Flight attendants use secret codes to flirt with passengers, turning the friendly skies into a playground of subtle romance.
At a Glance
- Flight attendants use code words like “Bob” for attractive passengers
- Crew members may offer free snacks or write phone numbers on napkins
- The “cheerio game” signals attraction when passengers deplane
- “Hot coffee” is code for an attractive passenger
- Cabin crew use various other codes for different passenger types
Secret Codes in the Sky
The next time you’re on a flight and hear a flight attendant mention “Bob” or “hot coffee,” they might not be talking about beverages. These seemingly innocent phrases are part of a secret language used by cabin crew to discreetly communicate about attractive passengers.
Flight attendants have developed a unique set of code words to discuss passengers without their knowledge. “Bob,” for instance, stands for “babe on board,” while “hot coffee” is used to alert colleagues about an attractive passenger in a specific seat.
Flirtatious Gestures at 30,000 Feet
Some flight attendants take their interest in passengers a step further. They may offer free snacks or even write their phone numbers on napkins to express interest. One anonymous crew member revealed, “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!”
The “cheerio game” is another flirtatious tactic used by flight attendants. As passengers disembark, crew members say “cheerio” to signal their attraction to a particular traveler. This subtle gesture adds an element of mystery and excitement to the end of a flight.
Beyond Flirtation: The Secret Language of the Skies
While some codes are used for flirting, others serve more practical purposes. “Crop dusting,” for example, is a humorous term used when a flight attendant passes gas while walking down the aisle. “Last minute paperwork” often signals a potential flight delay, while “area of weather” refers to thunderstorms or heavy precipitation.
“I recall for a few years there was a ‘hot coffee’ code among flight attendants. You would say, ‘I’ve got hot coffee in 3B!’ Which meant there was an extremely attractive passenger in that particular seat who the other flight attendants should check out,” Emily Witkop said.
Passengers are also categorized using specific terms. “PAX” refers to passengers in general, while “PRM” stands for passengers with reduced mobility. “ABP” are able-bodied passengers selected to assist in emergencies, and “runners” are those rushing to catch a connecting flight.
While most in-flight flirtations remain lighthearted, sometimes they lead to more. In a heartwarming incident, an Aeromexico captain proposed to his girlfriend during a flight, saying, “Today, I boarded that same person who has transformed my life, my co-pilot of love and life, Norma Basurto.” This romantic gesture highlights the potential for meaningful connections that can form in the unique environment of air travel.
