Today is my first Flight Attendant Friday, where I’ll attempt to answer reader questions about what it’s really like to be a Flight Attendant. Questions about the job, the industry, stereotypes, myths, etc. Anything is fair game.
Q: Whenever I fly I hear all sorts of bells, chimes and code word announcements. What does it all mean?
A: While different airlines use different communication systems, it is all designed to communicate information to and among the flight crew.
The most typical bells are the fasten seat belt sign, the passenger call buttons, the lavatory call button, and the intercom system used to call between the Flight Attendants, and between the cabin and the flight deck. There are different sounds and tones, allowing Flight Attendants to easily recognize what’s going on. It may also signal that it is safe to close or open the main cabin door.
Less typically recognized by passengers is the 10,000 foot chime (indicating the sterile phase of flight has passed). This means it is permissible for passengers to use electronic equipment.
Those “code words” that you hear over the P.A. system probably include some things like this: Check, cross check, report, 1L, 2R, and all clear. These are a short hand way for Flight Attendants to communicate that certain tasks have been performed. Most typically it has to do with arming or disarming an emergency exit — meaning that the evacuation slide has been engaged or disengaged — meaning that it is safe for the aircraft to push back from the gate or for the front door to be opened.
Do you have a question for Flight Attendant Friday? Email me!
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