Disturbing phrases you never want to hear airline staff saying if you’re on a flight

Even for the most fearless of us out there, it's clear that flying on a plane is always a bit of a hassle.

From the dodgy airline food and crying babies to post-cabin-air skin breakouts and the far from satisfactory toilet facilities - it's simply a known fact that soaring the skies (unless in first class) can be a faff at the best of times and a total nightmare at the worst.

And, adding to the list of things wrong when it comes to travelling by plane is the list of disturbing phrases you seriously never want to hear a flight attendant say on a flight.

Apparently, there are a number of code words airplane staff use to communicate with each other on board (izusek / Getty Images)

Travel experts at Wander have uncovered the secret codes flight crews and airport staff use to discreetly communicate emergencies - be it medical incidents to rowdy passengers - without alerting those on board.

Code 300 and Angel

Two specific phrases to listen out for are 'Code 300' and 'Angel' which, according to the experts, signal a passenger has died on board.

These discreet codes allow the crew to handle the situation without alarming other passengers or drawing attention to the tragic event.

Squawk 7500 or Hotel

Apparently, the code terms 'Squawk 7500' and 'Hotel' mean that a hijacking is in progress.

"If you ever hear this code mentioned by the flight crew or air traffic control, it signals a potential security threat on the flight," the experts warn. "The aircraft’s transponder will send a signal with this code to alert authorities that the plane is in danger."

You really don't want to be hearing 'Code 300' or 'Angel' during a flight (James Lauritz / Getty Images)

Code Yellow

This code reportedly indicates a 'minor medical situation'.

Such a situation could include a passenger feeling lightheaded or nauseous.

While it may not be an emergency, 'Code Yellow' term lets crew members discreetly monitor the situation and prepare any necessary assistance.

Pan-Pan

'Pan-Pan' is the code flight attendants use to signal a 'serious, non-life-threatening emergency'.

"While not as critical as a 'MAYDAY', a 'Pan-Pan' call indicates that something is wrong on board, whether it's mechanical trouble or a medical emergency, but the flight is not in imminent danger," the experts note.

You also don't want to be awarded the 'Mermaid' or 'VIP' code nickname (izusek / Getty Images)

Mermaid

According to the experts, 'Mermaid' is a playful yet passive-aggressive nickname for a passenger who 'deliberately sprawls out across empty seats to deter others from sitting in their row'.

This behaviour is apparently particularly common on flights with spare seats, where a passenger may stretch out or scatter belongings to claim extra space.

Code Adam

Coming to the end of the list now and 'Code Adam' is definitely a pretty serious phase which is used in airports to indicate a missing child.

If an announcement is made for a 'Code Adam', staff will begin searching for the child while securing exits to prevent abduction scenarios.

"This term is derived from the Adam Walsh Child Safety Act," the experts explain.

VIP

While 'VIP' is mostly known to refer to a 'Very Important Person', it also has a completely different other definition in the airline industry.

Apparently, the three-later code word can sometimes stands for 'Very Irritating Passenger' - a team used by crew members to subtly refer to a traveller who is making excessive demands, complaining frequently or generally being difficult without necessarily violating any rules.

Well, the more you know - eh?