Aircraft cabin equipment glossary

Twelve everyday cabin terms explained in plain language, so your first briefing doesn't feel foreign.

Cabin Glossary3 min read

Twelve terms you'll hear constantly once training starts: worth knowing cold before you walk in.

Overhead luggage compartment: The storage bin above the seats where hand luggage is stowed for the flight.
Hand luggage: The bag or case a passenger carries into the cabin, as opposed to checked luggage in the hold.
Cockpit: The compartment at the front of the aircraft where the pilots operate the flight.
Call button: The button a passenger presses overhead to call a cabin crew member to their seat.
Window seat: A seat positioned next to the aircraft window.
Fold-down tray table: The small table that folds down from the seat in front, used for meals and drinks.
Aisle: The walkway running between rows of seats, front to back of the cabin.
Meal / service cart: The trolley cabin crew push down the aisle to serve meals and drinks.
Safety card: The card kept in the seat pocket explaining emergency procedures for that specific aircraft type.
Seatbelt: The belt fastened across the lap during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.
Life vest: The flotation vest stowed under or beside the seat, used in the event of a water landing.
Reading light / air vent: The individual overhead light and airflow control positioned above each seat.