Buzz
Every profession has its unique jargon, and the airline industry is no exception. Dive into the secret language of flight crews and discover what it means when Blue Juice spills on a Lounge Lizard freshening up her Landing Lips while settling into the Sharon Stone Jumpseat.
1. Blue Juice, n.
The water in the airplane lavatory has a blue tint. If you hear a flight attendant report, 'The lav is out of blue juice,' it’s probably best to wait before using it.
2. Commuter, n.
A crew member residing in one city but flying to their base city for work. These individuals are often exhausted from their commutes.
3. Concourse Shoes, n.
Stylish high-heeled pumps worn by flight attendants while navigating the airport, swapped for more comfortable (and often less attractive) flats once onboard. Surprisingly, there’s even a niche market for used flight attendant shoes on eBay. While selling my well-worn shoes could be lucrative, the concept feels… decidedly odd.
4. Crashpad, n.
A shared apartment where commuters, sometimes numbering 20 or more, stay between flights to avoid hotel costs. The idea of one bathroom for so many people has always deterred me from considering a crashpad.
5. Deadheading, v.
Traveling as a passenger on company orders to reach a work assignment. (No relation to The Grateful Dead.) For instance, you might deadhead to New York to operate a return flight to Los Angeles, making your trip to New York a deadhead. It’s a perk we enjoy!
6. Dinosaur, n.
A highly experienced, long-serving flight attendant. Most start their careers planning to fly for just a few years, but the appealing benefits—like ample time off, flexible schedules, and travel perks—often keep them in the skies indefinitely.
7. Jumpseat, n.
The compact, foldable seats we use during flights.
8. Jumpseater, n.
An off-duty crew member catching a ride when no regular passenger seat is open. This often leaves you lingering near the restrooms during the flight.
9. Landing Lips, n.
The polished, flawless look achieved by reapplying lipstick before landing, ensuring we appear refreshed for the farewells.
10. Lounge, n.
The downstairs area equipped with couches, computers, and spaces for signing in and pre-trip briefings.
11. Lounge Lizard, n.
A commuter without a crashpad or the desire to spend on a hotel between flights. They spend the night on the lounge couch, earning the 'lizard' nickname due to their inability to shower. Quite the glamorous lifestyle!
12. Mini Me, n.
A compact trash cart, half the size of the larger one. Some crew members have even hopped into the big cart to give passengers a playful scare!
13. Seniority Rules, n.
Ever noticed older flight attendants on longer flights? The airline industry is unique—crew members only earn their pay while the plane is in the air, not during boarding or delays at the gate (which we dislike as much as you do!). Junior attendants often handle shorter flights, earning less, while senior crew members enjoy longer, more lucrative routes. This system explains why seasoned attendants, or 'dinosaurs,' stick around—they’ve paid their dues and reaped the rewards.
14. Sharon Stone Jumpseat, n.
The jumpseat positioned to face passengers, famously reminiscent of the iconic scene in Basic Instinct. Sitting here in a dress requires extra care to maintain decorum.
Confessions of a Fed-Up Flight Attendant, a Yahoo Travel series, offers a candid look at the daily challenges faced by 'Betty' and her fellow crew members, soaring 35,000 feet above the comforts of foot massages and top-shelf whiskey.
