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

Economy Beds Without Business Class Prices

Mar 27, 2026 22:08 PM

Gdańsk Expands Summer Map With Over 190 Routes

Mar 27, 2026 21:56 PM

Biometric Checks Cause Long Queues At Spanish Airports

Mar 27, 2026 01:42 AM

Europe Gains More Premium Links To The Maldives

Mar 27, 2026 01:37 AM

Jet2 Adds Thassos to Birmingham Summer 2027 Programme

Mar 27, 2026 01:24 AM

Wizz Air Expands App-Based Ordering Across Its Fleet

Mar 26, 2026 21:21 PM

FMO Adds Fuerteventura and Rhodes to Summer Flights

Mar 26, 2026 21:19 PM

London Southend Ties Giveaway To Summer Routes

Mar 26, 2026 21:05 PM

Electric Air Taxis Move Closer To Real Airport Use

Mar 26, 2026 20:53 PM

Four Seasons Expands Travel Options With First Yacht

Mar 25, 2026 23:28 PM

Quantum Navigation Trial Begins on Britain’s Railway Network

Mar 25, 2026 23:06 PM

Minor Hotels Launches Colbert Collection With First Opening in Italy

Mar 25, 2026 22:52 PM

airBaltic Adds Winter Routes Linking Ski Resorts and Canary Islands

Mar 25, 2026 22:47 PM

LaplandUK Expands Festive Experience Ahead of 2026 Ticket Release

Mar 25, 2026 22:34 PM

Fuel Limits and Shorter Hours Affect Travel Beyond Middle East

Mar 25, 2026 11:41 AM

Easter Holiday Travel Picks Up at Bristol Airport

Mar 25, 2026 11:39 AM

New Halifax–Copenhagen Route Expands Scandinavia–Canada Connections

Mar 25, 2026 11:25 AM

Hahn Adds Rabat and Eastern Europe Routes for Summer 2026

Mar 25, 2026 00:23 AM

Newcastle–Bergen Ferry Could Return After 18 Years

Mar 25, 2026 00:18 AM

Hydrogen Cruise Ship Set for First Sailings in 2026

Mar 24, 2026 22:56 PM

Bremen Adds Extra Ryanair Flights to Zadar and Málaga

Mar 24, 2026 22:42 PM

Slovakia Bans Certain Food Imports Over Disease Risk

Mar 24, 2026 11:47 AM

Gatwick Adds Bucharest Route With Six Weekly Flights

Mar 24, 2026 11:34 AM

Wind Alert May Affect Sumburgh Flights

Mar 24, 2026 11:21 AM

Transavia Moves Flights as Eindhoven Closes for Renovation

Mar 24, 2026 11:19 AM

Birmingham’s New HS2 Station Set to Open in 2030

Mar 23, 2026 22:55 PM