Air rage
An incident involving violent, disruptive or aggressive passenger behaviour during flight, endangering safety or order on board.
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Cabin
Browse Cabin terms for pilots, air traffic controllers, cabin crew and aviation learners.
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Bassinet position
Approved seat row and attachment point where an aircraft baby bassinet may be installed and locked.
View termBeverage cart
A service cart used by cabin crew to serve drinks and light refreshments to passengers during the flight, stowed in the galley when not in use.
View termBeverage drawer
A dedicated sliding compartment in the aircraft galley for storing drinks, ice, and related service items, accessible to cabin crew during flight.
View termCabin baggage
Passenger-carried items stowed in the aircraft cabin, normally in overhead bins or under seats, and subject to weight/size limits.
View termCabin crew briefing card
Card summarising aircraft type-specific emergency duties used during crew pre-flight briefing.
View termCabin interphone
An internal aircraft communication system that enables direct, secure voice communication between cabin crew, cockpit crew, and between various cabin stations during all phases of flight.
View termCabin lighting panel
Flight attendant control panel for selecting cabin lighting modes, intensity and colour settings.
View termCabin logbook
The official record kept on board for documenting all technical, operational, or passenger-related events and discrepancies in the cabin.
View termCabin pressure
The controlled air pressure within an aircraft cabin, maintained to ensure passenger safety and comfort at altitude.
View termCabin secure
Formal statement by cabin crew that all safety checks are completed, all items stowed, doors armed, and the cabin is ready for taxi, takeoff, or landing.
View termCabin temperature control
Panel or system regulating passenger-cabin temperature by mixing conditioned bleed air and recirculated flow.
View termCall light
An indicator light in the aircraft cabin that signals a passenger is requesting crew assistance.
View termCarry-on luggage
Passenger items approved to remain with the traveler in the cabin and stowed under-seat or in overhead bins.
View termCatering uplift
The process of loading all required food, beverages, and associated service items onto an aircraft prior to departure, coordinated between ground catering and cabin crew.
View termChecked baggage tag
Barcode or RFID label affixed to hold-loaded baggage to identify routing, weight and ownership.
View termCoffee maker
A dedicated appliance installed in the aircraft galley to brew hot coffee for passengers and crew. Its operation is subject to galley power availability and is monitored for safety.
View termCold soak
A condition in which aircraft fuel, systems, or equipment are cooled for an extended period during high-altitude flight, possibly causing condensation or freezing on landing.
View termCrash axe
Cockpit-mounted emergency axe for cutting or prying during evacuation or fire-fighting operations.
View termCrew duty period
The total period a crew member is on duty, including all pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight responsibilities, regulated to ensure safety and prevent fatigue according to aviation law.
View termCrew rest
A designated area on the aircraft reserved exclusively for crew members to rest or sleep during flight operations, particularly on long-haul flights, as mandated by aviation regulations.
View termCross-check
The action of verifying that a safety-related task (such as arming/disarming doors) has been correctly completed by another crew member.
View termCustomer complaint
A formal expression of dissatisfaction made by a passenger regarding any aspect of airline service, safety, or comfort.
View termDeportee
A person who is being sent out of a country by legal order and is being transported by air under escort or supervision.
View termDisarm doors
To set aircraft doors to a disarmed mode so that evacuation slides will not deploy when the door is opened.
View termDisembarkation
The controlled process of passengers and crew leaving the aircraft at the end of a flight, following standard operating procedures and safety regulations.
View termDoor status
The current operational state of all aircraft doors—open, closed, armed, disarmed—communicated between cabin crew, flight crew, and ground staff before movement or takeoff.
View termduty-free
Tax-exempt goods available for purchase on board, relevant for passenger services during flight.
View termEmergency flashlight
Battery-powered flashlight mounted at crew station for use during evacuation or electrical failure.
View termexit row
Row of seats adjacent to an emergency exit, where passengers have responsibilities for assisting in case of evacuation.
View termFirst aid kit
Regulation medical supplies kit carried on board for treatment of minor injuries and illnesses.
