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Those 'Ding' Sounds on Airplanes Actually Mean Something

May 08, 2019
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2 min read
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Those 'Ding' Sounds on Airplanes Actually Mean Something
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Anyone who's flown on an airplane is likely familiar with a dinging sound, usually heard once back on land. It turns out, the chime means much more than being able to take off your seatbelt. Additionally, passengers may have heard a "boing" sound and, on occasion, a two-toned combination of high and low tones that resonates throughout the cabin. With so many variations, travelers may be left wondering: What do these gentle sounds actually mean?

Basically, it’s the airline crew’s way of communicating with each other from across the aircraft. In a blog post, Qantas revealed the meaning behind its chimes — a "boing" sound shortly after takeoff lets the crew know that the landing gear is being retracted, while a single chime signifies that a passenger requires assistance. When a section of the cabin requires more drinks or snacks, for example, a crew member can call another crew section within and a high-low chime combination goes off. When there’s turbulence ahead, a trio of low tones signals the crew to buckle up.

While the ding associated with turning off the seatbelt sign is similar among most airlines, the meaning behind other chime combinations isn’t always universal. As Airbus spokeswoman Kara Evanko explained to The Huffington Post, each carrier customizes its sound system differently. Several airlines — including JetBlue, Delta and American — confirmed their fleet’s usage of chimes, though their spokespersons declined to share details citing security reasons.

“Think of it as a language between the pilots and flight attendants,” Southwest spokeswoman Thais Hanson told The Points Guy. "A chime also accompanies the lighting or extinguishing of a sign; for example, when the seatbelt sign goes off and customers are able to move about cabin to use the facilities or stretch their legs, this will be indicated by a chime. While I can’t share all of our chime combinations and meanings, [the sounds] are used to signal to both flight crews and customers that an action is needed or has occurred."

H/T: The Huffington Post

Featured image by MCT via Getty Images

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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