Going on a holiday can be exhilarating and getting on the flight usually feels like the start of the adventure.
However, travellers are being warned against making an etiquette mistake that can be regarded as annoying an even “rude” to the pilot.
Travel expert at dealchecker, Rosie Panter, shared her views on this common mistake to help Britons avoid irritating others on their flights.
She said: “A round of applause. Two words. No and no. If you have had a particularly rocky flight and difficult landing, maybe a slight clap, or thanks to the pilot as you leave, but no regular flight to the Med should result in clapping. Let’s leave that in the past.”
Though not extremely common, clapping after a flight has seen a rise in recent years.
Etiquette specialist Jo Bryant also weighed in, warning that such gestures can be perceived as disrespectful by pilots.
She explained: “Applause is not necessary after a landing and is rude to the pilots.
“If the landing is good, clapping suggests surprise at such skill. If the landing is bad, applause would be insultingly sarcastic.”
Rosie also cautioned against standing up the moment the plane touches down, explaining: “We’ve all done it when in a hurry but standing as soon as the plane touches the tarmac will not speed up your exit time in the slightest.
“The crew need time to safely prepare for disembarking and opening the doors.
“And even then, those closest to the doors will get to leave first, so save yourself from looking like a melon and wait your turn.”
For those with tight connections, she suggests speaking to flight attendants during the flight.
They can often help arrange for quicker disembarkation to catch a connecting flight.
Booking a seat closer to the front can also help speed up the exit process for those eager to be first off the plane.
