The Real Reason People Touch the Airplane Before Boarding

One possible reason people touch an airplane is that they believe it brings good luck.

You may have seen someone tap the fuselage, place a palm against the side of the aircraft, or briefly touch it before climbing the boarding stairs.

The gesture may resemble other familiar superstitions: knocking on wood, carrying a lucky charm, or following the same routine before an important event.

Flying can feel emotionally significant, especially for people who are nervous about air travel. Even experienced travelers may have small habits that help them feel more

There’s more to discover. Continue to the next page for the rest of this article.