Clapping during landing is a controversial tradition, particularly popular among Israeli passengers. As the plane's wheels touch the ground, some passengers erupt into applause, while others wait awkwardly for the cheering to end. However, is avoiding clapping advisable for safety reasons, and not just for style or etiquette? Some believe it is.
The Argentine flight attendant and social media influencer Bárbara Bacchieri, known as "Barbiebac," shared her opinion on the matter in a TikTok video. "Although some passengers clap upon landing, I don’t recommend it," said Bacchieri, who has 4.8 million TikTok followers. She explained that the pilot can’t even hear the clapping due to the cockpit door blocking the noise.
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Additionally, she cited possible post-landing malfunctions, such as brake failure, emergency deployment of thrust reversers, or tire blowouts, as strong reasons to remain quiet. "Until the plane comes to a complete stop, surprises may arise that could require an urgent evacuation rather than a round of applause," she said. However, Bacchieri emphasized that she is not calling for a ban on the practice and agrees it is a personal choice for each passenger. "You can show your appreciation at the end of the flight with a polite thank-you," she concluded. "The pilot and crew are usually waiting at the exit, giving you a chance to express your gratitude."
Is clapping dangerous?
Is Bacchieri exaggerating? To find out, Ynet spoke to Yael, a veteran flight attendant who recently retired after many years of service. "Factually, what she says is very accurate," Yael said. "Until a plane completes its landing process on the ground, advances to the jet bridge, and comes to a full stop, accidents can happen. This is why it's critical not to unbuckle your seatbelt or stand up prematurely."
Yael explained that clapping during landing has long been a way for passengers to express their gratitude to the pilot. "Small children learn on their very first flight that this is part of the experience. In Israeli airlines, it’s not seen as offensive or disrespectful to the pilots—quite the opposite. I don’t think Israelis will stop clapping during landings, and I doubt there will ever be an official directive from the cockpit to address the issue."
Other passenger behaviors
Clapping isn’t the only behavior that can irritate the flight crew during a landing. Yael also criticized passengers’ actions in the final moments of a flight. "There’s always one smart-aleck passenger who rushes to stand up, open the overhead bin, and grab their carry-on before the plane has come to a full stop. We immediately call them out and tell them to sit down and buckle up until the plane has completely stopped."