Christmas tunes are a perfect soundtrack to accompany your journey home or abroad this festive season.
Whether you’re a sucker for Mariah Carey or prefer classics such as Fairytale of New York, you wouldn’t be the only one zoning out to Christmas songs.
But travel experts warn that sentimental holiday hits, both songs and films, can trigger the dreaded ‘Mile Cry’ – leaving even seasoned travellers unexpectedly sniffling mid-air.
A Mile Cry is exactly what it sounds like: a sudden wave of tears on a plane, often sparked by emotional songs, films, or the stress of leaving loved ones behind.
Jamie Fraser, from American summer camp provider WildPacks, explains: ‘Travel is emotional by nature; you might have just hugged loved ones goodbye or feel nervous about flying.
‘Low cabin pressure reduces oxygen to the brain, which amplifies emotions.
‘Add a nostalgic Christmas tune or tear-jerking film, and suddenly even cheerful songs can feel overwhelming.’
The top festive tunes to avoid if you want a dry eye have been revealed.
Choosing your playlist wisely could help you avoid tears on a flight
The top spot was taken by Fairytale of New York by The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl: raw, bittersweet lyrics spark instant nostalgia.
Second up is Last Christmas by Wham!, one of the most popular tunes.
The heartbreak-packed chorus makes even cheerful flyers tear up.
Do They Know It’s Christmas? by Band Aid takes the third spot.
It’s emotionally heavy for charitable, sentimental reasons.
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon & Yoko Ono comes in fourth – with the peace and loss theme hitting harder at altitude.
Number five is Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea, which evokes long-lost family memories.
The next songs included are All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey, Christmas Lights by Coldplay, Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley, The Christmas Shoes by NewSong and Someday at Christmas by Stevie Wonder.
Many emotional songs could have you in tears mid-flight
Similarly, Christmas films that might spark tears mid-flight include It’s a Wonderful Life, Love Actually and The Polar Express.
Jamie Fraser adds: ‘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.’
One stress-free festive flight tip is to curate your playlist – swap overly sentimental songs for upbeat tracks or podcasts.
From Silent Night to White Christmas, festive entertainment can make your flight magical or ruin your mood.
