This superstition turned out to be more widespread than people thought: what tourists do before boarding a plane

It seems that many of us have our own travel superstitions when it comes to flying. From avoiding traveling on Friday the 13th due to its reputation as an "unlucky" day to believing that taking a photograph of the plane before departure brings bad luck, people hold a variety of superstitious beliefs about air travel. Surprisingly, one common superstition that many people share has recently come to light through a Reddit thread. This is reported by SSP.

The discussion on Reddit began with a user revealing their habit of touching the outside of the plane right before boarding. They admitted that they know it does nothing to actually keep them safe, but it somehow brings them a sense of comfort. To their surprise, they found they were not alone in this practice as many others replied, sharing their own experiences.

Some users expressed a fascination with the fact that the plane they were about to board had once been soaring in the sky. Others mentioned how they often think about the spot they touched during the flight, imagining it suspended in the 30,000 ft air. A common sentiment expressed was the desire to experience and connect with the physicality of the plane that would carry them thousands of feet above the ground.

On the other hand, some users felt left out from never trying this particular superstition. Reading the comments made them realize that they had never touched the outside of a plane before boarding and now felt a sense of exclusion. One user even questioned if they should adopt this new habit themselves. It's evident that this particular superstitious gesture holds significance for many individuals, creating a sense of connection and peace of mind.

The thread also caught the attention of an actual pilot, who offered some valuable advice to those with superstitions. They shared that, having flown around 150 times, they have never felt the need to touch the plane or engage in other superstitious behaviors before flying. Their advice was rooted in the understanding that once the doors of the plane close, everything is out of their control. They choose to remain relaxed, fully aware that worrying about things beyond their control would only lead to unnecessary stress.