Flight Attendant Dictionary

Terminology for Flight Attendants

Flight attendants and other airline employees all speak a different “language.” Many of the everyday terms they use are unique to the airline business. Knowing these terms before you attend new-hire training will be very helpful. You will not be tested on this material here, but you may be tested by your airline so try to familiarize yourself with the following terms. There are over 250 of them!

    • 24-Hour Clock Time – See “Military Time.”
    • “A” Flight Attendant – The flight attendant assigned to work the senior position on a flight. Also referred to as “Lead” or “Senior” flight attendant or “Purser” (on international flights). Warrants additional pay.
    • Aborted Takeoff – See “Rejected Takeoff.”
    • Aerophobia – Fear of flying.
    • AFA – CWA – Abbreviation for “Association of Flight Attendants,” the largest flight attendant labor union in the U.S.flight attendant dictionary
    • Agent – See “PSR.”
    • Air Rage – A phenomenon whereby passengers vent their frustrations (sometimes violently) on crewmembers during a flight due to perceived inadequacies in airline service.
    • Air Traffic Control – See “ATC.”
    • Air Turbulence – See “Turbulence.”
    • Aircraft Aft – Section in the rear of an aircraft. Also referred to as “Aircraft Rear.”
    • Aircraft Forward – Section in the forward part of an aircraft.
    • Aircraft Fuselage – The complete central structure of an aircraft to which wings, tail surfaces, and engines are attached. Includes entire cabin and cockpit areas.
    • Aircraft Left – Refers to left interior portion of an aircraft.
    • Aircraft Rear – See “Aircraft Aft.”
    • Aircraft Right – Refers to right interior portion of an aircraft.
    • Airline Deregulation – Refers to the Airline Deregulation Act of1978, which removed governmental authority to regulate airfares and airline route structures. In the current deregulated environment, airlines can fly anywhere and charge any price they desire. Also referred to as “Deregulation.”
    • Airport Code – A unique, 3-letter airport identification code (e.g., BOS = Boston’s Logan Airport). Every airport in the world has an airport code. Also referred to as an “Airport Identifier.”
    • Airport Identifier – See “Airport Code.”
    • Alternate Airport – The airport to which an aircraft diverts when it is unable to land at its destination airport due to weather or other problems. See also “Divert.”
    • APFA – Abbreviation for “Association of Professional Flight Attendants,” the Flight Attendant Union for American Airlines.
    • Arbitration – A hearing by an independent arbitrator to reach a settlement with relation to a dispute between a company and labor union.
    • Arrival Time – See “ETA.”
    • A-Scale – An airline’s maximum contractual pay scale.
    • ATC – Abbreviation for “Air Traffic Control,” the FAA agency that controls the movement of aircraft both on the ground and in-flight.
    • Background Check – A 5 to 10-year check by an employer of an applicant’s past history. Can include checks on work, education, family, medical and criminal or civil offense history.
    • Base Rate – The basic hourly rate a crewmember is paid. Excludes per diem and other forms of incentive pay.
    • Base – See “Domicile.”
    • Beverage Cart – A heavy, wheeled cart onboard an aircraft, which flight attendants use for beverage and meal service. Also called a “meal cart.” Collapses for quick stowage in the galley area.
    • Bid Closing Date – A published date and time marking the end of the bidding period.
    • Bid Opening Date – A published date and time marking the beginning of the bidding period. Flight attendants may bid on monthly lines, vacations, and domiciles.
    • Bid Package – A published listing of all trip pairings and lines of time available for a specific time period, usually 1 month.
    • Bid Sharing – A practice offered at some airlines in which 2 flight attendants may share or split the same line of time.
    • Bid – Flight attendants bid on monthly lines, vacations, and domiciles. Bid results are awarded based on relative seniority.
    • Block – See “Regular Line of Time.” Also a wheel chock placed under the airplane to prevent movement.
    • Blockholder – See “Lineholder.”
    • Block Time – Also known as “Block-to-Block” time or “Hard Time,” this is the actual time an aircraft leaves the blocks and pushes back from the gate to the time it arrives (and is blocked in) at the gate at its destination. Most airlines have an onboard computer system known as ACARS (ARINC Communication Addressing and Reporting System) which, along with simplifying engine readings and other routine flight data, logs departure times when all doors are closed on the aircraft and pushback commences. Flight attendant pay is based largely on block time.