View termGalley position
The specified location or compartment onboard the aircraft dedicated to the storage and preparation of food and beverage service items, designated for cabin operations.
View termGalley power
The electrical power supply dedicated to the aircraft galley, required for safe operation of galley equipment such as ovens, boilers, and coffee makers. Galley power is routinely switched off during takeoff and landing as a safety precaution.
View termGalley waste bin
Fire-retardant container in the galley for collection of cabin refuse; equipped with self-closing lid.
View termGate-checked bag
Oversize or excess carry-on item tagged at the boarding gate and stowed in the aircraft hold.
View termHalon fire extinguisher
Hand-held extinguisher charged with Halon 1211/1301 for cabin or flight-deck Class B/C fires.
View termHead count
A manual verification by cabin crew of the total number of passengers and crew on board, used to confirm the manifest and ensure safety compliance prior to departure or after evacuation.
View termHot drinks
Beverages such as tea, coffee, or hot water, served by cabin crew. Handling and service must comply with safety procedures, especially during turbulence.
View termIn-flight entertainment system
A dedicated electronic system installed in the aircraft cabin, delivering audio, video, and interactive entertainment content to passengers during flight; monitored and reset as needed by the cabin crew.
View termInadmissible
A passenger who is not permitted entry to a country by authorities and must be returned to the point of origin or another location.
View termInfant seat belt
Supplementary loop belt attached to adult lap belt to secure an infant on a guardian’s lap during flight.
View terminflight service
Services provided to passengers during flight, such as meals and beverages, potentially affecting departure or operations.
View termJumpseat
A foldable seat located in the cockpit or cabin, reserved for off-duty crew, training personnel, or authorized observers during flight operations.
View termJumpseat authority
Permission granted by the operator or authority for a non-operating crew member to occupy a jumpseat in the cockpit or cabin for operational reasons or deadheading.
View termLavatory occupied light
Illuminated indicator showing lavatory in-use status to cabin crew and passengers.
View termlavatory serviceable
Confirmation that the aircraft's lavatory system is fully operational and available for use during flight.
View termLavatory smoke alarm
Detector-triggered alert indicating presence of smoke or vapour in aircraft lavatory.
View termLavatory vacuum system
Indicates the operational status of the vacuum system in aircraft lavatories, essential for the proper flushing and sanitation of toilets during flight.
View termLayover
A scheduled break in a flight crew's duty period, typically involving an overnight stay at a destination before resuming further duties or a return flight.
View termLife vest location
Designated stowage point of each passenger life jacket, usually beneath seat or in central console.
View termLost and found
The official service or location at an airport or on board where lost property is reported and returned to passengers or crew.
View termLost property
Items belonging to passengers or crew that have been misplaced or left behind on the aircraft or in airport premises.
View termMagazine rack
Dedicated stowage for in-flight magazines, often at galley or bulkhead area.
View termManual inflation handle
Lever or tab used by passenger to manually inflate life vest after evacuation into water.
View termNo smoking
A mandatory cabin safety instruction indicating that smoking is prohibited on board the aircraft.
View termnon-service animal
An animal on board not trained to assist a person with a disability, such as a pet, requiring specific handling.
View termOven circuit
The dedicated electrical circuit that supplies power to ovens in the aircraft galley. Its status is monitored for operational safety, and circuit breakers must be reset only by authorized crew.
View termOverhead bin
A secure storage compartment above passenger seats used to stow carry-on baggage in the aircraft cabin.
View termOxygen mask deployment
Automatic or manual release of supplemental oxygen masks from the passenger service unit during cabin depressurisation.
View termPassenger announcement
Any formal communication delivered to passengers by flight or cabin crew via public address system regarding flight information, safety, or operational matters.
View termPassenger count
The official total number of passengers on board, verified by cabin crew and reported to the flight deck before departure for compliance with manifest and safety regulations.
View termPassenger manifest
An official list of all passengers onboard an aircraft, required by aviation regulations for tracking, safety, and emergency response.
