If you’ve ever been on an airplane, you’ll be familiar with the “ding” sound emitted at various times during the flight.
Sometimes it’s just a long chime before the seat belt sign goes off, other times it changes to a two-beat sound. Of course they are not random, but secret codes between crew members.
The “ding” is a sign exchanged between crew members. (Image: Getty Images).
“On our Airbus aircraft you will hear a ‘boing’ sound shortly after takeoff. This sound helps the crew know that the landing gear is closing. A second ‘boing’ is usually heard when the landing gear is closed. The seat belt sign is off,” explained Qantas Airways.
Qantas also uses a chime to notify the cabin crew when a passenger requires on-site assistance. The low and high beat sounds indicate that the crew is calling each other through the in-flight communication system. The remaining 3 low bells in a row indicate an emergency warning from the captain, such as bad weather ahead.
However, the above meanings only apply to Qantas. There are no set rules for these sounds, as each airline customizes its sound system differently, Airbus spokeswoman Kara Evanko told the Huffington Post.
United Airlines is an example. A chime signals a passenger to call for assistance and the seat belt sign is on. A “ding-dong” sound means the pilot and flight attendant are calling each other through the system, spokesman Jonathan Guerin said.
The meaning of this sound varies between airlines. (Image: Getty Images).
With other airlines, a “ding” can indicate that the plane has reached an altitude of 3,048m, which means it is safe to use electronic devices , pilot Patrick Smith revealed. The sound also means that the plane is about to land and the crew should start clearing the cabin. The unusual sounds often come from the intercom between the crew and the cockpit.
A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines shared that this sound is like a private language between pilots and flight attendants. They use different sounds, but do not explain the meaning clearly to ensure confidentiality. Passengers can rest assured that it is only communication between crew members.