Applause

Flying on Ryanair has pretty much soured me on any of the “inexpensive” carriers. Nothing against the aircraft or the flight crews - but the whole “cattle car” experience and mob scene at the gate just screams “low class”. I’m happy to pony up the extra $$$ for an assigned seat, an orderly boarding process, and not having to deal with people who cram way more than their allowed bulk of carry-ons into the too few overhead compartments. I’ve even taken to flying business/first class on long hauls. A 50% wider seat on a 5+ hour flight really makes a difference.

I read an article somewhere about passengers clapping after a smooth landing - but not so much after a less than perfect landing. The point was that the WHOLE flight got judged on the landing! None of the passengers knew or appreciated that the flight crews actions may well have kept them out of choppy air, gave them a smooth flight, said the right things to controllers to keep them in schedule, or even made up time in the air so you could make that tight connection. It felt a little strange to hear that a recent flight where the pilot DIED during the flight and the rest of the flight crew diverted and landed safely. (A guy died on the flight - nobody should be clapping. 😢 ) Anyway. I don’t clap - but I do thank whatever flight crew and FAs are standing by the door as I exit.