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People get a little freaked out by the number 13. Thus, Belgian carrier Brussels Airlines is scrambling to change the logo design on the tail and sides of its Airbus jets — a design that, up until recently, was comprised of 13 balls that formed the letter “b.”The change came in response to superstitious American and Italian customers who had complained about the logo. According to Brussels Airlines spokesman Geert Sciot, “They said they were not pleased with an aircraft with a logo with 13 balls because they think it brings them bad luck.”

It may seem surprising, but it shouldn’t be. You may have noticed that many buildings don’t have a 13th floor, and that you can’t find row 13 on some airplanes. Says Bruce Hood of Bristol University: “There are many examples in business where people make decisions based on intuitive reasoning which are in fact woefully incorrect, in fact very irrational.”

But for Brussels Airlines, the irrational choice turned out to be best for their business.

An unnamed individual is slated to spend $150 million on an Airbus A380 — the world’s largest plane — for personal use. Then he’ll spend up to another $150 million upgrading the jet to create the ultimate “Flying Palace.”Normally configured for passenger use, the plane could seat up to 853 people. But when you’re designing for one, you have room to create your own mobile mansion — two dining areas, a 600-plus-square-foot master bedroom, and whirlpool tub, and — because this particular buyer is a Middle Eastern head of state — a missile-defense system.

It’s like my apartment. With wings and a missile defense system. And three or four times bigger.

The only downside to globe-trotting in the most awesome display of wealth conceivable by modern man, is that these private jumbo jets are so enormous that they can’t land in many of the world’s high-end jet ports.

Although, with a plane like that, why would you ever want to land in the first place?

Starting February 28, the maximum amount airlines can be required to pay after losing your luggage will be $3,000 — $200 more than the previous limit.But don’t get your hopes up. The chances of actually getting that much money are slim to none. Namely, because while they’ve set a max payout, the government still allows the airlines to decide how much they’ll give you in return for your missing bag and its contents.

According to travel lawyer Al Anolik, not only is the claims process difficult to navigate, its filled with rules that — not surprisingly — favor the airlines. In addition, many expensive items — like jewelry and electronic goods — aren’t eligible for reimbursement. Subsequently, payouts are a usually a fraction of the government’s limit.

Says Anolik, “They can exclude (from payment) everything but dirty underwear. It’s hard to get to $3,000 from dirty underwear.”

Have you ever tried to get reimbursed for lost luggage? Was it really that bad?