What does a pilot really think when you applaud after a plane touches down?
While flight passengers might attempt to show gratitude for a safe landing, some say this act could offend or come across as rude to those steering the aircraft.
Flight passengers debate clapping upon touchdown, and the reactions from major airline pilots vary wildly. Rosie Panter, a travel expert with Dealchecker, has some strong feelings about the flying ritual. “A round of applause. Two words. No and no,” she stated plainly in an interview with the Daily Express, a prominent British newspaper.
She suggests that if the flight has experienced turbulence or a challenging approach, a subtle gesture of thanks might be more appropriate than clapping. “Let’s leave that in the past,” she adds, highlighting a sense of tradition that may no longer hold relevance.
However, opinions diverge. A major airline pilot, who remains anonymous for confidentiality, admits they find some enjoyment in the applause following a particularly turbulent flight. “Or it could be like a super turbulent, windy, you know, like everybody holding their breath and landing, and then it lands, and it’s beautiful and everybody claps then, too,” she shared, reflecting on the mix of tension and relief that often accompanies those landings.
The truth is, many pilots might not even hear the clapping at all. The expanse of the airplane and the placement of the cockpit create a barrier, one not easily penetrated by sounds of appreciation from the cabin. Yet, those who manage to feel the vibrational echo of clapping often perceive it as a form of recognition for their craft. “It’s like clapping for someone performing,” one pilot mused, indicating that applause signifies acknowledgment of skill, even when executing a routine task.
An etiquette specialist offered a contrarian viewpoint, suggesting clapping is unnecessary and may be perceived as a slight. “If the landing is good, clapping suggests surprise at such skill,” she explained, illuminating the risk of misinterpretation involved in this action. “If the landing is bad, applause could come off as sarcastic.” Still, Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert and former flight attendant, rebuffed this claim. “Passengers are simply showing their appreciation for the pilot’s skill in landing the plane safely,” she affirmed, advocating for clapping as a benign act of gratitude.
As passengers exit, it is common to hear the phrase, “Thank you for a safe flight.” One pilot admitted her discomfort with this phrase, considering it a given expectation of the job. “I want a safe flight too. I’m on this plane, too. I want to get home to my family just as badly as you,” she candidly expressed, reflecting a sense of shared human experience amidst the professionalism of flying.
Instead, gratitude could be expressed by acknowledging an “enjoyable flight” or commending a smooth landing. The acknowledgment from a passenger can reinstate humanity in the sterile cockpit and cabin environment, providing a moment of connection.
Whitmore agrees that such gestures reflect good manners. In a world where individuals often bury themselves behind screens, a personal touch can be deeply impactful. “If you do get a chance to stand in the doorway, most people are staring down at their phones,” a pilot lamented, observing the disconnect. “So, I enjoy any kind of engagement where you get to say, ‘You’re welcome’ or ‘Thanks so much.’”
Ultimately, the applause after landing is shrouded in layers of intention and interpretation. Whether received with warmth or caution, it symbolizes a shared journey, echoing in the hearts of those who soar above the clouds, where the air is thin, but emotions run deep.