    • Block-to-Block time – See “Block Time.”
    • Boarding – The term used to describe the process of passengers getting on an aircraft, stowing their carry-on articles, and taking their assigned seats.
    • Briefing – A procedure initiated by an individual in charge of a group, during which specific items of responsibility are reviewed and delegated. Captains and senior flight attendants initiate crew briefings following every crew change. Briefings can also cover irregular operations, emergency procedures, medical emergencies, etc.
    • B-Scale – A second-tier pay scale within an airline.
    • Buddy Bidding – A system that allows 2 flight attendants to bid the identical schedule.
    • Buddy Pass – A reduced rate, space-available pass that allows a friend or family member to travel on an airline. Most airlines allow a specified number of buddy passes for each employee per year. Typical cost is 50 to 90% off the full coach fare. Also referred to as a “Companion Pass.”
    • Bulkhead Seat – The seat or seats located directly behind the partition separating various cabins of an aircraft.
    • Business Class – A premium service offered on most international flights with 2 or 3 classes of service. Amenities may include larger seats, complimentary cocktails, and upgraded meal service.
    • Cabin Crew – The flight attendants assigned to work a specific flight, trip or series of trips.
    • Captain – The pilot in command of an aircraft who is responsible for the safe operation of the flight.
    • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – See “CPR.”
    • CHAOS – An acronym for “Create Havoc Around Our System.” An accepted legal practice used by flight attendant labor unions as an alternative to a strike with the goal of expediting an agreement between the union and the airline. The practice involves flight attendants walking off certain flights in order to create havoc at the airline.
    • Charter Flight – A non-scheduled flight, often exclusively booked by a sports team, band, or vacation group. Routes may be on the airline’s regular route system or “offline” to a city not served by the airline.
    • Check-in Time– Time you are required to check-in at the airport.
    • Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Legislation passed by Congress that prevents an airline from discriminating on the basis of race, sex, age or marital status.
    • Claim Time – This is time paid in excess of hard time. Examples include pay for deadheading and excessive on-duty time.
    • Cleaners – The ground personnel that clean an aircraft between legs. At some airlines, these individuals are members of the same union as mechanics and are also used for other duties such as aircraft pushback. Also called “Utility Crew.”
    • Coach – The largest and normally most basic class of service on an aircraft. Some aircraft have only a coach class of service, while on others, coach may be a part of a 2 or 3 class configuration.
    • Cockpit Crew – The individuals responsible for piloting an aircraft. Normally a 2 or 3 pilot crew consisting of a captain, first officer, and second officer (if applicable). Long international flights may carry 2 complete cockpit crews.
    • Commute – The process of commuting by air to a given domicile.
    • Commuter Airline – Small airlines that are part of the regional airline category. Some are affiliated with major airlines and act as feeders to the mainline routes.
    • Commuter Apartment – See “Crash Pad.”
    • Commuter – An individual who commutes by air to a given domicile.
    • Companion Pass – See “Buddy Pass.”
    • Configuration – Refers to the class(es) of service onboard an aircraft: First class, Business class, Coach class, etc.
    • Contract Negotiations – The formal talks between an airline and elected representatives of a labor group that allow for the establishment (or renewal) of a labor contract. The working agreement covers pay, benefits, union security, seniority, scheduling, work rules, vacations, sick time, the handling of grievances (complaints), etc.
    • Contractual Work Rules – The airline-specific rules published in a labor contract that govern maximum flight hours, on-duty time, days worked, scheduling procedures, etc. Also referred to as “Work Rules.”
    • Copilot – See “First Officer.”
    • CPR – Abbreviation for “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.” A first-aid procedure that attempts to restore normal operation of the heart and lungs when an individual has stopped breathing.
    • Crash Pad – Term used by commuters to refer to their “home away from home.” Also referred to as a “Commuter Apartment.” Usually shared by several commuters to reduce costs.
    • Crew Base – See “Domicile.”
    • Crew Legalities – A measure of whether or not a crewmember is abiding by the section of the labor contract that governs hours flown, rest periods, and on-duty times.
    • Crew Schedulers – The group of individuals who are responsible for making sure routine and non-routine flights depart on time with the sufficient number of crewmembers.
    • CRM – Abbreviation for “Crew Resource Management” or “Cockpit Resource Management.” A set of training procedures that reduces the likelihood of error.
