Clapping on Planes: A Flight Attendant Explains Why You Shouldn't Do It

Clapping on Landing – A Controversial Tradition

For some passengers, clapping when a plane safely touches down is an instinctive reaction—an expression of relief, gratitude, or even cultural tradition. But for others, including many flight attendants, it’s an unnecessary, outdated, and even frustrating habit.

One flight attendant who has spoken out against this practice is Argentine social media influencer Barbara Baciglieri, known to her 4.8 million TikTok followers as "Barbiebac." In a viral video, Baciglieri explained why passengers should reconsider their applause, citing both etiquette and safety concerns.

Why Clapping Annoys Flight Crews

Flight attendants and pilots take pride in delivering passengers safely to their destinations, but according to Baciglieri, clapping isn’t the best way to show appreciation. In fact, most pilots don’t even hear the applause due to the closed cockpit door.

So, while passengers might believe their clapping is a show of gratitude, it often goes unnoticed by the very people they are trying to thank. Instead, Baciglieri suggests a simple and direct approach: "You can express your appreciation at the end of the flight with a polite ‘thank you.’ The pilot and crew usually wait at the exit, giving you a chance to show your gratitude."

The Hidden Safety Risks of Clapping Too Soon

Beyond etiquette, Baciglieri raises an important safety concern—landing isn’t over the moment the wheels touch the ground. She explains that even after touchdown, unexpected issues can arise, such as:

• Brake failures – If the aircraft’s brakes malfunction, the pilot may have difficulty slowing down.
• Thrust reverser deployment – This system helps slow the plane, but improper deployment can lead to sudden movements.
• Tire blowouts – The intense pressure on landing gear can cause a tire to burst, requiring immediate response from the flight crew.

In extreme cases, passengers might need to evacuate the aircraft. If everyone is distracted clapping and celebrating, they may not react quickly to important instructions.

"Until the plane comes to a complete stop, unexpected situations may arise that could require an emergency evacuation, which is far more important than clapping," Baciglieri warns.

Clapping vs. Standing Up Too Early – Which is Worse?

Flight attendants often have pet peeves, and clapping isn’t the only behavior that irritates them. One Israeli flight attendant we spoke with shared another common complaint: impatient passengers who stand up the moment the plane stops moving.

"There’s always a smart passenger who rushes to get up and retrieve their trolley from the overhead bin," she said, noting that this can be dangerous if the plane hasn’t fully parked. Sudden braking or movement can cause luggage to fall or passengers to lose balance.

Airline crews always instruct passengers to remain seated with seat belts fastened until the seatbelt sign is turned off—but, as frequent flyers know, not everyone follows this rule.

Should Clapping Be Banned?

Despite her concerns, Baciglieri doesn’t call for an outright ban on clapping. She acknowledges that for some cultures, applauding after landing is a long-standing tradition. Israeli travelers, in particular, are known for enthusiastically clapping upon landing, seeing it as a sign of appreciation rather than an annoyance.

At the end of the day, clapping is a personal choice. However, flight attendants hope that passengers will be more mindful of when and how they express their gratitude—perhaps waiting until the crew can actually hear it.

The Best Way to Thank Your Flight Crew

If you truly want to show appreciation for a safe flight, here are some better alternatives to clapping:

• A simple "thank you" – As Baciglieri suggests, a kind word to the flight crew when deplaning is more meaningful.
• A compliment to the airline – If you received excellent service, consider leaving positive feedback through the airline’s customer service or social media channels.
• Respecting safety protocols – Following crew instructions, staying seated when required, and being courteous to fellow passengers also make their jobs easier.

The Verdict: To Clap or Not to Clap?

Clapping upon landing may seem harmless, but flight attendants like Barbara Baciglieri believe there are better ways to express appreciation. Not only do pilots not hear it, but passengers should also remain alert in case of unexpected post-landing issues.

So, next time your plane touches down, consider saving the applause and instead offering a genuine "thank you" to the crew as you exit. After all, the best way to appreciate airline staff is by listening to their guidance and following safety rules.