Another In-flight Sob Story
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“I’ve never heard of anyone crying inappropriately on trains, on buses or on boats, or cars.”
– Brett Martin, This American Life.
Feature article “The Crying Plane” from our recent Journey Issue has spurred much conversation and a few confessions surrounding the tears we shed when 30,000 feet in the clouds. Our discussion led us to an episode of This American Life in which Brett Martin reveals his tendency to cry in-flight. He states he is not an on-land crier and is a confident, experienced air traveler. Martin also maintains he is not alone. His This American Life piece includes comments from other in-flight criers including one professional film critic who admits to crying during an emotional American Express commercial, before the plane had even left the runway.
Martin’s theory is such that the happy scenes, focused on relationships, success or achievement during in-flight entertainment cause us tears due to relief and the understanding things will turn out okay. This makes sense. Every time we fly we take a risk, same as when we drive a car, but the difference is that during air travel we are unable to participate in or tangibly see the progress of the journey.
Our fate is in the hands of the airline crew. Between take off and destination, Martin likens passengers to children, sitting in their seats and doing as they’re told, which is essentially true. Especially as misbehaving on a flight results in more than a time out. So the resolution a film can provide when things turn out alright emulates the anticipation of the wheels hitting the runway once we’re safely at our destination.
Martin’s opinion supports our recent article that crying on the plane is a common practice and not one to fret about. Due to anonymity among travel neighbors, generally what happens in the air, stays in the air and you’re free to get weepy. Except when you agree to be interviewed on the radio and admit an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond had you welling up – then, there may be consequences.