and processes on aircraft are well-thought-out for safety, and you can be sure that if rows 12 and 14 are safe, then 13 is as well. But on the other hand, why not make passengers feel just a little bit more secure?
“If some believe that 13 is unlucky, then they will not be very comfortable being allocated a seat there. It’s only a small change, after all.”
Website Statista revealed the airlines that have dropped row 13. Iberia, Lufthansa, Air France, ITA, Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic all skip row 13.
Emirates, Qatar Airways, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Thai Airways, and Singapore Airlines all also follow the practice. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines sometimes skip row 13.
Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines keep the row as does British Airways, easyJet and Jet2.com
As well as aircraft rows, some hotels will have no room 13 and a lot of tall buildings don’t have a 13th floor. Many believe the number 13 is unlucky comes from the Bible.
Judas, who betrayed Jesus, is thought to have been the 13th guest to sit down to the Last Supper. To have 13 people sitting at a dinner table is considered unlucky.
Coincidentally in Norse mythology a dinner party of the gods was ruined by the 13th guest called Loki. The myth is that he caused the world to be plunged into darkness.