Have you ever been on a flight and heard the crew or pilot say a word you didn't understand? I am not talking about a fancy grammatical term that you don't remember learning in English class. Instead, I am discussing the code words or phrases that airline staff occasionally use. You know, the phrases that don't make sense on their own but that you know mean something. Well, a report recently revealed the hidden meaning behind the flight code word "mermaid", and I doubt you will guess what it is.
The Hidden Meaning Behind The Flight Code Word 'Mermaid'
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Travel + Leisure is sharing all of the juicy details about the hidden meaning behind the flight code word "mermaid". The outlet had an email correspondence with the luxury vacation rental company Wander. In that email, Wander shared the unofficial phrase and its meaning. When hearing that term, I have a hard time conjuring up anything other than the mythical image in my head.
However, according to Kolin Jones — pilot and founder of CEO Amalfi Jets — the mermaid is not a term of endearment. Despite it not being an official FAA term, that does not stop flight crews from using it. In regard to its meaning, this is what Jones had to say. "From my understanding, this is a slang term among the flight crew or flight attendants to describe passengers who take up more space during the flight in their seat or are 'manspreading'."
In other words, you don't want to be the mermaid. The term basically describes someone who has spread themselves out over several seats. However, it is not because of their size. No, the mermaid is someone who spreads themselves out intentionally to stop other passengers from sitting with them in their row.
I suppose I can picture the visual, if someone is practically lying across all the seats with their legs together — perhaps they would look a bit like a mermaid. While it is not an emergency, it is apparent that the "mermaid" is not someone who displays proper etiquette. So now you know. The next time you hear the term, you know the hidden meaning behind the code word "mermaid." Just look around and ensure it isn't you the flight crew is talking about!
