ACCIDENTS can always happen when you are travelling – but did you know there are secret codes for different emergency situations?
Whether travelling across the globe on a flight or setting sail on a cruise to the Med, staff have several codes for different situations that need to be addressed.
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Whilst many are to alert something less serious, there are some codes that signify something more horrifying is happening.
Here’s a run down of the codes you might hear at the airport or on planes, cruise ships and trains – and what they really mean.
Planes
For most passengers, their worst nightmare is hearing there is a problem whilst flying.
And by using codes, cabin crew often are able to communicate with each other without alerting passengers.
For example, ‘Code 300’ or ‘Angel’ means that a passenger has died on board the plane.
If this happens, passengers will hear ‘Angel’ being used by flight staff, where they will then communicate on what to do including potentially moving the body away from other passengers.
Another code, ‘Squawk 7500’ or ‘Hotel’ rather scarily signals a hijacking.
Pilots will send the transponder code ‘Squawk 7500’ to air traffic control to alert them that the plane is in danger without actually explaining the situation or alerting passengers.
However, passengers may hear ‘Hotel 7500’ to indicate the emergency.
If you hear ‘Pan-Pan’, then it means there is a serious, but non-life-threatening incident on board – this could be mechanical or medical.
There are codes for less serious situations too including ‘Code Yellow’ which alerts staff to a minor medical situation, such as a passenger feeling sick.
Similarly, if you hear ‘Mermaid’ there isn’t anything to worry about – flight crew just used the term to refer to a passenger who is spreading themselves out across more than one seat.
Airports
You won’t just hear codes on the plane, but you might also hear them being announced in the airport.
For example, ‘Code Adam’ means a child has gone missing and is announced to begin a search for the child, including securing exits in case of a potential child abduction.
According to The Telegraph, ‘Code Bravo‘ alerts a general security issue.
There are also a number of codes you might not necessarily hear at the airport, but are used behind the scenes to communicate different issues.
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For example, according to The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the code ‘DF’ means that the aircraft has experienced damage, due to incidents such as a bird strike or lightning.
Alternatively, the code ‘DG’ means that an aircraft has damage from ground operations, such as a collision.
Code ‘FS’ signifies there is a flight crew shortage and code ‘FC’ suggests there is a cabin crew shortage.
And code ‘FB’ means that the captain of a flight has requested a security check.
Cruise ships
According to The Telegraph, passengers won’t want to hear ‘Operation Rising Star’on a cruise ship, which means a passenger has passed away.
Alternatively, ‘Operation Bright Star’ or ‘Blue Star’, means there is a medical emergency onboard.
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‘Code Alpha’ can also mean there is a medical emergency onboard.
If someone has fallen overboard, you’ll hear ‘Code Oscar‘ and rather scarily, ‘Code Echo’ means the ship is at risk of colliding with another ship.
Alternatively, if you hear ‘Code Charlie’, there is a security threat on the ship.
There are some less serious codes as well that you could hear including ‘PVI’, which stands for ‘public vomiting incident’.
And ‘Code Zulu’ flags that a fight has broken out onboard.
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Trains
For commuters or people heading to different destinations in the UK on the train, you could also hear some secret codes.
For example, you might hear someone asking for ‘Inspector Sands’ which means there is a fire.
Depending where you are, the code you hear for fire could also be ‘Mr Sands’.
Different numbered codes between one and seven are also used to signify different cleaning tasks that are needed including blood, urine and vomit.
Is there an official dress code for flights?
WHILE there are no official airline rules on what you can and can’t wear on board, there are some unspoken guidelines, as passengers have been kicked off a flight for their choice of clothing.
If you can, avoid dirty or torn clothes, anything with slogans that may be deemed offensive or contain any rude language
Some airlines do allow flip-flops, but others may not accept you on board if you’re wearing beach attire or something too revealing.
It’s also important to check whether your destination has specific laws or local customs around clothing, as the airline may expect passengers to adhere to these before boarding.
For example, Qatar Airways have a dress code as the mid-point is a conservative Muslim country.
If passengers visit Doha as a stopover, they must observe the strict dress codes which include no sleeveless shirts, and pants must be no higher than your knees.
It’s a good idea to opt for clothes which are comfortable such as jeans and a nice top.
Bring layers – flights can get chilly and if you do experience a member of the cabin crew asking you to cover up, you’re already prepared.
Overall, think smart casual.
Experts have also shared five ways to escape a plane crash.
Plus, there is also a common parent trick used on flights that experts say should be banned for safety.
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