    • Date of Hire – The date a flight attendant begins or graduates from training. Date of hire establishes a seniority number within an airline.
    • Deadhead Time – The pay time associated with a deadhead flight. See “Claim Time.”
    • Deadhead – The process of traveling on an aircraft as a passenger while on-duty (often in uniform). Flight attendants frequently deadhead to reposition for flight segments originating from other cities. Usage: “I had to deadhead to Boston.”
    • Defibrillator – A medical device carried on an aircraft that allows flight attendants to treat victims of cardiac arrest.
    • Delay – Time period during which an aircraft is held before it is allowed to depart. Delays may be caused by maintenance (mechanical problems), air traffic, weather, connecting passengers, weight and balance, etc.
    • Demo – The FAA-mandated demonstration of aircraft equipment and emergency procedures. The demo must be performed before takeoff for all passengers.
    • Department Head – The head of a specific department within an airline.
    • Departure Time – See “ETD.”
    • Deplaning – The term used to describe the process of passengers getting off an aircraft once it has arrived at the gate and the seat belt sign has been turned off by the captain.
    • Deregulation – See “Airline Deregulation.”
    • Direct Flight – A single flight number that makes 1 or more stops before reaching its final destination. Many people confuse “direct” flights with “non-stop” flights.
    • Divert – A procedure where pilots elect to land at an airport other than the airport of intended destination. This can be due to adverse weather, a medical emergency, a closed runway, etc.
    • Domicile – The city and associated airport a flight attendant is assigned to. The domicile is where all trips begin and end. Also referred to as “Base” or “Crew Base.”
    • Door Arming – The procedure for preparing an aircraft door so that its associated escape slide will deploy upon opening.
    • Door Slide – A device used to quickly escape from an aircraft during an emergency evacuation.
    • Duty Time – The period of time a crewmember is on-duty. Includes the period from check-in to off-duty time.
    • Emergency Exits – Specified doors and windows on an aircraft used during an emergency evacuation.
    • ETA – Abbreviation for “Estimated Time of Arrival.” Also referred to as “Arrival Time.”
    • ETD – Abbreviation for “Estimated Time of Departure.” Also referred to as “Departure Time.”
    • Evacuation – An emergency procedure that allows for the rapid removal of passengers and crew from an aircraft, using all suitable exits – including slides and over-wing exits. Also referred to as a “Passenger Evacuation.”
    • Extended Sick Leave – An extended period of time during which a flight attendant is unable to work due to serious illness.
    • Extra Section – An additional flight added to a scheduled destination in order to accommodate additional passengers. Extra sections are common during peak travel periods (especially during the holidays to popular destinations).
    • F/A – Abbreviation for flight attendant.
    • F/A Emergency Manual – A manual required by the FAA to be personally carried at all times by every on-duty flight attendant. Also called an “Emergency Procedures Manual,” this manual governs all normal and emergency flight attendant procedures.
    • F/A Jumpseat – A fold-down seat that is used by flight attendants during taxi, take-off, and turbulence. Non-working flight attendants can ride the jump seat on heavily booked flights.
    • FAA – Abbreviation for “Federal Aviation Agency,” the government agency that oversees all airline operations.
    • FARs – Abbreviation for “Federal Aviation Regulations,” the specific government regulations instituted by the FAA.
    • FAM – Abbreviation for “Federal Air Marshall.” An armed individual who rides as a passenger on the aircraft to protect the passengers and crew against terrorist acts. The captain is always notified when FAMs are present on the aircraft.
    • Federal Aviation Agency – See “FAA.”
    • Federal Aviation Regulations – See “FARs.”
    • Ferry Flight – A repositioning flight flown with no revenue passengers onboard. Usually flown by pilots only, but flight attendants are sometimes onboard as well.
    • FFDO – Abbreviation for “Federal Flight Deck Officer.” A designated pilot who is armed in order to defend the cockpit against terrorist attacks and air piracy. An FFDO may be working or deadheading.
    • Firearm Authorization – A notification slip presented to the senior flight attendant that identifies passengers carrying authorized firearms (e.g., federal marshals and secret service members). The firearm authorization slip identifies the armed passenger (and accompanied prisoner, if applicable) by seat number, and must be presented to the captain.
    • First Class – The highest class of service onboard an aircraft. Amenities may include larger seats, complimentary cocktails, and upgraded meal service.
