Pilots are advised to keep certain practices in mind while flying.
Flight attendants in Argentina have shared some intriguing aviation rules aimed at ensuring safety. For instance, pilots should avoid eating the same meals as their co-pilots and even should not hold in gas. But, it raises the question—are these rules strict protocols, or just myths?
“Did you know pilots eat different meals?” asked Barbara Bacilieri, known as Barbie Bac to her nearly 5 million followers on social media. “The captain and co-pilot select different food options — one might pick chicken while the other chooses pasta.”
Bacilieri explained that the reason for this isn’t merely for variety; it’s a matter of safety. If both pilots consumed the same meal and it caused food poisoning, it could impair their ability to fly.
“Typically, the captain selects their dish first, and then the co-pilot has to choose something different,” Bacilieri elaborated. She pointed out that flight attendants play a key role in ensuring food is correctly loaded onto the aircraft.
However, some pilots have begun to question these stringent rules.
“Nowadays, many airlines are easing up on these regulations as hygiene standards at catering facilities have improved significantly,” said Charlie Page, a pilot flying major airlines. He also mentioned that pilots often face digestive issues from local foods eaten before a flight.
Another less conventional guideline? It’s actually better for pilots to let it out. Bacilieri emphasized that pilots are encouraged not to hold in gas, as discomfort could be distracting while they need to focus on flying.
This is especially relevant because flatulence tends to increase with altitude. “Pressure drops at high elevations, leading to a buildup of internal gases,” she noted. The focus, of course, should be on flying safely, not dealing with discomfort from gas.
While these “flatulence rules” aren’t officially documented, gastroenterologists have suggested that both crew and passengers should feel free to relieve themselves for comfort.
One of the more surprising rules is that pilots can officially conduct weddings under certain circumstances.
“Even though pilots aren’t priests, they can officiate weddings on board if an emergency arises,” Bacilieri shared. This typically happens if a couple wishes to marry during a flight, particularly under dire situations.
“It’s important to note that this is only applicable in extreme cases, like if a passenger is in critical condition and wishes to marry as a final request,” she explained, reminding us that passenger safety remains a pilot’s top priority.
Bacilieri’s claims about pilots officiating weddings have been met with skepticism from marriage experts. Casey Greenfield, a marriage law attorney in New York, indicated that neither pilots nor captains have the legal authority to perform weddings in-flight.
It’s worth mentioning that attempting to tie the knot in the air can pose some serious legal complications.
The legitimacy of such a marriage is complicated, particularly if the couple finds themselves unsure of which state’s laws apply if they were to separate after the flight.
“Marriage that occurs in the air shouldn’t remain ambiguous,” Greenfield advised.
