You have surely already wondered why some people cheer as the plane lands. This practice, although surprising to some, is actually quite common and can be explained by several reasons. In this article, we will try to understand the motivations behind this applause and analyze their meaning.
A mark of recognition towards the pilot
First of all, it is important to note that the applause is often a mark of recognition towards the pilot and his team. Indeed, landing an aircraft is not an easy task and requires technical skills and great concentration. Thus, by applauding, the passengers wish to show their gratitude for the work carried out and underline the success of the operation.
The crucial role of the pilot in passenger safety
In this context, it should not be forgotten that the pilot plays a crucial role in passenger safety. Its main mission is to transport travelers from point A to point B in complete safety, avoiding turbulence and adapting to sometimes difficult weather conditions. In short, it is thanks to the professionalism and experience of the pilot that one can travel by plane with confidence.
An expression of relief after a stressful flight
Several factors can make a flight stressful for passengers: fear of flying, turbulence or difficult weather conditions. In this context, applause on landing can be seen as an expression of reliefindicating that the trip ultimately went smoothly and that everyone arrived at their destination safely.
Fear of flying: a common phenomenon
It is essential to remember that the fear of flying affects many people. Indeed, it is estimated that around 20% of passengers are anxious when they fly. This fear can manifest itself in various symptoms, such as palpitations, cold sweats or even a feeling of suffocation. For these people, the landing therefore represents the end of a trying experience and deserves to be celebrated.
A cultural tradition in some countries
In some countries, it is customary toapplaud when the plane lands. This is mainly due to cultural and historical reasons. For example, in the countries of the former Soviet Union, it was common to applaud on landing to salute the work of the pilot, but also to express his enthusiasm at the idea of discovering a new destination.
Cultural differences in airplane behavior
It is interesting to note that the Airplane behavior varies across cultures. In some countries, passengers are rather quiet and reserved, while in others they are more expressive and loud. Likewise, there are differences in how passengers experience their flight experience: some may be very relaxed and serene, while others are more anxious and worried.
The group effect during applause
Finally, we cannot neglect thegroup effect in the spread of applause as the plane landed. Indeed, when a few people start clapping, it is possible that others feel encouraged to do the same, thus creating a collective movement.
Social influence on behavior
This phenomenon can be explained by the mechanism ofsocial influence, which refers to the tendency of individuals to adjust their behaviors according to those of other members of their group. Thus, if some people perceive applause as a social norm when landing, they will be more likely to comply with this practice.
There may be several reasons why some people cheer when the plane lands. Among them, we can mention the gratitude towards the pilot, the relief after a stressful flight, the cultural tradition or the group effect. Be that as it may, this practice is far from trivial and often testifies to a strong emotion felt by the passengers.
