Have you ever walked through the airport - a chaotic and stressful location of there ever was one - and heard the gentle sounds of a piano? 

To paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld, “What’s the Deal with the Pianos in Airports?” (and sidebar… Did you just read that in his voice? 😂)

Well, the “deal” is that it helps with the chaos of the airport. 

To start, the pianos are supposedly strategic in helping to keep travelers calm in what is a universally stressful setting. Historically, somewhere around 30–40% of travelers reported being nervous about flying, but in the past year — in light of the uptick in aviation incidents — that number has risen to 67%, according to a poll commissioned by The Points Guy. Music, when it’s played well, can be instrumental in easing nerves on a subconscious level.

But calming nerves isn’t the only reason. Some terminals use pianos as a way to humanize an otherwise sterile space — a touch of warmth in a place typically defined by harsh fluorescent lighting and conveyor belts. Then there’s most certainly the branding element: a piano makes an airport feel a little more cultured, even if what you’re hearing is closer to “Chopsticks” than Chopin.

But not everyone is a fan. Especially if you happen to work at the airport near the piano!

“I can tell you, as long as we had one, all employees hated it,” one supposed airport worker wrote on Reddit. “Announcements couldn’t be heard, and passengers and staff had to shout at each other over the noise.”

Which side of the airport piano debate are you on… Do you think it helps calm the stressful chaos, or adds to it?