Right before a pilot lands, they will typically make an announcement to the passengers informing them that the plane is beginning its descent and to prepare for landing. They may also give instructions on how to fasten seatbelts or stow away any items that are not allowed during takeoff and landing.

As a flight begins its final approach, the pilot typically delivers a "Welcome to Destination" announcement designed to provide essential info and a smooth transition to ground staff. A standard 2026 landing announcement usually starts with: "Ladies and gentlemen, we have started our descent into [City]. We expect to be on the ground in about 20 minutes." This is followed by the local time and the current weather/temperature at the destination (e.g., "It's a beautiful sunny day in Orlando, currently 82 degrees"). The pilot will then remind you to stay in your seats with your seatbelts fastened until the "Fasten Seatbelt" sign is turned off. You might also hear a "Cabin Crew, Prepare for Landing" command, which is the signal for flight attendants to do their final safety check. Finally, the pilot usually concludes with a thank you: "On behalf of the flight crew and the airline, thank you for flying with us today, and we hope you have a pleasant stay." In 2026, many pilots also include info on connecting gates to help passengers plan their next move before they even hit the tarmac.