What does it mean when you hear clapping on a plane?

There is no clear origin story, though there are a few common scenarios for clapping: at the end of a particularly harrowing flight or long delay; in celebration of a return to one's homeland; or in continuation of a tradition that started who-knows-when-or-why.



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After a rough flight, either because of turbulence or delays, it's not unusual for Americans to sarcastically applaud upon landing. But other nationalities, primarily from Central and South America and the Caribbean, commonly clap every time the wheels touch down to show respect to the pilots and flight attendants.

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But if you've ever felt compelled to applaud the pilot for landing safely, think again. Pilots actually hate it when passengers clap.

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There are a lot of superstitions out there for passengers on planes. One of the most believed ones is that touching the plane offers a bit of good luck, like passengers are thanking the plane for its services and asking it to get them to their destination safely.

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Simply put, the reason that you can see an airplane before you can hear it is just because light travels faster than sound. In air like our atmosphere, the speed of sound is about 330 meters/second (or about 740 miles/hour) but the speed of light is 300,000,000 meters/second (or about 186,000 miles/second).

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Pilots walk around the aircraft to ensure that the aircraft's exterior is safe and secure. Pilots are looking for various problems such as: Loose parts. Fluid Leaks, such as hydraulic or fuel.

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Aircraft noise at high levels can be considered a stressor on the body, and research has found an association between high levels of aircraft noise and an increased risk of developing Cardiovascular disease (CVD).

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Airplane noise can be very annoying, especially if you live or work near an airport, and you should know that experiencing that noise constantly can be bad for your health. Some of the negative side effects include high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke and increased risk of heart attack.

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Numerous anecdotal reports in mainstream and social media describe otherwise healthy adults being prone to outbursts of uncontrollable crying while watching movies on airplanes, and reasons offered up include effects from high altitude, mild hypoxia, or alcohol consumption.

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Usually not. However, some weather conditions can cause turbulence and up and downdrafts such that an airplane can not be controlled completely; that makes me nervous. The pilot can usually keep the pitch about right, but the airspeed will be going all over the place.

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