Flying can be a bit stressful for many of us but the flight crew always keeps things running smoothly. They have their own secret language to communicate without making passengers nervous. Today we are looking at some interesting airline code words including one called mermaid and what it actually means, based on reporting from Travel + Leisure and comments from aviation professionals.
The Secret Language in the Skies
Pilots and flight attendants use a totally different language up in the air to keep things clear and organized. The Federal Aviation Administration uses standardized aviation acronyms, while pilots also communicate using the NATO phonetic alphabet to avoid misunderstandings over radio communication.
Using the Phonetic Alphabet Every Day
You might hear them say words like tango or bravo instead of just using normal letters from the alphabet. This is just a standard way to communicate gate numbers and flight details safely without confusing similar sounding letters, according to aviation communication standards used worldwide.
Unofficial Slang Words Crews Use
Aside from the official rulebook the crew also has a bunch of unofficial slang words they share with each other. These secret phrases help them talk about passenger behavior and cabin situations without causing any panic or awkwardness among the travelers. A report shared with Travel + Leisure by Wander highlighted several of these unofficial in-flight phrases.
Hearing the Word Mermaid Onboard
If you hear a flight attendant say the word mermaid they are definitely not talking about the mythical creature from the ocean. This is actually a sneaky little nickname they use for a very specific type of passenger on the plane.
Taking Up Way Too Much Space
The term mermaid usually describes someone who is spreading out a bit too much in their designated seat. Pilot Kolin Jones, founder of Amalfi Jets, told Travel + Leisure that the slang term is commonly used for passengers who are “manspreading” or taking up excessive seat space.
Claiming Empty Seats for Yourself
Sometimes people stretch their arms and legs across several empty seats to stop anyone else from sitting next to them. Forbes described “mermaid” as a “passive-aggressive nickname for a passenger who spreads themself out over several seats to stop other passengers from sitting in their row,” adding that it is “particularly common on emptier flights where there are more spare seats to be claimed.”
What to Do If You Hear It
You really do not need to worry or panic if you overhear this funny code word during your flight. Just take a quick look around and make sure you are not taking up your neighbor’s legroom or personal space. Kolin Jones also noted that hearing the term is not a safety concern for passengers.
Code Words for Medical Situations
The crew also has very serious code words for when someone is feeling sick or needs urgent help onboard. Words like angel or code 300 let the team know that a passenger is in distress and needs immediate medical attention, according to previous reporting from Travel + Leisure citing aviation professionals.
Other Alerts Like Pan Pan
You might also hear phrases like code yellow or pan pan if there is a medical incident happening nearby. These specific terms alert the trained staff to step in quickly while keeping the rest of the cabin calm and completely relaxed. “Pan-pan” is also a recognized international urgency signal used in aviation and maritime communication.
Just Sit Back and Enjoy
It is honestly pretty fascinating to learn about all the behind the scenes communication that goes into a single flight. So next time you fly just relax and maybe keep your legs crossed so you do not get called a mermaid.
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