Flight attendant reveals why staff will use code word 'love' for some passengers

A flight attendant has revealed the secret code staff use when they spot a nervous flyer.

While jetting off is a run of the mill activity for many people in 2023, for others it's a huge source of anxiety.

Airline staff may clock up tens of thousands of miles in the air themselves, but they're aware not everyone is as comfortable at 30,000 feet as them.

Airline worker Sheridan Melrose, who says she works for Virgin Atlantic, revealed that staff have certain code words for nervous passengers.

In a Facebook forum about flying she wrote: "At check in, our staff add in a code called LOVE when a guest is scared or nervous. This alerts the gate staff and cabin crew that we have a nervous guest with us, as it’s then in your reservation and passenger notes.

The airline tries to help out nervous flyers onboard (Getty Images)

"As we’re now aware, we’ll give you an extra slice of love and support throughout the flight.

"So make sure you mention it when you check in at the airport - I’d say approximately 30% of every flight we have has nervous guests onboard, so don’t feel embarrassed - airline staff are there to help you and make your experience amazing."

Many nervous flyers in the comments beneath Sheridan's post shared how they had benefitted from the Virgin policy.

"I found just flying with my son and friends our dream holiday to New York before Christmas, flying with Virgin," one woman wrote.

"In itself has cut my fear of flying in half! What a wonderful experience and our hotel was the one they stayed in and all so friendly.

"So much so that when I came home I googled how to be a Virgin air hostess! So that was a massive leap!"

Virgin uses the 'LOVE' code when they spot a nervous flyer (Getty Images)

Another person added: "I did this and a member of cabin crew on a Virgin flight helped me throughout the flight, explaining noises, reassuring me.

"She was wonderful and thanks to her I came off that flight and booked again with virgin to go to Florida."

A third wrote: "Virgin staff are the best. I’ve not mentioned my fear at check- in but have on the plane and they’ve treated me and my family so extra wonderfully.

"We only fly Virgin when we go to visit my in-laws in England."