Flight Attendant Friday: All Those Bells
Today is my first Flight Attendant Friday, where I’ll attempt to answer reader questions about what it’s really like to be a Flight Attendant. Questions about the job, the industry, stereotypes, myths, etc. Anything is fair game.
Q: Whenever I fly I hear all sorts of bells, chimes and code word announcements. What does it all mean?
A: While different airlines use different communication systems, it is all designed to communicate information to and among the flight crew.
The most typical bells are the fasten seat belt sign, the passenger call buttons, the lavatory call button, and the intercom system used to call between the Flight Attendants, and between the cabin and the flight deck. There are different sounds and tones, allowing Flight Attendants to easily recognize what’s going on. It may also signal that it is safe to close or open the main cabin door.
Less typically recognized by passengers is the 10,000 foot chime (indicating the sterile phase of flight has passed). This means it is permissible for passengers to use electronic equipment.
Those “code words” that you hear over the P.A. system probably include some things like this: Check, cross check, report, 1L, 2R, and all clear. These are a short hand way for Flight Attendants to communicate that certain tasks have been performed. Most typically it has to do with arming or disarming an emergency exit — meaning that the evacuation slide has been engaged or disengaged — meaning that it is safe for the aircraft to push back from the gate or for the front door to be opened.
Do you have a question for Flight Attendant Friday? Email me!
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POSTED IN: Air Travel, Flight Attendant Friday
4 opinions for Flight Attendant Friday: All Those Bells
Kim
Jan 19, 2008 at 6:17 am
Mary Jo
I love this! Travel is one of my favorite things to do but the whole process of flying isn’t. Until I am able to teleport myself all over the world, I am going to have to keep getting over myself and get on a plane. Little info like this might be just the help that fearful flyers everywhere need.
Thanks
Chris
Jan 19, 2008 at 6:08 pm
I was wondering about flight attendants safety training. Often I hear one of the pilots say something like, “The flight attendants are here primarily for your safety, but will also make you as comfortable as possible.” Can you give me an overview of your medical rescue, evacuation, security (what you’re allowed to mention), and other safety training? Also, why is the flight attendant safety manual I’ve seen them carrying so big?
Thanks,
Chris
Tucson, AZ
Mary Jo Manzanares
Jan 20, 2008 at 6:41 am
Kim - It always amazes me how many people love to travel, but hate the process of it. Since I do it so often, I forget that what seems like second nature to me can be a very frustrating and intimidating process. I hope you’ll find some tips that you can use to make the process more enjoyable for yourself.
Mary Jo Manzanares
Jan 20, 2008 at 6:43 am
Chris - Thanks for stopping by and leaving a question. It’s a great one, and I’ve got it on the list. Keep an eye out for the answer!
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