Airline flight attendants often spend long periods away from home and must maintain a sunny, friendly attitude toward passengers at all times. This can make life tough, so it is no surprise that cabin crew form strong bonds, supporting each other in stress and sharing private jokes to alleviate boredom on long flights.
The importance of maintaining a calm, professional exterior and protecting passengers' privacy has led to the evolution of a "secret code" that enables crew to discuss details about the flight and customers without being overheard. If you hear two flight attendants referring to a "mermaid," for example, you should hope they are not speaking about you.
What Does 'Mermaid' Mean?
The term "mermaid" is used between flight attendants as a passive-aggressive nickname for any passenger who takes up more room than they should, spreading themselves and their carry-on bags over numerous seats. Kolin Jones, a pilot and founder of private aviation company Amalfi Jets, explains: "This is a slang term among flight crew to describe passengers who take up more space during the flight or are 'manspreading.'" He advises that if you hear this term nearby, check your posture and stop spreading out.
Emergency Codes: 'Code 300' and 'Angel'
To avoid panic during emergencies, terms like "Code 300" or "Angel" are used when a passenger has a medical problem. Jason Martinelli, director of operations at Cirrus Aviation Services, told Travel + Leisure that these secret languages vary by airline or crew team. "Announcing a medical emergency explicitly over the public address system could create fear, confusion, or crowding in the aisle," he said. "Coded communication allows flight attendants and pilots to coordinate a response calmly and efficiently while maintaining a composed cabin environment."
The Cheeky 'VIP' Code
If you hear staff referring to you as a "VIP," it might not be a compliment. This code often stands for "Very Irritating Passenger"—someone monopolising cabin crew time or making a nuisance. Another term to avoid is "pan-pan," which alerts crew to a potential problem with a passenger or a mechanical issue, though not necessarily with the aircraft itself.
Serious Emergency Codes
The most chilling terms a passenger could overhear are "Squawk 7500" or "Hotel." These are radio codes from the flight deck signifying a potential hijacking or other serious emergency, though they are rarely used in the cabin itself.
With the price of jet fuel rising, fewer people are likely to fly overseas this summer. But if you do, listen for snippets of the flight attendants' secret language.
