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So You Married an Airplane Clapper — Now What?

May 26, 2018
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2 min read
Clapping Hands
So You Married an Airplane Clapper — Now What?
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While it's common in other cultures to celebrate upon landing, Airplane Clappers are generally scoffed at here in the US (Puerto Rico excluded). From a Seinfeld episode to a Saturday Night Live skit, society's message is clear: there's no need to clap upon landing, unless there's a good reason such as an emergency landing.

On Thursday, one Twitter user spelled out a truly nightmarish scenario for those that can't stand Airline Clappers: unknowingly marrying one. The post has struck a chord, quickly going viral on both Twitter and after getting re-posted on Reddit:

Users jumped in to agree with the decision, including this pilot:


While one user thinks a compromise can be found:

This viral post has even prompted a new "Planeclappers" subreddit. Airplane Clappers have joined the community, with one hosting an informal AMA (Ask Me Anything). Other users have posted videos of the phenomenon in the wild. One subreddit user is so embarrassed to have plane clappers in his family that he's asking for tips on how he can fake his own death:

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https://www.reddit.com/r/Planeclappers/comments/8m6161/my_brother_and_mother_are_both_plane_clappers/

Me, personally, I don't mind that people clap when landing to show appreciation for the flight and cabin crew. After all, it can't hurt for us to take a moment to recognize all of the systems that keep commercial aviation so safe.

But, my problem with every Airplane Clapper I've ever experienced: they clap way too prematurely. After all, the flight isn't over when the back wheels touch the ground. There's a lot that could still go wrong — although it almost never does — after that point. Yet, that initial touchdown is when the clapping usually begins.

If you can't stand being married to an Airplane Clapper, there's one sure way of confirming that your potential significant other isn't one: flying together. For sure don't wait until you land at your honeymoon to find out about this dark secret. In the words of one wise lady:

Featured image by Getty Images

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.