If you’ve ever overheard flight attendants speaking in a secret language while in flight, you’re not alone. But there is a meaning to these words – and they may not be what you think.
Unless you’re a seasoned traveller, there are a lot of complicated terms associated with airlines that you may not know. Even phrases like ‘layover’ and ‘red eye’ might be a head-scratcher if you rarely set foot in an airport.
Well, flight attendants may add to the confusion with a seemingly secret language that only they use while in flight. But don’t be alarmed – these words are mainly used between the flight crew and are typically used as shorthand for longer phrases.
While it may seem trivial, this can result in saving time for the crew, allowing them to be as efficient as possible while in the air.
Flight attendants will use a secret language to be more efficient during flight (Getty Images)
Thankfully, Travelandleisure.com has provided us with a few secret phrases flight attendants use while the plane is in motion – and what they each mean.
Crew Base
APFA says a crew base refers to a city or airport where the flight crew begin and end their shifts. Usually, a flight attendant may say they’re heading back to base, which means the plane is heading back home.
Turn
Blissom Booblé from Matador Network says a turn refers to a type of shift which refers to when a flight heads to one location and immediately back again, without time for the crew to relax between shifts.
Crash Pad
According to HuffingtonPost, if a flight attendant needs to use a crash pad, it usually means they won’t be able to get home for a day or two and may need to sleep in a nearby location. Crash pads usually function like mini-hotels, with multiple bunk beds shared by attendants who come and go as they need to.
There are all sorts terms that regular passengers might not understand (Getty Stock Photo)
Chimes
Chimes simply means the bell sounds you may hear during a flight. If a passenger hits the service button, flight attendants may refer to these as chimes followed by the seat number. TikToker tommycimato has gone into more depth about what each chime on a flight may mean.
Crotch Watch
This isn’t as nefarious as it sounds. As HuffPost reports, crotch watch is simply the act of flight attendants moving up and down the rows checking each passenger has their seat belt fitted correctly.
Galley
GlobeAir reports the Galley refers to an area of the plane where food and beverages are prepared. Think of it as like a tiny kitchen located at the front of the plane.
Galley King/Queen
As Reader’s Digest suggests, a Galley King or Galley Queen refers to a flight attendant in charge of the galley, and may even be a bit particular about how it’s organized.
Bulkhead
This might be a little more obvious, but the bulkhead of a plane is a wall that divides the plane between different seating areas, as Matador Network says. Restrooms are usually located here along with other service stations. Bulkhead seats refer to the seats located along this wall, which usually offer a little more legroom.
Lips and Tips
Even during long, stressful shifts, flight attendants will still want to look their best to aid with their service. As Matador Network mentions, Lips and Tips refers to an attendant wearing matching lipstick and nail polish.
Flight crew are required to always look their best when on shift (Getty Images)
Spinner
DailyPassport reports a spinner is a term for a passenger who arrives for boarding without a seat assignment, so are told to find an unoccupied seat. The term comes from the fact that these passengers usually stand in place, looking around for a seat, and thus look like they’re spinning on the spot.
Runner
Also reported by DailyPassport are runners. A runner is a passenger who is late for their flight and are usually seen running throughout the airport to get to their gate before boarding closes.
Cross-Check
Reader’s Digest reports that Cross-Check refers to when flight attendants must check all doors are secure before take-off, but also that they are ready for the event of an emergency evacuation.
Two-for-One Special
When the pilot first touches down on the landing strip, the plane might bounce up briefly before landing again. As DailyPassport claims, flight attendants call this the two-for-one special – and might be particularly stressful for anyone with a fear of flying.
Holding Pen
This evokes the image of livestock being temporarily confined to a holding pen. Flight attendants use the term for the time after the boarding announcement but before the group number is called, so passengers pile up in line before heading through the gate.
Keep these words and phrases in mind the next time you board a flight, and be sure to remember that the attendants are here to help you, not confuse you!
