Former flight attendant reveals the secret codes crew members use for passengers they think are hot, annoying, and more… from HOB to VIP (the version that DOESN'T mean you're important!)

The next time you're on a plane and you hear the crew call you a HOB, take it as a compliment.

But if they call you a VIP, that may not mean they consider you a “very important person.”

This is revealed by Jay Robert, who has worked as a senior cabin crew for Emirates and heads the popular company Fly Guy's Cabin Crew Lounge Network.

He spoke to MailOnline Travel about some of the secret code words flight attendants use for passengers they find attractive, annoying, and more.

Jay said: “When you're on a plane for hours on end, boredom sets in, prompting many crew members to tune into what we call CCFM, or cabin crew radio, for the latest gossip from the aisles.

'In this intriguing jump seat whisper, passengers can get a glimpse of the playful codes flight attendants use to discreetly describe their BOB (Best On Board) or PITA (Pain In The Backside) passengers.'

Jay's list comes in part from reaching out to his Crew Lounge followers to discover the codes unique to their crew communities.

He said: “Highlights include ABP – Able Bodied Passenger or Person. An official code for a passenger (not a crew member) that the crew mentally selects during each flight to assist in an emergency.

'The crew uses this code unofficially to describe a passenger they are attracted to and who they think is fit and healthy.

'BOB can also mean Babe On Board – another flirty abbreviation that some flight attendants will use to let each other know who they are secretly in love with.

'SVML stands for Sudden Vegetarian Meal, a passenger who has not ordered a special meal and is probably not vegetarian and does not like the meal choice offered, suddenly turning vegetarian to get something else to eat.'

Jay revealed that the crew will use POS to describe a Maat Passenger, someone who needs an extended seat belt. And the term “mermaid” is used to refer to “a passenger who lies down on empty seats to prevent others from sitting in their row.”

Jay Robert, who has worked as a senior cabin crew for Emirates and heads the popular Fly Guy's Cabin Crew Lounge network

And what about the aforementioned HOB and VIP?

They stand for Hotty On Board and the latter can mean Very Irritating Person.

Jay explained that cabin crew also use serious acronyms called Special Services Request (SSR) codes.

He said: 'Specific SSR codes serve as a discreet way for airline staff to handle sensitive situations involving passenger privacy.

'For example, if someone is being deported, ground crew can use the codes DEPA or DEPU to discreetly communicate this information to the crew during boarding, avoiding the need to openly say, “This passenger is being deported.”

A related code is INAD, which refers to a person who has been denied entry into a country.

Jay continued, “Other common SSR codes you might hear on an airplane are UM (a child traveling alone), MEDA (a medical event), DPAX (disruptive passenger), DND (Do Not Disturb), EBL ( Eat Before Landing) and CIP – to indicate that a person is of commercial interest to the airline.'

And if someone calls you an SFU, get ready for the tighter times to come, because that, Jay revealed, means Eligible for an Upgrade.

For more information from Jay, visit www.instagram.com/aflyguytravels And www.facebook.com/aflyguyslounge.