A travel expert has warned Brits against a common flight etiquette mistake that can be regarded as annoying and even “rude” to the pilot – and it’s something you may do without realising
Hitting the skies for a holiday adventure can be a thrill, with the flight taking off setting your excitement soaring.
But holidaymakers are urged to be aware of making a flight mistake that could end up annoying the captain and fellow passengers. Deemed by some as discourteous or even “rude” to the pilot, travellers are being alerted about this flight etiquette blunder.
Dealchecker’s travel guru Rosie Panter explained: “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.”
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Though it might not happen all the time, giving a clap when you land is apparently becoming more common, reports the Express.
Etiquette expert Jo Bryant has also given her take, suggesting such actions might not sit well with pilots. She said: “Applause is not necessary after a landing and is rude to the pilots.”
She continued: “If the landing is good, clapping suggests surprise at such skill. If the landing is bad, applause would be insultingly sarcastic.”
Rosie has another tip: avoid leaping from your seat the second the wheels hit the runway. She advises: “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.”
If you’re racing against the clock for a connecting flight, the advice is to have a word with the cabin crew while you’re in the air. The flight attendants can usually pull some strings to facilitate a speedier exit so you can make your next flight.
For travellers keen on making a swift departure, reserving a seat towards the front end of the aircraft might be a smart move.
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