    • First Officer – Second-in-command pilot on an aircraft. Also referred to as a “Copilot.”
    • Flight Attendant – A person responsible for the safety and comfort of all passengers during a flight.
    • Flight Engineer – See “Second Officer.”
    • Flight Hour Option – A bid position offered by some airlines that allows a flight attendant to fly less or more than a normal monthly line of time.
    • Flight Hours – Total number of hours flown in any given period of time used for pay computation.
    • Flight Miles – Miles flown in any given period of time used for pay computation at some airlines. 1 trip equals 243 miles.
    • Flight Time – Sometimes known as “Airtime,” this is the time that is allowed from takeoff to touchdown for a specific flight. Flight time is block time less taxi time and gives flight attendants an idea how much time they will have to provide in-flight service.
    • FOB – Fuel on board.
    • Full Month – A term used to refer to the maximization of flight hours for any given month.
    • Furlough – A layoff of an airline employee due to financial difficulties, labor union strikes, etc.
    • G.E.D. – Abbreviation for “Government Equivalency Degree,” which is the minimum education requirement for most airlines. This applies only to individuals without a high school diploma.
    • Galley – The area inside an aircraft where meals and beverages are prepared by flight attendants.
    • Gate – The airport boarding area at an airport terminal for a specific flight number.
    • Get your time in – Refers to the practice of maximizing flight hours in order to get a “Full Month.”
    • Government Equivalency Degree – See “G.E.D.”
    • Green Card – See “Registered Alien.”
    • Greenwich Mean Time – The exact time in Greenwich, England. Also known as “Zulu” or “Z” time. Pilot weather packets, clearances, dispatch releases, and other paperwork all use Greenwich Mean Time as a worldwide airline standard.
    • Grievances – Complaints issued by a labor union to an airline when it appears that portions of the labor contract are being violated by the company. Grievances are most common in scheduling scenarios.
    • Hard Time – See “Block Time.”
    • Hijacking – A militaristic act of aggression by a passenger onboard an aircraft whereby crewmembers and other passengers are taken hostage until the hijacker’s demands are met.
    • Holding – A procedure used by air traffic controllers to delay arrivals of aircraft due to traffic saturation or bad weather. Holding patterns are areas along a route system that allow aircraft to fly around a specified track until released.
    • Hub – An airport through which the majority of an airline’s traffic passes in order to meet connecting flights. Many airlines have multiple hubs.
    • IAM – Abbreviation for “International Association of Machinists.”
    • IBT – Abbreviation for “International Brotherhood of Teamsters.”
    • Illegal – A term used to describe a crewmember who can no longer legally continue to work due to a violation of scheduling restrictions in the labor contract. For example, a crewmember who exceeds the 16-hour daily maximum on-duty period becomes illegal.
    • Initial Training – Training that must be completed by all new-hires. Also referred to as “New-Hire Training.”
    • Instructor – An individual who conducts initial and recurrent flight attendant training classes. Also referred to as a “Trainer.”
    • Interline Discounts – Travel industry discounts available to airline crewmembers.
    • International Flight – A flight that departs a domestic location and lands at an international destination.
    • Interviewer – An individual who conducts interviews with flight attendant applicants.
    • Jetway – The passageway between the gate area and an aircraft that allows passengers to board and deplane.
    • Jumpseat – See “F/A Jumpseat.
    • Junior – A term used as a measure of one’s relative seniority at an airline or at any given base (e.g., “How junior are you?”). Also used to describe the seniority of a specific flight attendant domicile (“Is that a junior base?”).
    • Labor Contract – An official document negotiated between labor and management. Also called a “working agreement,” covering pay, benefits, union security, seniority, scheduling, work rules, vacation, sick time, handling of grievances, etc.
    • Labor Union – A body of members and elected representatives that seek to negotiate labor contracts and handle job disputes. They also actively represent members in the media and fight battles in the political arena.
    • Language of Destination or Origin – See “LOD/O.”
    • Layover – A period of time a crewmember is scheduled to remain at a specified location (e.g., a 2-hour layover in PIT). Extended layovers are termed “RON,” for “Remain Overnight.”
    • Lead Flight Attendant – See “‘A Flight Attendant.”
