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

UK–Spain Winter Flights Offer 170,000 Fewer Seats

Nov 4, 2026 23:32 PM

Ryanair Adds Mallorca and Calabria Flights From Kassel

Nov 4, 2026 23:27 PM

UK Pet Passports Could Replace Costly Travel Certificates

Nov 4, 2026 23:14 PM

Seven Flights Caught Up in Bomb Alerts Across Europe

Nov 4, 2026 18:11 PM

Stockholm to Open New Hotel Near Four Major Arenas

Nov 4, 2026 17:59 PM

Avanti Christmas Tickets Released Ahead of Birmingham Rail Closure

Nov 4, 2026 12:56 PM

London’s Biggest Harry Potter Shop Opens With a Knight Bus Inside

Nov 4, 2026 12:43 PM

Cardiff Rugby Trains Added as Return Queues Move

Nov 4, 2026 11:38 AM

Dubai Reveals Invite-Only Rewards for Returning Tourists

Nov 4, 2026 11:25 AM

Ryanair Adds Porto and Brindisi as Klagenfurt Flights Surge

Nov 4, 2026 11:12 AM

UK Keeps Italy Protest Warning After Dropping Strike Notice

Nov 4, 2026 10:37 AM

Beirut Flights Expand as Travel Warnings Remain

Nov 4, 2026 10:24 AM

Storm Agneta Floods Rhodes as Tourists Told to Stay Indoors

Nov 3, 2026 11:11 AM

Discover Airlines to Launch Frankfurt–Belize Flights via Costa Rica

Nov 3, 2026 10:49 AM

Groningen Gets New Nonstop Route to the Dolomites

Nov 2, 2026 23:45 PM

Eurowings Adds Five Routes, Including Two to Italy

Nov 2, 2026 23:12 PM

Flying to the US? New Ebola Rules Start This Week

Nov 2, 2026 22:10 PM

Erasmus Students Keep Ryanair Discount but Lose Free Checked Bags

Oct 31, 2026 19:16 PM

Isle of Wight Trains Stop Today as Buses Take Over

Oct 31, 2026 18:53 PM

Scammers Threaten to Cancel Cruises in Fake Payment Emails

Oct 31, 2026 18:48 PM

Zurich Airport's Skymetro Cut to One Tunnel for Six Months

Oct 31, 2026 18:35 PM

Montenegro Tightens Entry Rules for Five Nationalities

Oct 31, 2026 18:22 PM

Air Montenegro Adds Five European Routes Before Christmas

Oct 31, 2026 18:17 PM

TAP Opens New Lisbon–Orlando Route for Florida Holidays

Oct 31, 2026 18:04 PM

Montreal Gets a New Istanbul Nonstop – and Asia Connections

Oct 31, 2026 14:31 PM

Eight Airlines Turn Flight Connections into City Breaks

Oct 31, 2026 14:29 PM