Flight Passengers’ Ritual of Touching Airplanes Before Boarding Sparks Mixed Feelings Among Travelers
With the holiday season in full swing, many are traveling by air to spend special days with their loved ones.
While many Americans are comfortable flying, some might get nervous, which is why some passengers tap a plane’s exterior prior to boarding.
“They tap the logo of the airline on the side of the plane as they board the aircraft. In one variation, people might kiss their fingers and then, by touching the logo, they are kissing the plane,” said Leff.
Leff explains that this small gesture helps travelers feel a sense of control over their fate, rather than leaving everything in the hands of the airplane and its pilots. “It’s a moment of connection,” he adds, “like the way you might greet a dear friend or a beloved pet.” This comforting ritual allows flyers to acknowledge the incredible journey ahead, battling fears as they soar into the sky at incredible speeds.
Brian Morris, the creator of “Flight Deck: Fear Of Flying Flash Cards,” has had his struggles with Aerophobia, the fear of flying. He shaped his reactions around small acts that brought comfort. “It was a habit that brought me a sense of comfort, as if I was establishing a connection with the plane and asking for its protection,” Morris says, reflecting on how these rituals hold meaning, however irrational they may seem.
“It’s funny how our minds work; I thought that this little act somehow warded off danger, even though, deep down, I knew it was just a superstition,” he admits, capturing the universal struggle with anxiety and the lengths people will go to find solace. Aerophobia affects over 25 million Americans, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic. Morris learned that understanding modern aviation was vital to overcoming his fears, revealing that the ritual of tapping was ultimately grounded in anxiety rather than safety.
Across social media platforms like TikTok, users have shared their airplane-tapping stories. One woman posed a relatable question, “How many of you guys, when you’re getting on a plane, … tap the plane or do the Sign of the Cross or, like, kiss the plane?” Responses ranged from enthusiastic participation to outright confusion, showcasing the diverse perspectives on this quirky ritual.
Comments revealed the variety of approaches to flying. One user whimsically noted, “no but I ask Angels to carry us safely to our destination,” while another asserted, “Umm. No, I just want to sit down and put my headphones on.” These contrasting views reveal not just individual coping mechanisms, but also the broader human experience of travel anxiety, where each person navigates their fears in their own way.
A humorous TikTok video featured one family member adamantly touching the plane, jokingly claiming, “Saving everyone from a plane crash by touching it before she enters. A tireless job, but she does it!” This light-hearted perspective underscores the importance of humor in easing tension during travel, as hundreds chimed in to admit their own “plane tapping” rituals.
Morris highlighted additional common rituals among nervous flyers, such as lifting their feet during takeoff, praying, or tapping overhead bins when landing. “Some wear lucky clothing, like socks, while others listen to the same familiar song on repeat throughout their journey. I was definitely guilty of this one,” he recalled, emphasizing the shared human tendency to seek comfort amidst worry.
As travelers board their flights this holiday season, the unexpected bond created by these small actions may offer them a chance to connect not just with the aircraft but with each other as they confront fears together. The blend of nervousness and humor in these rituals humanizes the experience of flying, one tap or prayer at a time.