    • Leave of Absence – A period of time granted by an airline in order for a flight attendant to pursue other interests or needs before returning to work. Types of leaves include education, military and maternity leave. Seniority continues to accrue during most leaves.
    • Leg – A single flight from 1 departure point to 1 destination point. A leg includes 1 takeoff and 1 landing.
    • LEO – Abbreviation for “Law Enforcement Officer.” An armed law enforcement individual on the aircraft who may or may not be on duty. LEOs are informed when other LEOs and FAMs are onboard and the captain is always advised of their presence as well.
    • Lifeguard Flight – A flight responsible for transporting human organs to a medical facility. Flight is given priority routing to expedite arrival.
    • Limo time – See “Van Time.”
    • Limo – Generic term used by crewmembers to refer to the vehicle that transports a crew to and from the hotel (even if it is only a van).
    • Line of Time – A monthly schedule.
    • Lineholder – A crewmember with sufficient seniority to fly (or hold) a regular line of time. Also referred to as a “Lineholder” or “Blockholder.”
    • Line Sharing – A system that allows 2 flight attendants to split a monthly line of time.
    • LOD/O – Acronym for “Language Of Destination/ Origin.” A flight attendant who is assigned to an international trip as a second language speaker.
    • Mainline – A term used when referring to the larger entity of an airline that provides both commuter and large jet service.
    • Major Airline – An airline with over $1 billion in annual operating revenue.
    • Maternity Leave- See “Leave of Absence.”
    • Meal Cart – See “Beverage Cart.”
    • Mechanical – Refers to a problem with an aircraft that must be remedied by maintenance before departure. Often boarding is delayed until the mechanical is fixed. Usage: “This plane has a mechanical.”
    • Mechanic – A member of an airline’s ground support crew who is responsible for maintenance and repair of aircraft.
    • Mediation – An individual hired from outside an airline that assists labor and management in reaching terms to a working agreement.
    • Medical Emergency – An emergency onboard an aircraft that requires first aid, medical attention, and possible aircraft diversion.
    • Medlink – A medical agency used by some airlines that provides in-flight personnel direct communication with a physician during medical emergencies.
    • MEL – Abbreviation for “Minimum Equipment List,” an FAA-approved document that spells out what equipment is allowed to be inoperative at the time of dispatch and for how long.
    • Military Time– The time on a 24-hour clock, used by airlines and crewmembers industry-wide in reading trip pairings. Also referred to as “24-hour clock time.”
    • Minimum Guarantee – Minimum number of hours to be paid in a given month regardless of number of hours flown. Applies to reserves only.
    • Monthly Projection – Projected number of flight hours at the end of the current month based on projected flying activity.
    • Narrow Body – An aircraft with a single aisle with seats on either side of the aisle.
    • National Airline – An airline with between $100 million and $1 billion annual operating revenue.
    • New-Hire Training – See “Initial Training.”
    • New-Hire – A flight attendant who has just completed initial training. Flight attendants are usually classified as new-hires during the first six months of employment.
    • No Contact – A flight attendant infraction resulting from a crew scheduler being unable to reach a flight attendant for a trip assignment. Usually applies to reserves only.
    • Non-Rev – Abbreviation for “Non-Revenue,” a term used to describe airline employees who travel using space-available passes. Also referred to as “Space-A travel.” Usage: “Are you a non-rev passenger?” or “Are you flying non-rev?”
    • Non-Stop Flight – A single flight number with 1 takeoff and 1 landing to reach its destination. See also “Direct Flight.”
    • On-Call – A period of time during which a reserve flight attendant may be assigned a trip.
    • On-Duty – The period of time a flight attendant is “working,” from check-in time until going off-duty. Reserves also use this term in reference to being on call.
    • Open Time – Uncovered trips available for bid by lineholders (can also be assigned to reserves).
    • Origination – Usually refers to the first flight of the day for a specific aircraft, but can also refer to a crew’s first flight.
    • Out-and-In – A 1-day trip that flies to 1 destination and returns. Also referred to as a “Turnaround.”
    • Out-of-Time – A situation in which a flight attendant reaches the maximum time ceiling (i.e., flight hour limit) and is no longer legal to fly. Usually applies to being “Out of Time” for the month.
    • Over Water Flight – A flight that exceeds 50 nautical miles from the coastline requiring an emergency life vest and raft demo. See also “Transoceanic Flight.”
