Cracking the code of travel superstitions: Here's what works (and what doesn't)

Simple rituals can help ease anxiety in uncertain travel times. But can they ensure a better trip?

Do you knock three times on the airplane fuselage before you board a flight? Or do you carry a lucky rabbit’s foot on vacation? If you do, then you might be a superstitious traveler.

Paula Gill is one of them. Whenever she takes her seat on a plane, she remembers the recent crashes — and makes the sign of the cross.

“I’m not particularly religious,” says …