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

Frankfurt Airport’s Terminal Train Is Back

Jun 16, 2026 05:06 AM

Madrid Gets a Direct Toronto Link

Jun 16, 2026 04:53 AM

Brussels Kicks Out Rental E-Scooters

Jun 16, 2026 03:47 AM

Majorca Airport Strike Could Hit Flights

Jun 15, 2026 22:54 PM

Ireland Gets a UK-Free Route to France

Jun 13, 2026 07:51 AM

Zante Flights Face a Turtle Curfew

Jun 13, 2026 07:48 AM

Luton Airport Express Gets Better Trains

Jun 13, 2026 07:35 AM

Souvenir Passport Stamps Can Backfire

Jun 13, 2026 07:22 AM

Ryanair Family Seat Fees Face UK Probe

Jun 13, 2026 07:19 AM

Balearics Could Ban Full-Face Veils

Jun 13, 2026 07:06 AM

Gatwick Gets Night Trains for Early Flights

Jun 13, 2026 06:53 AM

Four Seasons Plans a Second Yacht

Jun 13, 2026 06:47 AM

Berlin Gets Direct Sofia Flights

Jun 13, 2026 06:34 AM

Jet2 Opens Early Winter Sun Sales

Jun 13, 2026 06:21 AM

Nantes Gets a Direct Canada Link

Jun 13, 2026 06:18 AM

Passport Doodle Forces Last-Minute Flight Change

Jun 13, 2026 06:05 AM

Madrid Gets Its First Nobu Hotel

Jun 12, 2026 22:02 PM

Etihad Adds Eight Summer Routes

Jun 12, 2026 21:59 PM

KLM Adds Flexibility for Long-Haul Trips

Jun 12, 2026 21:46 PM

Stockholm Is Getting an Underground Hotel

Jun 12, 2026 21:33 PM

Passengers Caught in Baggage Mix-Up Scheme at Toronto Pearson

Jun 12, 2026 21:27 PM

Europe Border Queues Could Hit Trips

Jun 11, 2026 22:44 PM

A French Island Retreat Reopens Near Bandol

Jun 11, 2026 22:31 PM

Power Banks Face Tougher Flight Rules

Jun 11, 2026 22:28 PM

Finnair Puts Turku and Tampere Back on the Map

Jun 11, 2026 22:15 PM

Sardinia Beach Trips Now Need a Plan

Jun 11, 2026 22:02 PM