Ever wondered if a flight attendant finds you attractive? There’s a secret language among cabin crew that might just give you a clue. While ensuring your safety is their top priority, flight attendants also have a covert way of communicating about passengers they find appealing.
The Secret Code
Whenever airline staff find someone attractive on board, you’re probably none the wiser. This isn’t about the extra-friendly “hello” you get when you step onto the plane. Instead, flight attendants use a secret code word to discreetly share their admiration for a good-looking passenger.
What’s the Code?
Spoiler alert: it’s not “peng,” “leng,” or “dishy.” According to the late Qantas steward Owen Beddall, who authored Confessions of a Qantas Flight Attendant, the code word is “Bob,” which stands for “best on board.” If you catch a flight attendant uttering this while securing the overhead lockers, it might just mean they think you’re quite the catch.
Inside Knowledge
Owen Beddall’s book, released in 2014, spilled many secrets about the airline industry, including the hidden lingo of flight attendants. Although Beddall passed away in 2016, his revelations continue to intrigue travelers and provide a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of air travel.
Beddall’s insights revealed how crew members navigate their unique work environment, balancing professionalism with light-hearted interactions. His anecdotes also showed how a bit of humor and camaraderie among staff can make long flights more enjoyable for everyone.
Variations by Airline
While “Bob” is a known term among Qantas crew, different airlines have their own unique vocabularies. A flight attendant named LJ shared some insights on the Confessions on the Fly podcast. She revealed that her team used dinner choices as a playful code. If a colleague asked what she wanted for dinner and she replied with a specific cuisine, like “Italian,” it was actually a discreet way of pointing out an attractive passenger.
Decoding the Dinner Chat
LJ explained how these conversations would play out: “If somebody hot was coming on board, I’d say, ‘Oh yeah, I definitely want Italian tonight.’” It was a fun and covert way for flight attendants to discuss good-looking travelers without drawing attention.
This system of coded language is a testament to the creativity and camaraderie among cabin crew. It also highlights how they manage to inject a bit of fun into their demanding jobs while maintaining professionalism.
The Art of Subtlety
The beauty of these codes lies in their subtlety. Passengers remain blissfully unaware while the crew engages in their playful banter. It adds an element of intrigue to the flight experience, knowing that a seemingly mundane conversation about dinner choices or a quick mention of “Bob” might have a hidden meaning.
The Unspoken Etiquette
Of course, it’s all in good fun, and there’s an unspoken etiquette to these interactions. Flight attendants are professionals, and their primary focus is always on passenger safety and comfort. The use of codes is just a lighthearted way to make their workday a bit more interesting and enjoyable.
Next Time You Fly…
So, the next time you hear a flight attendant mentioning “Bob” or having an oddly specific chat about dinner options, you might just be the subject of their admiration. While this insider knowledge adds a fun twist to your flight experience, remember that it’s all in good humor and part of the unique culture of airline staff.
Happy flying, and keep an ear out for those secret codes—you never know if you might be the “best on board”!
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