Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a nervous flyer, you’ve probably looked at the cabin crew and thought, they make it look effortless. But behind the polite smiles, safety briefings and trolley runs, the job of cabin crew involves far more than meets the eye.

From secret codes to unusual rules and insider tips, I’m lifting the curtain on the best-kept flying secrets that airlines don’t always shout about. Buckle up – here are 10 surprising things you didn’t know about flying, straight from those who know the skies best.

The Cabin Crew Aren’t Just There to Serve Drinks

Let’s start with the biggest myth: cabin crew are not waiters and waitresses in the sky.

Yes, the bring your tea and snacks, but their main role is your safety. Every member of the crew is highly trained in emergency procedures, first aid, firefighting, evacuation protocols, and dealing with disruptive passengers.

From delivering babies mid-flight to handling in-flight medical emergencies, your crew are trained for it all.

Cabin Crew Use Secret Codes (Yes, Really)

Have you ever heard a string of seemingly random dings or abbreviations whispered between crew? It’s not just idle chat – cabin crew use codes to communicate discreetly.

A few insider examples:

• Code Adam – A child has gone missing (mostly used in airports)
• Blue juice – Slang for the water in aircraft toilets
• Deadhead – A crew member flying as a passenger for repositioning
• A single chime often signals a crew call; multiple chimes may indicate turbulence or a serious issue

Some even have special hand signals to communicate during take-off and landing when verbal communication is restricted.

That Locked Lavatory Door? Not Really Locked

Need to open a lavatory in an emergency? There’s a hidden trick.

Most aircraft toilets can be unlocked from the outside by lifting the metal flap on the sign (usually under the “no smoking” plaque) and sliding the lock across. It’s used in medical emergencies or if a passenger is unresponsive.

The Air You Breathe Isn’t 100% Fresh

Ever feel dry or congested after a flight? That’s because the cabin air is recycled – typically a 50/50 mix of fresh and recirculated air. Although it passes through HEPA filters (similar to those in hospitals), the humidity is very low – around 10-20%

Cabin crew tips to combat this:

• Stay hydrated (skip too much coffee or alcohol
• Use lip balm and moisturiser
• Carry saline nasal spray if you get dry or stuffy

The Crew Don’t Eat the Same Food as You

Think your in-flight meal is disappointing? Don’t worry – the crew probably aren’t eating it either.

Cabin crew often bring their own meals or are provided with different food than passengers. Pilots and co-pilots even eat separate meals to avoid the risk of both being affected by the same food-borne illness.

Many crew prefer cold, high-protein snacks they can grab quickly between duties.

They Might Be Sleeping Just Above Your Head

Ever wander where cabin crew rest on long-haul flights? On some aircraft (like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350), there’s a hidden staircase leading to secret sleeping bunks located above or below the passenger cabin.

Crew rest areas typically include:

• Bunk beds with privacy curtains
• Reading lights and oxygen masks
• A rest rota so each crew member gets downtime

Don’t expect five-star luxury – but the do get a chance to close their eyes mid-flight.

There’s a Reason They Watch You During Take-Off

When the crew are seated for take-off and landing and looking directly at passengers, they’re not just being polite. They’re scanning for:

• Unusual passenger behavior – e.g. panic, illness, intoxication
• Items left in aisles or footwells that could block evacuation
• Brace positions and seatbelts properly fastened

It’s called the 30-second review – a mental checklist of evacuation duties and nearest exists in case of an emergency.

They’re on Duty Long Before You Board

Passengers might think crew just stroll onto the aircraft with them -but in reality, they’ve often been on duty for hours before pushback.

Crew arrives early to complete:

• Pre-flight safety cheks
• Security inspections – looking for tampering or suspicious items
• Briefings with pilots and crew leads
• Reviewing passenger medical or special assistance notes

Many are also juggling jet lag, irregular schedules, and minimal sleep. All while keeping a smile on their face.

Yes, They’re Trained to Fight Fires (And Have Done it)

One of the most serious in-flight emergencies is fire – and every cabin crew member is firefighting trained.

They practise:

• Using halon fire extinguishers
• Donning smoke hoods
• Fighting fires in confined spaces like lavatories or galleys

It might sound extreme, but in-flight fires have happened – and crews have responded in seconds to avoid disaster.

They Can Spot Nervous Flyers Instantly

Think you’re hiding your flight anxiety? Cabin crew can usually tell within the first few minutes of boarding.

They’re trained in body language and behavior signs – sweating, clutching the seat, rapid breathing, or avoiding eye contact.

A good crew member may:

• Reassure you casually in conversation
• Explain what to expect during turbulence
• Check in with you duing take-off or landing

Don’t be afraid to tell them if you’re nervous. They’ve seen it all – and know how to help.

Bonus: Cabin Crew Survival Kit (What They Never Fly Without)

Ask any UK-based crew member what’s in their bag and you’ll hear a few staples:

• Hand cream and lip balm
• Blister plasters
• High-energy snacks
• Compression socks
• Spare uniform tights or scarf
• Paracetamol and travel sickness tablets
• Collapsible water bottle
• Kindle or a good book for layovers

Final Thoughts: Behind the Galley Curtain

So next time you board a flight, remember – your cabin crew are much more than friendly faces in uniform. They’re highly trained professionals keeping everything running smoothly, from 35,000 feet to landing on the tarmac.

Flying is still one of the safest ways to travel, and that’s thanks in large part to the crew you see every time you take to the skies.

I’d like to give a special thanks to a lovely member of cabin crew I recently spoke with, who kindly took the time to answer my (many!) questions with patience, humor, and honesty. Their insight and behind-the-scenes stories helped shape much of what you’ve read in this post – and made me appreciate the role even more.

Know someone who loves flying or dreams of joining the cabin crew?

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