View termPassenger service unit
Overhead module above each seat row housing reading light, call button, air vent and oxygen mask panel.
View termPet in-cabin
A pet permitted to travel in the aircraft cabin with the passenger, subject to airline policies and operational restrictions; denoted as PETC.
View termPortable electronic device
Any small battery-powered electronic item used by passengers, which may interfere with aircraft systems if not managed properly.
View termPotable water level
Indicates the current quantity of drinkable water available in the aircraft's potable water tanks; monitored by cabin or maintenance crew for serviceability.
View termPotable water quantity
The measured amount of safe, drinkable water stored in dedicated aircraft tanks, monitored for passenger and crew needs throughout the flight.
View termPre-flight briefing
A mandatory operational meeting or exchange held prior to flight, covering crew assignments, weather, NOTAMs, operational considerations, and emergency procedures as per regulatory requirements.
View termPublic address system
Aircraft Public Address (PA) system, used by flight and cabin crew for delivering announcements, emergency messages, and safety information to passengers.
View termReading light
Seat-specific overhead lamp in PSU providing adjustable illumination for passengers.
View termRestraint kit
Cabin crew kit containing cuffs, straps or ties used to restrain unruly passengers.
View termRoving deadhead
A crew member assigned to reposition as a passenger (not working the flight), who may move between cabins or flights as needed by the operator.
View termSafety demo
A mandatory demonstration by the cabin crew, conducted prior to takeoff, showing passengers the use of safety equipment and procedures as per regulatory standards.
View termSafety information card
Printed card in seat pocket detailing aircraft emergency equipment and evacuation procedures.
View termSeat pocket
Fabric or plastic pocket on seat-back for storing safety card, magazines and small personal items.
View termSeat recline lock
Mechanical latch preventing a passenger seat from reclining, used during take-off, landing or when inoperative.
View termSeatbelt sign
An illuminated sign in the aircraft cabin that instructs passengers to fasten their seatbelts.
View termSecurity briefing
A formal communication given to crew or passengers outlining relevant safety, emergency, and security procedures for the flight.
View termService irregularity
Any deviation from normal operating procedures, schedules, or expected service standards during a flight or at the airport.
View termSky shop
An onboard retail service offered to passengers, typically involving the sale of duty-free goods during flight.
View termSlide armed
A condition in which an aircraft's emergency evacuation slide is mechanically engaged to deploy automatically upon door opening.
View termSlide disarmed
A state in which an aircraft's emergency evacuation slide is mechanically disengaged so it will not deploy if the door is opened.
View termSpecial meal
A meal specially requested to meet specific dietary, religious, or medical requirements for individual passengers, to be loaded as per manifest.
View termStandby crew
Crew members held in reserve at the airport, ready to replace or supplement operating crew as required by airline or regulatory procedures.
View termSterile cockpit
A mandatory operational environment during critical phases of flight—such as taxi, takeoff, landing, and below 10,000 feet—where non-essential conversation and activities are strictly prohibited on the flight deck.
View termTrash compactor
A mechanical device installed in the aircraft galley designed to compress and contain cabin waste for efficient storage and disposal during and after flight.
View termTray table latch
Mechanical catch that locks the passenger tray table in its stowed or deployed position.
View termTrolley seals
Tamper-evident security seals affixed to galley trolleys or beverage carts to ensure contents have not been accessed between service or flight segments.
View termTurbulence procedure
A set of operational safety steps followed by flight and cabin crew when turbulence is encountered or anticipated, including seatbelt instructions, securing the cabin, and suspending cabin service.
View termUnaccompanied minor
A child travelling alone without a legal guardian, requiring airline supervision and special handling procedures as per ICAO Annex 9.
View termWater service cart
Ground-service trolley supplying potable-water fill or grey-water drain for aircraft tanks.
View termWheelchair WCHR
Wheelchair service code for a passenger requiring assistance to and from the aircraft but able to ascend and descend steps independently.
View termWindow shade
Movable blind covering a passenger window to regulate light during flight phases.
View term