In his book "The Sex Lives of Cannibals: Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific," author J. Maarten Troost uses humor to convey the whimsical nature of air travel. He suggests that the act of flying feels almost miraculous, as if propelled by capricious fairies and unseen forces. This imagery captures the blend of wonder and uncertainty that many passengers experience when boarding an airplane.

Troost's playful metaphor reflects the complexities and unpredictability of air travel, which often leaves travelers both amazed and anxious. The concept of invisible strings guiding planes resonates with those who feel a certain magic in the experience of flight, even amid the challenges involved in modern travel.