AA Airline vocabulary Flashcards
AFT
Rear (back) of the aircraft
AC
Abbreviation for the word aircraft
Aisle
A walkway through the center of the aircraft. An aircraft will have either one or two aisles
APU
Auxiliary power unit. The APU provides external ground power to the aircraft when the engines are not running. It is mainly used when the aircraft is parked at the gate.
“Arm” (or Arming) an exit
The process of attaching the evacuation slide to the A/C floor at departure. When the door is opened in the armed mode, the slide will deploy and inflate.
Barrier strap
A red fabric seatbelt attached across the aisle behind the last row of seats in the main cabin of the super 80 aircraft used to give a flight attendant space to open the AFT door in the event of an evacuation.
Bid (or Bidding)
The process of submitting your request for the following month’s work schedule
Bid packet
The packet produced by crew planning containing schedules and information for the next month. Flight Attendants use the bid packet when bidding.
Bulkhead
Partition wall used to divide an aircraft into separate cabins, and to separate galleys and lavatories from customers.
Business Class(B/C)
A cabin area on some widebody aircraft between first class and Main Cabin. The business class cabin features more enhancements then the main cabin, but is not as elaborate as the First Class cabin. May also be your highest level of service if first class is not available in a particular market.
Cabin
The aircraft interior, including customer seating area, luggage storage, galleys and lavatories.
Cabin Service Barrier Strap
A nylon strap that is attached to each side of the aircraft door. This strap reminds personnel the exit is unsafe for use.
Catering papers
An inventory of the food service related items catered on a specific flight.
CC/SS
The two separate codes used to identify different compartments used for storage on the aircraft.CC=Coat Closet / SS=Storage Space
Checking Catering
The process of verifying the contents of what has been placed in the galley compartments and cards against what is printed on the catering papers.
Cocktail/Beverage Cart
Cart which contains supplies such as ice, soda, milk, water, liquor miniatures, beer, and wine for a cocktail /beverage service.
Concierge Key
The concierge key program is an exclusive program that American Airlines has for it’s very top customers. It is by invitation only.
Compliance Check
Flight attendant verification that customers are adhering to safety regulations. I.e., seatbelts fastened, luggage stowed, seatbacks forward, etc….
Departure Dependability Briefing (DDB)
Preflight meeting between the flight attendant #1 and the gate agent to exchange information regarding the flight and ensure a smooth customer boarding process.
Disarm an Exit
The process of releasing the evacuation slide from the A/C floor brackets upon arrival. When the exit is in the disarmed mode, the escape slide will not deploy automatically when the door is opened.
Doghouse
An enclosed storage area onboard the aircraft (A/C) that is often used to store supplies and emergency equipment.
Door Handle
A large door-mounted handle that is used to open or close a door from the inside of the aircraft.
Enhanced Gate Reader (EGR)
An electronic machine that assist with boarding by scanning a boarding pass or personal electronic device.
Exit Row Seating
Seats in which a customer can go directly to an exit without entering an aisle.
FA
Abbreviation for “Flight Attendant”.
FA Crew Base
An operational City within the AA network assigned to FA’s, as a point of origin and termination for all trips.