Decoding In-Flight Conversations Among Flight Attendants

Have you ever wondered what flight attendants are saying to each other when they talk in flight? You may be surprised to learn that they have a secret language that only they understand. This language is a way for them to communicate efficiently and discreetly, without alarming or annoying the passengers.

According to Travel and Leisure, flight attendants use various terms and phrases to refer to different aspects of their job, such as the airplane, the passengers, the crew, and the services. Some of these terms are common knowledge, such as “red eye” for overnight flights or “dead head” for off-duty crew members. Others are more obscure, such as “galley” for the airplane kitchen, “jump seat” for the foldable seat used by flight attendants, or “bulkhead” for the wall that divides the aircraft.

Some of the terms are also humorous or sarcastic, such as “miracle flight” for a passenger who needs a wheelchair to board but not to deplane, “gate lice” for passengers who crowd around the gate before boarding, or “crumb crunchers” for children on planes. Some terms are even sexist or derogatory, such as “flyboy” or “flygirl” for the pilot, “trolly dolly” for a flight attendant pulling a carry-on bag, or “cockpit queen” for a crew member who prefers to hang out in the front of the plane.

These terms are part of the flight attendant culture and reveal some of the challenges and joys of their profession. Next time you fly, try to listen carefully and see if you can catch some of these secret words. You may discover a whole new world of aviation lingo.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, travelandleisure.com