People Who Clap When Planes Land
“He Clapped. Then He Cheered. Then He Tried to Get a Chant Going.”
What began as a gesture of gratitude turned into a sky-high showdown when Carl Denton stood up on a Southwest flight and clapped furiously as the plane touched down. “I just wanted to honor the pilot’s bravery,” Carl said. “And also make sure everyone knew I survived.”
Fellow passengers rolled their eyes–until Carl began shouting, “Let’s hear it for our captain! He’s basically a sky dad!”
Flight attendants attempted to calm the situation, but things escalated when Carl tried to lead a call-and-response. “WHEN I SAY ‘LAND,’ YOU SAY ‘SAFE!'” No one did.
One man threw a complimentary Biscoff cookie. A child began chanting ironically. The pilot, unaware of the chaos, waved from the cockpit and left to pee.
The FAA has issued a statement urging “clapping restraint” and reminding travelers that safe landings are not optional achievements.
Carl has since been banned from four airlines but now hosts a podcast: *Clapping at Chaos.*
Auf Wiedersehen, amigos.
