Why pilots can be offended by passengers' applause after landing: an expert gives an answer

By TravelWiseSep 14, 2023 15:46 PMNews
Share:
Pilots may be offended by passengers' applause after landing. Source: Freepik

For decades, passengers have been following the tradition of applause after landing an airplane. This is how travelers express their gratitude to the pilots who made the landing soft and the flight safe.

However, etiquette expert Joe Bryant strongly discourages this practice. According to his words, which were reported by the Express, pilots can misinterpret applause.

"Applause is not necessary after landing, and it is rude from the pilots' point of view. If the landing is good, clapping shows surprise at their skill. If the landing is bad, the applause would be offensively sarcastic," the expert said.

It's not nice to clap for pilots. Source: Freepik
It's not nice to clap for pilots. Source: Freepik

In addition, pilots are not likely to even hear what is happening on board, as their cockpit is soundproofed. If passengers want to thank the pilots for their professional work, they can take gifts for the crew on board.

By the way, the first time people started applauding was after the plane landed in the United States. The first officially documented case dates back to 1948. Back then, an American Airlines flight landed in Ohio after its landing gear failed. The pilots were able to land the plane without any casualties or serious injuries, and the travelers thanked them in this way and started a tradition.

Top Articles

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News

ITA Airways Joins Miles & More Network in April

Mar 22, 2026 14:36 PM

€19 Rail Fares Launch on Amsterdam–Berlin Route

Mar 22, 2026 14:22 PM

Memmingen Expands Summer Map With 56 Destinations

Mar 21, 2026 23:07 PM

Zurich Adds Namibia Route for Summer 2026

Mar 21, 2026 22:54 PM

Airlines Signal Summer Fare Increases as Fuel Costs Rise

Mar 21, 2026 02:31 AM

Lufthansa Adds Lapland Routes in Winter 2026

Mar 21, 2026 02:29 AM

Iberia Expands Summer Network with Record Seat Boost

Mar 21, 2026 02:15 AM

Spain Easter Travel Hit by Airport Strikes

Mar 20, 2026 22:53 PM

Airport Quiet Zones Open at East Midlands

Mar 20, 2026 22:48 PM

UK Passport Fees Pass £100 Mark

Mar 20, 2026 02:46 AM

UK Airport Drop-Off Fees Climb as Free Options Fade

Mar 20, 2026 02:37 AM

Antalya Flights Return Daily from Paderborn

Mar 20, 2026 02:22 AM

Turkish Airlines Adds Stansted Link to Istanbul

Mar 20, 2026 02:14 AM

Flights to Gulf Cities Suspended Until Mid-May

Mar 19, 2026 23:08 PM

BA Launches Free Starlink Wi-Fi on First Houston Flight

Mar 19, 2026 22:51 PM

Hannover Airport Gears Up for Busy Easter Travel Season

Mar 19, 2026 22:45 PM

Fuel Shock Forces SAS to Cut April Flights

Mar 19, 2026 11:19 AM

Grand Hyatt Opens in Izmir After Major Redesign

Mar 19, 2026 11:03 AM

Cutty Sark Station Reopens Early After Major Upgrade

Mar 18, 2026 19:26 PM

Ritz-Carlton Yachts Plan New Routes for Winter 2027–2028

Mar 18, 2026 19:17 PM

Belgrade Airport Adds Self Check-In and Bag Drop

Mar 18, 2026 19:02 PM

EU Tests Pre-Travel App to Ease Border Queues

Mar 18, 2026 18:54 PM

Paderborn Airport to Host Travel Fair in April

Mar 18, 2026 16:58 PM

Eurowings Adds Greek Island Connections via Aegean Partnership

Mar 18, 2026 16:41 PM

British Airways Pauses Dubai Flights Until June Amid Ongoing Disruption

Mar 18, 2026 16:35 PM

Heathrow Adds New Routes Across Europe, US and Asia for Summer 2026

Mar 18, 2026 16:29 PM