For some travelers, clapping when an airplane touches down feels like a natural reaction—an expression of relief, gratitude, or even excitement. After all, landing a massive aircraft safely is no small feat. However, a flight attendant has recently warned passengers that this habit might not be as harmless as it seems.
Argentinian flight attendant Barbara Bacilieri, who has a massive following on TikTok, shared in a recent video why clapping after landing isn’t the best idea. She explained that the moment the wheels hit the ground, the danger is not necessarily over. Unexpected incidents like brake failures, emergency reverse gear activations, or tire blowouts can still occur while the aircraft is decelerating on the runway.
Another point she raised is that pilots don’t even hear the applause. The cockpit door blocks the noise, making the gesture more of a passenger tradition than a meaningful acknowledgment of the crew’s work. Bacilieri also emphasized that a successful landing is never just the pilot’s achievement—it’s a coordinated effort involving air traffic controllers, ground crews, and the entire flight team.
A Divisive Tradition Among Passengers
The debate over clapping on airplanes has been ongoing for years. Some passengers believe it’s a respectful way to acknowledge the skill and responsibility of the pilots, especially in challenging weather conditions or tricky landings. Others, however, view it as unnecessary, outdated, or even embarrassing.
Frequent flyers and aviation professionals often dismiss the practice, arguing that landing safely is simply part of the job. In many parts of the world, clapping is rare, but in certain regions—particularly in Latin America, Southern Europe, and some Middle Eastern countries—it remains a common tradition.
Why the Debate Won’t End Anytime Soon
While Bacilieri’s warning adds a new layer to the discussion, whether passengers continue clapping ultimately comes down to personal choice. Those who enjoy the tradition may not be easily convinced to stop, while those who find it awkward will likely continue rolling their eyes when it happens.
One thing is certain—next time you land, you might think twice before joining in on the applause.
