A flight attendant has shared a secret three-letter code that no passenger wants to hear onboard: 'ABP.' Speaking anonymously to MSN, the Qatar Airways crew member explained that 'ABP' stands for 'able-bodied passengers' and is used by cabin crew to identify individuals who can assist in an emergency. These are typically people who are physically strong, can follow instructions, or have relevant skills such as police or military training. In a medical emergency, the crew will look for doctors or trained medics. However, not everyone with these credentials is needed; anyone who appears calm and collected under pressure may be singled out.
There are two scenarios where 'ABP' might be used. The first occurs during boarding: if a flight attendant greets you or another passenger with 'ABP,' it means they have identified that person as a potential helper in case of an incident. The second, more worrying scenario is if the code is used mid-flight, indicating a possible emergency. But don't panic immediately—the code is also used in non-emergency situations, such as identifying helpful passengers during routine checks.
Other Secret Cabin Crew Phrases
Flight attendants have a lexicon of secret codes, many of which have been shared on TikTok. One creator, Jeenie Weenie, revealed that 'Bob' stands for 'best on board' (or 'babe on board'), meaning the passenger is a favorite. 'Tom Cruise' is not about the actor but stands for 'tea and coffee,' reminding crew to place tea on the left and coffee on the right of the trolley.
More Codes and Their Meanings
- Philip — You have done something wrong and may receive poor service. It originates from 'PILP' (Passenger I'd Like to Punch).
- Cheerio — A good passenger who the crew would welcome again.
- Mermaid — A passenger who spreads across empty seats to block others.
- Gate lice — Airline employees' term for passengers who queue early at the boarding gate.
- See you later — Code used among crew to point out attractive passengers.
These codes are part of the hidden language of cabin crew, designed to communicate efficiently without alarming passengers. While 'ABP' might sound alarming, it is often used proactively to ensure safety without causing panic. So next time you fly, listen carefully—you might just hear a code word that reveals what the crew really thinks.
