Ever wondered if a flight attendant is attracted to you? There’s a hidden language among cabin crew that might give you a hint. While their primary duty is to ensure your safety, flight attendants also have a discreet way of expressing their admiration for certain passengers.

The Secret Code

If airline staff find someone attractive on board, it’s likely you won’t notice. This isn’t about the extra-friendly « hello » you receive when boarding. Instead, flight attendants use a secret code word to subtly share their interest in a good-looking passenger.

What’s the Code?

It’s not « peng, » « leng, » or « dishy. » According to the late Qantas steward Owen Beddall, author of « Confessions of a Qantas Flight Attendant, » the code word is « Bob, » meaning « best on board. » If you overhear a flight attendant saying this while arranging the overhead bins, it could mean they find you attractive.

Inside Knowledge

Beddall’s 2014 book revealed many airline industry secrets, including the hidden lingo of flight attendants. Though Beddall passed away in 2016, his insights continue to intrigue travelers, offering a peek into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of air travel. His anecdotes showed how crew members balance professionalism with light-hearted interactions, making long flights more enjoyable.

Variations by Airline

While « Bob » is known among Qantas crew, other airlines have their own vocabularies. On the « Confessions on the Fly » podcast, flight attendant LJ shared that her team used dinner choices as playful codes. If a colleague asked her dinner preference and she replied with a specific cuisine, like « Italian, » it was a discreet way of indicating an attractive passenger.

Decoding the Dinner Chat

LJ shared: « If an attractive person was boarding, I’d say, ‘Oh yeah, I’m craving Italian tonight.’ » This playful, discreet system lets flight attendants talk about good-looking passengers without attracting attention, showcasing their creativity and camaraderie.

The Art of Subtlety

The charm of these codes is in their subtlety. Passengers remain completely unaware while the crew enjoys playful banter. It adds a layer of intrigue to the flight, as a seemingly ordinary conversation about dinner options or a casual mention of « Bob » might hold a hidden meaning.

The Unspoken Etiquette

Of course, it’s all in good fun, with an unspoken etiquette governing these interactions. Flight attendants are professionals, focused primarily on passenger safety and comfort. Using codes adds a bit of interest to their workday.

Next Time You Fly…

So, the next time you overhear a flight attendant mention « Bob » or engage in a specific conversation about dinner choices, you might be the object of their admiration. This insider knowledge adds a fun twist to your flight experience, but remember it’s all in good humor and part of the unique airline staff culture. Enjoy your flight, and listen for those secret codes—you might just be the « best on board »!