    • Overhead Bin – Stowage area above the passenger seats. Carry-on bags are required to fit into these bins. Also referred to as an “Overhead Compartment.”
    • Overhead Compartment – See “Overhead Bin.”
    • Pass Privileges – Rules and regulations published by each airline that provide specific guidance on non-revenue travel.
    • Pass – A standby ticket issued to a “Non-Rev.”
    • Passenger Count – The final count of passengers delivered by the senior flight attendant to the cockpit crew for weight and balance considerations.
    • Passenger Evacuation – See “Evacuation.”
    • Passenger Service Agent – See “PSR.”
    • Passenger Service Unit – See “PSU.”
    • Pattern – See “Regular Line of Time.”
    • Pay Time – This is the time used for pay purposes.
    • Per Diem – Latin for “by the day.” Refers to hourly rate paid to flight attendants for meal expenses while on-duty.
    • Picket Line – A line of workers carrying signs during labor negotiations expressing dissatisfaction with their airline. Picket lines may be formed for information purposes only. Picket lines may also be formed during a work stoppage or just prior to a union’s implementation of “CHAOS.” See “Strike,” “CHAOS,” “Labor Contract, ” Labor Union.”
    • Pickup time – See “Van Time.”
    • Pre-board – A procedure during which passengers with small children and those needing assistance (e.g., wheelchair passengers) are boarded before regular passengers. These individuals are also referred to as “Pre-boards.”
    • Pre-flight – The period of time before passenger boarding, during which emergency equipment is checked, briefings are completed, catering supplies are checked, etc.
    • Probation – See “Probationary Period.”
    • Probationary Period – A period of time, usually lasting from 6 to 12 months, during which a new-hire’s performance is evaluated by an airline. Also referred to as “probation” or “being on probation.”
    • PSR – Abbreviation for “Passenger Service Agent,” the person responsible for passengers from the time they check-in (at the gate) until the aircraft’s cabin door is closed. Duties include passenger check-in, baggage checking, and assistance with passengers in wheelchairs. Also responsible for confirming that fuel quantity and passenger count is correct before entry door is closed. Also referred to as a “Ticket Agent” or “Agent.”
    • PSU – Abbreviation for “Passenger Service Unit,” a unit above each row of passenger seats that houses individual passenger oxygen units, reading lights, flight attendant call buttons, etc.
    • Purser – See “‘A’ Flight Attendant.”
    • Pushback – The process of moving an aircraft backwards from the gate, which is accomplished by coordination between the pilots and ground maintenance crew. The crew connects a towbar between the nosewheel of the aircraft and a ground tractor known as a “tug.” Once the captain releases the aircraft’s parking brake and deems it safe to pushback (doors closed, jetway clear of aircraft, clearance from the ramp or ground controller, and notification from the senior flight attendant that all passengers are seated and all bags are stowed), the tug slowly pushes the aircraft off the gate, while the aircraft engines are simultaneously started. When pushback is complete, the pilot sets the brakes, the tug is disconnected, and the maintenance crew waves off the aircraft so that it may proceed under its own power.
    • Quick Call – A trip assigned to a reserve lineholder, which requires reporting to the flight as soon as possible.
    • Ramp Workers – Maintenance personnel, cleaners, fuelers, caterers, etc.
    • Ramp – The area around an aircraft where ground personnel perform their duties. This includes maintenance, baggage handling, catering, fueling, etc.
    • Reach Test – A test instituted by several airlines to determine whether a flight attendant applicant will be tall enough to perform the duties required for the job.
    • Recall – The action of calling back a furloughed worker to the job.
    • Recurrent Training – Annual refresher training required by the FAA to be completed by all flight attendants.
    • Red-eye – A flight, typically from the West Coast that departs late in the evening and flies eastbound all night to the destination airport.
    • Regional Airline – An airline with less than $100 million in annual operating revenue. Includes commuter airlines.
    • Registered Alien – A person who has the legal right to accept employment in the United States. Registered aliens must possess what is called a “green card.”
    • Regular Line of Time – A unique schedule that features specific trip pairings typically over a 4-week period. Also referred to as a “Block” or “Pattern.”
    • Rejected Takeoff – A sudden, unexpected stop of an aircraft (on the runway) following the takeoff roll, due to a mechanical or other type of problem. Also referred to as an “Aborted Takeoff.”
    • Report Time- Time you are required to be at the airport for check-in.
