Flight Attendants Secret Language Revealed

The coded language used by flight crews has been revealed. Photo / Thinkstock

A flight attendant has revealed the definition of a series of unusual words and phrases used by cabin crew.

For most people, hearing the expression "bidding", "slam-clicker" and "coach roach" will mean virtually nothing at all.

But to the experienced stewards and stewardesses, it is a language they are very familiar with.

Read more: Fifteen insider tips to fly First Class without paying

Sarah Steegar, a flight attendant with a major US carrier for the past 15 years, explains the hidden meaning behind many of the words.

Writing for the frequent flyer website Flyertalk, Ms Steeger reveals what exactly the crew are talking about when they use their own code in-flight.

Bidding

This is the monthly process of telling the airline what you'd like for your next work schedule - a competition based on seniority.

Deadhead

Everybody loves this one, but few use it correctly. It means flying as a passenger - as a company assignment.

Basically, the airline needs you to be somewhere other than where you are, and you cannot or are not needed to work the flight. Best guess is it's an old theatre term.

Furlough

When airlines need to shrink, most don't lay off - they "furlough".

If the business bounces back within a certain amount of time, the airline has to offer you your job back before they can hire new stews or pilots off the street.

Pax

Passengers.

Flight attendants don't check whether you're wearing your seat belt - they "crotch watch". Photo / Thinkstock

Slam-clicker

When a crew member goes to the hotel and does not emerge again until it's time to leave - as in slamming the door and clicking the lock. End of story. Can be used as a noun or a verb - "I'm so tired I'm just gonna slam-click," or, "You won't see her for dinner. She's a slam-clicker."

Coach roach

Used wryly, usually for flight attendants who prefer working in the main/coach cabin. "Business? No thanks. I'm a coach roach all the way, baby!"

Blue juice

The blue water in the toilets. Not to be confused with your bonus term, "crew juice", a special cocktail to be enjoyed on the van ride to a long layover hotel, usually as a sort of sleep-aid after an all-night flight.

Recipes vary and may be subject to competitive secrecy.

Crotch watch

Nickname for walking through the cabin to do a seat belt check. Also called a "groin scan".

Landing lips

To put on landing lips is to refresh one's make-up at the end of a flight.