New book showcases misconceptions about air travel

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – If you’re catching a flight anytime soon, you may want to read this story first.

A new book is highlighting all the misconceptions you need to know about getting on board and it was written by a pilot.

“Everything you think you know about flying is wrong,” says Patrick Smith, author of the New York Times bestseller Cockpit Confidential.

Smith explains one common misunderstanding concerns what pilots actually do during a flight.

“There’s an idea out there that planes basically fly themselves and pilots are just sitting there in case something goes wrong and then turn into Captain Sullenberger and save the day. And that’s not at all how it is.”

Smith is also surprised by the number of travellers who are spooked by turbulence, when in reality it’s more a question of comfort and convenience than an actual safety issue. “People will have this idea that the plane is plummeting hundreds or even thousands of feet when it’s barely moving at all from its point in space.”

He thinks despite any fears people may have, flying is a safe way to get around.

“Flying is safer than it’s ever been, it’s cheaper than it’s ever been, and, in some ways, it’s actually more convenient, and more comfortable.”

Smith will admit flying has become less civilized over the years, but with that, more affordable.

“Talking about airfares specifically, when you adjust for inflation, fares nowadays are about half of what they were 30 years ago, and that’s after factoring all of those ancillary fees that people hate and airlines love.”

The book is now in its second edition.

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