    • Reservationist – An airline representative who books flights and assists passengers with reservation and/or ticket problems.
    • Reserve – A crewmember with insufficient seniority to hold a regular line of time. A reserve must fly a reserve line of time, which features no assigned trips and no set schedule other than days off.
    • Reserve Line of Time – A schedule which features no assigned trips and no set schedule other than days off.
    • RON – Abbreviation for “Remain Overnight.” A layover, which includes a hotel stay. See also “Layover.”
    • Scab – A crewmember who crosses a picket line and continues to work during a strike or other type of work stoppage.
    • Second Officer – Third-in-command of an aircraft. Normally a non-flying position. Also referred to as a “Flight Engineer.”
    • Senior – A term used as a measure of one’s relative seniority at an airline or at any given base (e.g., “How senior are you?”). Also used to describe the seniority of a specific flight attendant domicile (“Is that a senior base?”).
    • Seniority List – A list published by an airline listing the seniority number of every employed flight attendant.
    • Seniority Number – A unique number assigned to each flight attendant based on date of hire. See also “Date of Hire.”
    • Seniority – A numerical ranking system (based on date of hire) used by the airlines to determine awards of line positions, vacations, domiciles, etc.
    • Show Time – See “Check-in Time.”
    • Sick Time – Accrued time (in a sick bank) that is required to receive paid sick days.
    • Space-A Travel – See “Non-Rev.”
    • Standby – See “Reserve.”
    • Sterile Cockpit – The period of time during the critical phase of flight when the cockpit door must be locked and flight attendants are restricted from entering (except in an emergency). A sterile cockpit is required when an aircraft is below 10,000 feet and includes taxi, takeoff, and landing.
    • Stewardess – Original term used to describe a flight attendant before the 70s.
    • Strike – Legal work stoppage by labor due to an inability to reach a labor contract agreement with management.
    • Supervisor – A flight attendant manager who is directly responsible for flight attendants at a given domicile.
    • Taxi – The act of moving an aircraft on the ground under its own power.
    • Termination – Usually refers to the last flight of the day for a specific aircraft, but can also be used to refer to the last flight of the day for a crew.
    • Terminator – An aircraft that is finished flying on a given day upon arrival at its destination.
    • Ticket Agent – See “PSR.”
    • Trainer – See “Instructor.”
    • Transcontinental Flight – A flight that travels non-stop across the country, usually from coast-to-coast.
    • Transoceanic Flight – A flight that travels across the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean to reach its destination.
    • Trip Check-in – The time a flight attendant is required to check-in for an assigned trip, usually at least 1 hour before departure, depending upon the airline.
    • Trip Pairing – A series of flight numbers that comprise a “trip.” Also simply called a “Trip.”
    • Trip – See “Trip Pairing.”
    • Tuff Cuffs – A handcuff restraining device carried onboard an aircraft used by flight attendants for restraining unruly passengers.
    • Turbulence – Irregular motion of the atmosphere, causing a rough ride on an aircraft. Also referred to as “Air Turbulence.”
    • Turnaround – See “Outandin.”
    • Two-Tiered Wage System – See “B-Scale“.
    • TWU – Abbreviation for “Transport Workers Union of America.”
    • Unacc – See “Unaccompanied Minor.”
    • Unaccompanied Minor – An underage child traveling alone on an airplane. Also referred to as a “unacc.”
    • Union Dues – Monthly payment required to maintain individual labor union membership in good standing.
    • Utility Crew – See “Cleaners.”
    • Van Time – The time the crew is expected to meet in the hotel lobby after a RON. Also called “Limo Time” or “Pickup Time.”
    • Weight and Balance – Series of computations, normally automated and sent via computer to the cockpit. Includes aircraft gross weight, passenger and cargo weight, optimum runway, wing flap settings, etc.
    • Wide Body – An aircraft with two aisles with rows of seats in the center of the two aisles and on each side.
    • Work Rules – See “Contractual work rules.”
    • Working Agreement – See “Labor Contract.”
    • Working Conditions – See “Contractual Work Rules.”
    • Write-up – A logbook entry that describes a defect or discrepancy on an aircraft that needs maintenance. Usually these items are entered by pilots in the cockpit logbook, but in some instances, there is also a cabin logbook for flight attendant write-ups.
    • Zulu Time – See “Greenwich Mean Time.”