During my travels within Central American countries, especially Nicaragua, I was struck by the fact that upon arriving at the destination, passengers would often applaud when the plane landed. This custom sparked my curiosity, as I had not observed it on flights within the United States, Asia, or Europe. Apparently, applause is used as a way to express relief at having safely reached the final destination.

Deeply Rooted Cultural Tradition

This practice is deeply ingrained in Central American culture, passed down from generation to generation. In countries like Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador, applause shows gratitude and respect to the crew for completing a safe journey. It dates back to times when traveling by plane was a significant technical achievement.

Satisfaction with the Service

In certain cases, applause can also be a sign of satisfaction with the service received during the flight.

If the crew has been especially attentive, kind, and has provided an excellent experience to the passengers, some of them may choose to applaud as a way to acknowledge their good work. It's a simple way to express gratitude and appreciation for exceptional service.

Emotional Expressiveness

Latin American culture tends to be more expressive and open in terms of expressing emotions in public. The applause upon landing is a spontaneous and collective way of externalizing the relief and gratitude of the passengers. Although it may seem unusual in other parts of the world, it remains a significant and locally valued practice.