Flight attendants have a secret language that goes beyond their professional duties. From discreet flirting to coded communications, the world of air travel harbors a fascinating subculture. What are some common code words used by flight attendants?
The Secret Language of Flight Attendants
Flight attendants use a variety of code words to communicate discreetly with their colleagues. One such term is “Bob,” which stands for “babe on board” and is used to refer to attractive passengers.
Another term used is “hot coffee,” which serves a similar purpose. Emily Witkop, a former flight attendant, explains, “I recall for a few years there was a ‘hot coffee’ code among flight attendants. You would say, ‘I’ve got hot coffee in 3B!’ Which meant there was an extremely attractive passenger in that particular seat who the other flight attendants should check out.”
Flirting at 30,000 Feet
Flight attendants have various ways of expressing interest in passengers. Some may offer free snacks or drinks to those they find attractive.
In more daring cases, crew members might even write their phone numbers on napkins. An anonymous crew member shared, “We always run back to the galley and let the rest of the crew know where the sexy passenger is sitting, we will be extra nice to them and give them freebies. I can confirm phone numbers have definitely been written on napkins!”
Beyond Flirting: Insider Terms and Codes
The airline industry has developed a rich vocabulary of insider terms. “Deadhead” refers to crew members traveling for duty repositioning, while “PAX” is shorthand for passengers.
“Gate lice” describes passengers who crowd the gate before boarding, and “runners” are those rushing to catch a connecting flight. The term “cross-check” ensures emergency exits are armed or disarmed as needed.
