Aviation insiders have lifted the veil on the secret language used by flight crews to convey crises aboard aircraft. These covert signals, exchanged between pilots and cabin crew as well as with air traffic control on the ground, often go unnoticed by travellers who remain blissfully unaware of unfolding emergencies.
The number of holidaymakers taking to the skies is flying high – government data from December unveiled that 240.9 million passengers flew internationally via UK airports in 2023. Furthermore, Heathrow Airport broke its own record in 2024, handling a whopping 83.9 million passengers, toppling its 2019 peak by 3 million.
A single quarter in 2024 saw over 80 million passengers processed by UK airports, a historic milestone. The most frenetic day for British air travel in 2024 was September 6, compared to December 25 which naturally took the title for the calmest.
A league table of the hottest international destinations for UK flights in 2024 ranked Amsterdam, Dublin, Dubai, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Tenerife-South, Barcelona, Paris CDG, and New York JFK at the summit.
Despite the good fortune of infrequent trouble in transit, cabin teams are armed with their own lexicon for communicating quandaries quietly. One such subtle signal is “Code 300” or “Angel”, which discreetly denotes the presence of a passenger who has sadly passed away during the flight, reports the Liverpool Echo.
These terms are crafted to be undetectable by other guests, allowing the airline staff to manage the grim situation with dignity and without causing undue alarm.
The travel gurus at Wander have compiled a list of in-flight codes and phrases that you might come across on your next journey:
Squawk 7500 or Hotel – This code signifies a hijacking in progress. If this code is mentioned by the flight crew or air traffic control, it indicates a potential security threat on the flight. The aircraft’s transponder will transmit a signal with this code to alert authorities that the plane is in danger.
Code Yellow – This term denotes a minor medical situation, such as a passenger feeling faint or sick. While not an emergency, this phrase allows crew members to discreetly keep an eye on the situation and prepare any necessary help.
Pan-Pan – This call signals a serious but non-life-threatening emergency. Although not as urgent as a “MAYDAY,” a “Pan-Pan” call suggests that something is amiss on board, whether it’s mechanical issues or a medical emergency, but the flight is not in immediate danger.
Mermaid – This is a light-hearted yet passive-aggressive nickname for a passenger who intentionally sprawls out across empty seats to discourage others from sitting in their row. This behaviour is particularly prevalent on flights with spare seats, where a passenger may stretch out or scatter belongings to claim extra space.
Code Adam – This term is used in airports to signal a missing child. Should you hear an announcement for a “Code Adam,” be aware that staff are actively searching for the lost child while also securing exits to thwart any attempts at abduction. The term traces its origins back to the Adam Walsh Child Safety Act.
VIP – While widely recognised as shorthand for ‘Very Important Person,’ in the context of aviation, VIP can also represent ‘Very Irritating Passenger’. Flight crew coined this version of the acronym to discreetly label a passenger who is particularly demanding, frequently complaining, or being troublesome, albeit without breaking any regulations.