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

Ten Jet2 Flights Could Give Passengers Eclipse Views

Aug 11, 2026 23:54 PM

Etna Eruption Halts Catania Flights Until Wednesday Morning

Aug 11, 2026 23:41 PM

$4,600 Amanvari Stay Cancelled Hours Before Reviewer Arrived

Aug 11, 2026 23:18 PM

Child’s Seatbelt Refusal Led to Toronto Flight Cancellation

Aug 11, 2026 23:05 PM

Finnair Highlights Five Unusual Overnight Stays

Aug 11, 2026 22:52 PM

Heathrow Drama Delays British Airways Las Vegas Flight

Aug 10, 2026 23:39 PM

A Torn Passport Left One Brit Behind

Aug 9, 2026 02:46 AM

A New St Francis Pilgrimage Route Crosses Six Italian Regions

Aug 9, 2026 02:33 AM

A Tiny Sail-Powered Ferry Is Testing an England–France Route

Aug 9, 2026 02:27 AM

Visited DR Congo? You’ll Need 21 Days Before a U.S. Flight

Aug 9, 2026 02:14 AM

Ryanair Links Nuremberg with Agadir This Winter

Aug 9, 2026 02:01 AM

KLM Brings Amsterdam–Tel Aviv Flights Back via Cyprus

Aug 9, 2026 01:58 AM

Italy Adds Late-Night Hours at Top Attractions

Aug 9, 2026 01:45 AM

Time Out Named the World’s Best Cities for Gen Z

Aug 8, 2026 18:52 PM

Morocco Gets 17 New Ryanair Routes This Winter

Aug 8, 2026 18:49 PM

Delta Connects Atlanta and Riyadh Nonstop

Aug 8, 2026 18:36 PM

London Faces 26 Days of Bus Strikes

Aug 8, 2026 18:23 PM

Greek Islands See a Post-Odyssey Booking Boost

Aug 8, 2026 03:17 AM

Scotland Looks to Take Its Sleeper Train to Europe

Aug 8, 2026 03:04 AM

Passport Checks That Could Stop Your Holiday

Aug 8, 2026 02:51 AM

Manchester Power Cut Disrupts Trains for Second Day

Aug 8, 2026 00:58 AM

Hilton Lines Up New Hotels Across Ireland

Aug 7, 2026 21:45 PM

Graffiti Could Cost Tourist €30,050 in Granada

Aug 7, 2026 21:32 PM

Airport Bus Error Leaves Family 150 Miles From Home

Aug 7, 2026 21:29 PM

Dublin or Cork? Bordeaux Has Direct Flights to Both

Aug 6, 2026 21:36 PM

Iberia Will Stream Spain’s Eclipse From Above the Clouds

Aug 6, 2026 21:23 PM