What are your favorite travel myths?
 

The "lieing to get in to business class" thread, got me thinking... what commonly held, totally wrong, travel related myths do you run in to while traveling? I think the most common one I see is people who believe wearing a suit increases their chances at a first class/Business class upgrade. But I'm interested to hear what other people run in to on a regular basis.

What are your favorite travel myths?
 

Southwest is always the cheapest airline.

Just today: Your hotel room keycard includes your name and your credit card info on the magnetic stripe, so you should never just throw it away.

myths about business travelers
myths about luxury hotel guests
myths about J/F passengers
("average" does not mean "every")

the phrase "once in a lifetime" for example

Only economy is worth paying for on domestic flights.

especially when it can be extremely little to upgrade

Wear a wedding dress and get upgraded along with the groom. I saw it at check in for a flight to French Polynesia on Air Tahiti Nui. It didn't work. I suspect she wasn't the only bride on the flight.

The media helps perpetuate the stupid "wear a suit for free upgrade" myth. It's fun to watch people try it though. Meanwhile I'll just go ask for a seat in a row with no one in the middle seat and usually get it.

The $20 bill trick.

When I'm traveling with checked bag(s), sometimes it's cheaper to pay for first and take the free checked bags. There's also the last-minute situations where first is just cheaper, but that's never happened to me.

The flight from hell
 

AKA the worst flight ever (because the plane was full or the flight was delayed or a connection was missed or the FA did not smile).

Shuly

I can attest from personal experience that this isn't a myth. I always tip the check in clerk and always get some sort of upgrade. But it's only ever worked in Vegas.

You're traveling in international business class? You must have money to burn! (As a matter of fact, we use $100 bills for fuel.)

First class this time? Don't you worry about retirement? (Nah. We plan on living under a bridge and eating cat food -- thanks for your concern!)

There's only one airline worth flying, and that is _________. (Sorry, no.)

"Travel is expensive"

"I travel for work" when one doesn't ever leave the hotel/office

i recently did last minute transcon
i wanted best itin and did not have much flexibility
some had no Y, some had full fare Y middle seats
was not much more for F - easy decision