If you’ve been on a flight in which people clapped as soon as the plane landed and wondered why, you’re not alone. While the origins of clapping are unclear, there are various reasons why people do this. For some, it could be the joy or gratitude of having reached their destination. In other cases, and especially for those with a fear of flying, it could be a public display of relief at a safe landing, besides expressing their gratitude to the pilots and crew.
This guide dives deeper into the origins of clapping when the plane lands and the various reasons behind this.
The History of Clapping on Landing
According to historians, human beings have been clapping their hands together as a sign of approval for millennia. However, the origins of this tradition upon a plane’s landing remains unclear. Despite its fuzzy origins, many people agree that clapping on a plane can be a rather welcome or polite gesture.
According to a quote on BuzzFeed, the work of the pilots and crew can often be stressful, especially when they have to deal with troublesome passengers or tricky flight conditions. A clap at the end, according to this user, is a simple but welcome gesture, much like the “thank you” you’d say to the bus driver once you reach your designated stop.
Regardless of people’s preference for this tradition, one theory states that clapping likely began as a tradition when flying was much less popular among the masses and also a lot riskier. This theory likely emerged from a time when airplane technology wasn’t as advanced as it is today, which could make every successful flight seem like a big win.
According to Mic, the earliest record of passengers clapping upon a plane’s landing was in an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer. According to this piece, the 40 passengers on board the plane clapped when the plane managed to land successfully despite a fault landing gear that had the plane circling the Cincinnati Airport for almost 15 minutes. Given this record, the theory mentioned above seems to make the most sense.
The Main Reasons Why People Clap When an Airplane Lands
There are several different reasons why people clap when a plane lands, and these are discussed in the sections below.
A Sense of Relief
Flying can often be a stressful experience for many. For example, if you have a fear of flying, the idea of being in a plane tens of thousands of feet into the air can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety.
Besides those with a fear of flying, it can also be a stressful experience for someone who’s never been on a flight before. The sound of the engine and the turbulence can often add to this. Long flights, in particular, can be physically and mentally exhausting, making passengers eager to reach their destination. If you’re wondering how to stay comfortable and entertained, we have a lot of useful tips on what to do on a long flight.
As a result, the act of clapping can be a means of expressing a sense of relief at the end of a stressful journey and an expression of gratitude for a safe landing.
The Group Effect
We know that human beings are social creatures, but this innate nature also extends to the manner in which they influence each other in social situations. When some passengers, potentially those who intend to express a sense of relief start clapping, others often end up following suit, creating a ripple effect.
This phenomenon is known as the group effect or “social conformity” and results in people imitating actions they see others performing, especially in a group situation. This mechanism explains why, even though only a few may initially applaud the crew, the others eventually join in.
Gratitude to the Pilot and Crew
Another key reason why you’ll find people clapping when the plane lands is to express their gratitude to the pilots and crew. Their skills are what often lead to them flying a plane with no issues or accidents, and people sometimes show their appreciation for the same.
This applause is often a lot more meaningful in situations where the flight lands safely with no harm to the passengers when it faces a great deal of turbulence. Navigating turbulent weather requires immense skill, and the applause becomes a way to appreciate them and the crew for their professionalism in such challenging situations.
Cultural Traditions
Some parts of the world see clapping as a custom or cultural tradition. You will often see people clap when the plane lands in Latin America or Eastern Europe. In these places, the applause is almost considered a ritual; a way of celebrating the safe landing at one’s destination.
This tradition often has its roots in historical behavior, such as in places where flying is still considered to be a luxury. This is why you might find several first-time flyers clapping at the end of their journey as a way of expressing their excitement and gratitude. For those new to air travel, the experience can be overwhelming, from navigating airport procedures to understanding in-flight etiquette, but we have useful tips for first-time flyers to help make their journey smoother and less stressful.
A Festive Moment
Like the other reasons mentioned above, people clap when a plane lands because it is often seen as a festive moment. Take the off case where someone books an entire flight for their family to attend a wedding. The entire journey in this case is seen as a part of the celebrations, and you could find all the passengers applauding the successful end to their journey.
However, this isn’t limited to such one-off cases. The completion of a flight can also be seen as a festive moment for a first-time flyer or for someone who deals with anxiety over the course of their journey. It’s closely interlinked with the reasons mentioned above. Unfortunately, not all passengers get to experience this moment, as some may be denied boarding due to overbooking. If you ever find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know your rights and the possible compensation for an overbooked flight, as airlines are often required to offer alternatives or financial reimbursement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various reasons why people clap when a plane lands. These reasons could be rooted in their psychology or even in their culture. Understanding these reasons offers several possible explanations for the human mind and behavior in different contexts.
The next time you see people clapping at the end of your flight, you will easily be able to piece together their reason for doing so — there could be one or even several reasons why.
FAQ
According to some people, applauding the pilot and crew upon a plane’s landing implies they’ve done something extraordinary rather than something that’s just a part of their job; it is seen as potentially disrespectful.
In most cases, the pilots may not be able to hear when the passengers clap. When they do, they could either be appreciative, especially if it was a tumultuous landing, or they may be indifferent. These patterns could vary based on psychological or cultural contexts.
Pilots often cannot hear when passengers clap for them. This is often because of the immense size of a plane and the distance between the cockpit and the cabin.