Flight passengers' ritual of touching airplane before boarding sparks mixed feelings among travelers

With the holiday season in full swing, many are traveling by air to spend special days with their loved ones.

While many Americans are comfortable flying, some might get nervous, which is why some passengers tap a plane's exterior prior to boarding.

Leff says it helps people to feel like they have some control over the aircraft rather than leaving fate in the hands of the plane and pilots.

Morris, of Utah, told Fox News Digital via email he had participated in the ritual. 

"It was a habit that brought me a sense of comfort, as if I was establishing a connection with the plane and asking for its protection," said Morris.

"It's funny how our minds work; I thought that this little act somehow warded off danger, even though, deep down, I knew it was just a superstition."

After educating himself about modern aviation, Morris realized the tapping ritual was more about anxieties than a true safeguard.

Some TikTok users have shared videos about tapping an airplane before boarding.

"Umm. No I just want to sit down and put my headphones on," another person said.

"I've never even heard of anyone doing anything like this before, let alone done it myself," wrote another.

"I'd feel like something would be more likely to happen if I did touch it so I would never! The joys of anxiety," a woman said. 

"Saving everyone from a plane crash by touching it before she enters. A tireless job, but she does it!" he joked.

Hundreds of people commented on the video, with a majority admitting to being "plane tappers."

"I do this every single time," one user wrote. "I also look in the cockpit hoping to see the pilot!"

"Whattttt?!? I thought I was the only one," a woman wrote.

"I have to take a picture of the doorway/airline emblem," another said.

Morris said there are other common rituals such as lifting feet while flying, praying and tapping overhead bins when landing.