Ever wondered about those mysterious "dings" you hear during a flight? A TikTok video featuring an American Airlines pilot, known as Captain Steve (@captainsteeeve), has gone viral, revealing the meaning behind these seemingly random chimes. The video, with nearly 10 million views, explains that these sounds aren't arbitrary; they're part of a communication system between the pilot and the cabin crew.
Captain Steve outlines three distinct chimes used during a typical flight. The first occurs during taxiing, signaling to flight attendants to prepare for departure. The second chime, accompanied by the illumination of the "no smoking" sign, indicates imminent takeoff, urging everyone to be seated. Finally, the third chime, sounded as the plane descends through 10,000 feet, lets flight attendants know they have limited time to complete their duties before landing.
The viral video sparked a flurry of comments on social media, with many passengers admitting they were unaware of the chimes' significance. Some assumed it was a call button for flight attendant service, while others associated it with turbulence warnings. Several users expressed surprise that the chime is produced by toggling the "no smoking" sign.
However, other pilots have clarified that the meaning of the chimes can vary between airlines. One pilot, speaking anonymously to Fox News Digital, explained that their airline uses a double chime to signal both the 10,000-feet mark for service commencement and the final descent for service conclusion. Another pilot emphasized that the chimes are just one communication method, often supplemented by direct intercom conversations for clarity.
Regardless of the specific chime pattern, the underlying purpose is to maintain safety and coordination throughout the flight.
