Photo: gorodenkoff (Getty Images)
When a plane lands, what’s the first thing that often happens? Does the captain go on the PA and tell you where you just arrived and thank you for flying with them? Does the flight crew remind you to stay seated while the plane taxis? Do your fellow passengers jump up and grab their bags out of the overhead compartments while the plane is still zooming down the runway? Do you make a mad dash for the bathroom to relieve yourself before anyone else gets the idea first?
Or does everyone clap triumphantly as if some magical, amazing feat has just occurred? If excited/sarcastic clapping is the first thing that happens when your plane lands, you shouldn’t be surprised. It’s a surprisingly common occurrence. But why?
While the strange phenomenon’s genesis is murky at best, some believe it’s been happening for decades. And by decades, we mean since 1948. This is when the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that a plane, which had malfunctioning landing gear, was able to make a safe landing and the passengers clapped to show their appreciation. Whether that’s what started the bizarre trend or not, we don’t know.
This brings us to one question. If you’re on a plane and everyone claps, do you join in or not? Keep reading to see why you should or shouldn’t partake in this ridiculous tradition.
Clap or Dont Clap
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The flight was filled with turbulence.
Flights that are filled with turbulence seem to have a higher likelihood of clapping at landing. This is likely because the passengers are happy to be alive and safe on the ground. Why not join in and clap?
Verdict: Clap.
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Nothing special happened.
You flew on a small plane, there was no turbulence, and you landed comfortably and on time. Yet a few people still feel the need to clap for no apparent reason. Don’t join in this ridiculousness.
Verdict: Don't clap.
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The plane was forced to circle for a long time.
Regardless of turbulence, if your flight was required to circle for an annoying amount of time before landing, feel free to show your enthusiasm or sarcasm by clapping profusely.
Verdict: Clap.
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You’re in a country where clapping is common.
While you might not be lucky (or unlucky) enough to be in a clap-filled flight in the US, the practice is more common in many European countries. If that’s the common practice, join in.
Verdict: Clap.
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Flying isn’t a performance.
You clap at the end of a play, great film, or some other type of performance. But flying a plane isn’t a performance by a pilot. Do you clap when an Uber takes you to the right destination?
Verdict: Don't clap.
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Don’t be a stick in the mud.
Regardless of whether you find clapping annoying, abrasive, or simply dumb, not everyone else does. While some people clap for no apparent reasons, some less frequent, nervous travelers might clap because they reached their destination and they’re glad they made it safely. Don’t rain on their parade.
Verdict: Clap.
