Have you ever noticed that on some flights, there’s no seat or row number 13? Often, the numbering skips from 12 directly to 14. This isn’t a mistake—it’s a deliberate decision made by many airlines.
But why would they choose to omit the number 13? In this article, I’ll explore some interesting reasons behind the absence of seat number 13 on airplanes. Let’s dive in!
The most common reason is linked to superstition, specifically a fear of the number 13, known as triskaidekaphobia. This fear has deep roots in Western cultures, particularly in Europe and the United States, where the number 13 has long been considered unlucky.
In Christian tradition, the Last Supper—Jesus' final meal before his crucifixion—had 13 attendees. Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, is often thought of as the 13th guest, leading to the association of 13 with betrayal and misfortune.
In Norse legend, a feast of 12 gods in Valhalla was disrupted when Loki, the god of mischief, arrived uninvited as the 13th guest.
His arrival set off a chain of events that led to the death of the beloved god Baldur, marking 13 as a number associated with disaster.
In Western culture, Friday the 13th is considered a particularly unlucky day. The combination of Friday—historically viewed as an unlucky day—and the ominous number 13 creates a day many people try to avoid for travel or significant events.
The decision to skip seat or row 13 is also influenced by triskaidekaphobia, as airlines aim to prevent discomfort for superstitious passengers.
Some travelers may feel uneasy or even anxious if they find themselves assigned to seat number 13, potentially leading to an unpleasant experience during their flight.
By omitting seat 13, airlines avoid unnecessary stress for these passengers, allowing them to board and settle in without worry. This small adjustment helps to ensure a more comfortable and relaxing journey for everyone.
Another factor behind the absence of seat number 13 is purely commercial. Airlines are highly conscious of their reputation and customer preferences.
They wouldn’t want to risk losing passengers simply due to superstition, especially when travelers might choose a competing airline that doesn’t assign this number.
Additionally, skipping seat 13 helps avoid potential disruptions during the boarding process, such as seat change requests from passengers uncomfortable with the number. By eliminating seat 13, airlines streamline the check-in process and reduce the likelihood of complaints.
The absence of the number 13 isn’t exclusive to the airline industry. It’s also common in other sectors, particularly in hospitality and high-rise buildings, where the number is often omitted to avoid unsettling visitors.
For instance, many hotels skip room number 13, and in some tall buildings, elevators bypass the 13th floor altogether, jumping from the 12th to the 14th. In some cases, the 13th floor might be labeled as 12A or 12B to avoid using the number directly.
This practice has become part of architectural design in many countries, especially in the West, where it’s seen as a minor change that can enhance customer comfort and satisfaction.
So, these are some reasons why airlines often skip seat number 13. However, not all airlines follow this practice, especially those based in regions where the number doesn’t carry negative associations.
In contrast, some cultures in East Asia, like China and Japan, avoid using the number 4, as it’s believed to bring bad luck. Similarly, the number 17 is considered unlucky in countries like Italy and Brazil.
What about you? Do you believe in unlucky numbers, or do you think it’s just a superstition?
