Flight attendants have a secret language for flirting with passengers at 30,000 feet, using code words and gestures to communicate their attraction discreetly.
At a Glance
- Flight attendants use code words like “Bob” for “babe on board” to refer to attractive passengers
- The term “hot coffee” is used to indicate an attractive passenger
- Crew members may offer free snacks or write their phone number on a napkin to express interest
- The “cheerio game” involves saying “cheerio” to signal attraction when passengers deplane
- These practices raise questions about professionalism and passenger comfort
Secret Codes and Subtle Signals
In the high-flying world of air travel, flight attendants have developed a unique set of code words and gestures to communicate their attraction to passengers discreetly. This secret language allows crew members to share information about attractive travelers without alerting the subjects of their admiration.
One of the most common code words used by flight attendants is “Bob,” which stands for “babe on board.” This term allows crew members to alert their colleagues to the presence of an attractive passenger without drawing attention. Similarly, the phrase “hot coffee” is used to indicate a particularly appealing traveler.
Flirtatious Gestures and the “Cheerio Game”
Flight attendants may employ subtle gestures to express their interest in passengers. These can include offering free snacks or even writing their phone number on a napkin. However, one of the most intriguing practices is the “cheerio game,” which takes place as passengers disembark from the aircraft.
“There’s the cheerio game you can play when passengers disembark. When you’re standing there going ‘Buh-bye, thank you, take care’ etc when you see someone you fancy, you say ‘cheerio,'” an unknown flight attendant said.
This seemingly innocent farewell serves as a covert signal to other crew members, indicating the speaker’s attraction to a particular passenger. It’s a subtle way for flight attendants to communicate their interest without compromising their professional demeanor.
Crossing Professional Boundaries?
While these practices may seem harmless or even romantic to some, they raise questions about professionalism and passenger comfort. The airline industry has strict standards of conduct, and engaging in flirtatious behavior could cross ethical boundaries.
“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!” an anonymous crew member said.
This admission suggests that some flight attendants may be going beyond mere admiration and actively pursuing romantic interests while on duty. Such behavior could make passengers uncomfortable and compromise the safety and professionalism of the flight.
A Broader Lexicon of Airline Terminology
It’s important to note that not all airline code words are related to flirting. Flight attendants and pilots use a wide range of terminology to communicate efficiently and maintain safety. For example, “cross-check” ensures emergency exits are properly armed or disarmed, while “all-call” is a request for crew to return to their stations.
“Also, when we are talking about a passenger, we use their seat number to refer to them, such as 6 GOLF or 32 BRAVO,” Anna, a flight attendant, explained.
Understanding this broader context of airline communication helps put the flirtatious code words into perspective. While some crew members may engage in playful banter or subtle flirting, the majority of their communication is focused on ensuring a safe and comfortable flight for all passengers.
