Essential Aviation & Airline Terms You Should Know

Assessment Day

A recruitment event where candidates complete interviews, group exercises, and tests as part of the airline’s selection process.

Base

The airport where a Cabin Crew member is officially assigned and starts/ends their duties.

Briefing

A pre-flight meeting where the Cabin Crew and flight deck review safety procedures, passenger details, and service expectations.

Cabin Crew

Airline staff responsible for passenger safety, comfort, and service onboard the aircraft.

Captain

The pilot in command of the aircraft. Has ultimate authority and responsibility for the flight.

CCM (Cabin Crew Member)

Official term used by airlines for a qualified crew member.

Check-in Time

The required time Cabin Crew must report for duty before a flight (usually 60–90 minutes prior to departure).

Crew ID / Airline ID

Official identification card for airline employees. Often provides access to staff travel benefits and discounts.

Crew Rest

Designated rest period during long-haul flights where Cabin Crew can sleep in crew bunks or rest areas.

Deadheading

When Cabin Crew travel as passengers (not working) to position themselves for another flight.

Ditching

Emergency landing on water.

Emergency Equipment

Safety equipment onboard such as life vests, oxygen bottles, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.

Galley

The kitchen area of the aircraft where food and beverages are prepared.

Ground Time / Turnaround

The time the aircraft spends on the ground between flights while passengers disembark and board again.

Layover

The time Cabin Crew spend at a destination between flights, usually staying in a hotel.

Long-Haul

Flights typically longer than 6–8 hours.

Manifest

The official list of passengers and crew onboard a flight.

Operating Crew

Crew members actively working the flight.

Purser / Senior Cabin Crew

The lead Cabin Crew member responsible for managing the cabin team during a flight.

Roster

The monthly work schedule assigned to Cabin Crew.

Safety Demo

The safety demonstration performed before takeoff explaining emergency procedures to passengers.

SEP (Safety & Emergency Procedures)

Mandatory training covering safety drills, emergency situations, and equipment usage.

Short-Haul

Flights typically under 3–4 hours.

Standby

A period where Cabin Crew must be available to report to work at short notice.

Turnaround Flight

A flight where Cabin Crew operate out and back without staying overnight.

Uniform Standards

Strict grooming and appearance guidelines required by airlines.

Common Aviation & Airline Acronyms

Aircraft & Flight Operations

A/C – Aircraft
ACARS – Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System
ADF – Automatic Direction Finder
ATC – Air Traffic Control
ATA – Actual Time of Arrival
ATD – Actual Time of Departure
ETD – Estimated Time of Departure
ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival
FO – First Officer (Co-Pilot)
PIC – Pilot in Command (Captain)
PAX – Passengers
FLT – Flight
WX – Weather

Safety & Emergency

AED – Automated External Defibrillator
CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
SEP – Safety & Emergency Procedures
LSA – Life Saving Appliances
HALON – Fire extinguishing agent used onboard
RFF – Rescue and Fire Fighting
EMK – Emergency Medical Kit
FAK – First Aid Kit
PA – Public Address
RTO – Rejected Takeoff

Crew & Scheduling

CCM – Cabin Crew Member
SCCM – Senior Cabin Crew Member
FSM – Flight Service Manager
LCC – Lead Cabin Crew
ID – Airline Identification
SBY – Standby
DO – Day Off
DP – Duty Period
FDP – Flight Duty Period
ROST – Roster
DH – Deadhead

Cabin & Service

GAL – Galley
IFE – In-Flight Entertainment
BOB – Buy On Board
UMNR – Unaccompanied Minor
PRM – Passenger with Reduced Mobility
WCHR / WCHS / WCHC – Wheelchair categories
INF – Infant
EXST – Extra Seat
SSR – Special Service Request
CART – Service Trolley

Airports & Travel

IATA – International Air Transport Association
ICAO – International Civil Aviation Organization
STD – Scheduled Time of Departure
STA – Scheduled Time of Arrival
GATE – Boarding Gate
DEP – Departure
ARR – Arrival
INTL – International

Training & Recruitment

AD – Assessment Day
HR – Human Resources
SIM – Simulator
TRG – Training
CRM – Crew Resource Management

Why Learning These Matters

Understanding these abbreviations will:

→ Help you during Cabin Crew training
→ Make assessment days easier
→ Boost your confidence in interviews
→ Make you sound more professional