Archive · 31 Jul 2025
Airlines Skip Row 13 Due to Superstition, Customer Comfort
Many airlines skip row 13 in their seating to make passengers feel more comfortable.
The number 13 is seen as unlucky in some cultures, with connections to events like the Last Supper.
Airlines want happy customers, so they avoid anything that might make them uneasy.
Some airlines also skip other numbers based on local beliefs, such as the number 4 in certain Asian countries, which is associated with death.
This shows how airlines adjust their practices to suit different cultural sensitivities.
Many airlines omit row 13 from their seating arrangements.
This practice is primarily due to long-held superstitions about the number 13.
The number 13 is considered unlucky in Western cultures and is linked to the Last Supper.
Some airlines also cater to cultural beliefs, such as avoiding the number 4 in some Asian countries.
Airlines prioritize passenger comfort and satisfaction by accommodating these beliefs.
- Who
- Airlines and their passengers.
- What
- Many airlines omit row 13 from their seat numbering.
- When
- This practice has been in place for a long time.
- Where
- Worldwide.
- Why
- Due to superstitions and for customer satisfaction.
Superstition Driven
Business Decisions
Cultural Beliefs
Superstition Driven
The number 13 is considered unlucky in Western cultures.
Business Decisions
Some cultures consider other numbers unlucky, such as 4 in China.
- Affected Row
- Row 13 (and sometimes others)
- Primary Reason
- Superstition
- Other Reasons
- Customer Satisfaction
- Notable Airlines
- Emirates, Ryanair, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa
- Alternative Number
- Some skip row 17 (Lufthansa)
- Cultural Influence
- Number 4 is unlucky in China