As the festive season approaches, many travellers will be soundtracking their journeys home or abroad with beloved Christmas music. However, experts are warning that these sentimental holiday hits, along with classic films, can trigger an unexpected emotional outburst known as the 'Mile Cry' – leaving even the most seasoned passengers sniffling at 30,000 feet.
What Is the 'Mile Cry' and Why Does It Happen?
The 'Mile Cry' is a sudden wave of tears experienced on an aeroplane. It is often sparked by emotional stimuli like songs or films, or by the stress of leaving loved ones behind. Jamie Fraser, from American summer camp provider WildPacks, explains the science and sentiment behind the phenomenon.
'Travel is emotional by nature; you might have just hugged loved ones goodbye or feel nervous about flying,' Fraser states. He highlights a key physical factor: 'Low cabin pressure reduces oxygen to the brain, which amplifies emotions.' Combine this physiological effect with a nostalgic Christmas tune or a tear-jerking film scene, and even normally cheerful songs can become overwhelmingly poignant.
The Festive Playlist to Avoid for a Tear-Free Flight
Research has pinpointed the top festive songs most likely to induce a Mile Cry. Curating your in-flight entertainment wisely could be the key to maintaining composure.
The number one track to avoid is Fairytale of New York by The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl. Its raw and bittersweet lyrics are famed for sparking instant nostalgia and melancholy.
In second place is Last Christmas by Wham!, whose heartbreak-packed chorus can make even the most cheerful flyer tear up.
Taking the third spot is Do They Know It's Christmas? by Band Aid. The song's charitable and solemn message carries an emotionally heavy weight, especially when heard in isolation.
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon & Yoko Ono comes in fourth, with its themes of peace and loss reportedly hitting harder at altitude.
Rounding out the top five is Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea, a song that powerfully evokes memories of family and journeys past.
The list of emotional festive tracks continues with:
- All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
- Christmas Lights – Coldplay
- Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
- The Christmas Shoes – NewSong
- Someday at Christmas – Stevie Wonder
Films and Tips for a Stress-Free Festive Journey
It's not just music that poses a risk. Christmas films are equally potent triggers for mid-air emotion. Titles identified as particularly risky include It's a Wonderful Life, Love Actually, and The Polar Express.
Jamie Fraser recounts a telling example: 'On one long-haul flight last December, a group of travellers all ended up crying during the final scene of Love Actually. Small gestures like holding back tears become harder at 30,000 feet.'
The key advice for a stress-free festive flight is proactive playlist management. Experts recommend swapping overly sentimental songs for upbeat tracks or engaging podcasts. From the serene 'Silent Night' to the hopeful 'White Christmas', your choice of festive entertainment can either make your flight magical or significantly dampen your mood.
By understanding the 'Mile Cry' effect and planning your in-flight entertainment accordingly, you can ensure your holiday travel is filled with comfort and joy, rather than unexpected tears.
