6 Aviation Terms You Might Be Misusing

Aviation enthusiasts take the language of flying seriously, but the general public, media, and even some airline staff often overlook proper terminology. While it may appear to be just a matter of words, mastering these terms can enhance your travel knowledge—and could be beneficial when planning your next journey.

1. Direct Flight vs. Nonstop Flight

You might think that a direct flight means the same as a nonstop flight, but that's not correct. A direct flight has one flight number but may make one or more stops between the departure and arrival points. Passengers may stay on the plane or have to change planes at stops. As long as the flight number remains the same, it qualifies as a direct flight.

Why do direct flights even exist? They are a remnant from the early days of commercial aviation when aircraft had limited ranges, and most airlines marketed tickets through global distribution systems for travel agents. Flights between two key destinations were labeled as 'direct,' even if they made multiple stops to refuel or board passengers. Unless you enjoy extending your travel time, it’s wiser to opt for a nonstop flight rather than a direct one.

2. Flight Attendant vs. Stewardess

Let’s clear this up: The terms air hostess, stewardess, and steward are considered outdated and even cringe-inducing by cabin crew who frequently hear them. Nowadays, the correct term for cabin crew members is flight attendant.

3. Final Descent vs. Final Approach

This is a common mix-up you might hear from flight attendants. Final approach signifies the last stages of a flight as it descends the final few thousand feet toward the runway. Flight crew may announce that the plane is on final approach while it’s still at 10,000 feet (or higher!). This should actually be called final descent. By the time the aircraft reaches final approach, even the flight attendants should be secured in their seats. While we don’t recommend correcting a flight attendant, you can enjoy a laugh the next time you hear this frequent mistake.

4. Accident vs. Incident

These terms are frequently misused in the media. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, an accident is defined as an event resulting in serious or fatal injuries to a passenger, damage or structural failure of an aircraft, or a plane that is missing or inaccessible. An incident, on the other hand, is much less severe and refers to any irregularity in the routine operation of a flight. For example, if a plane overshoots the runway with minor injuries, it is classified as an incident, not an accident.

5. Stopover vs. Layover

A stopover occurs when a traveler spends more than 24 hours in a city while journeying between different origin and destination points. Conversely, a layover refers to any stop that lasts less than 24 hours. In fact, layover is typically used even if it involves an overnight stay but does not exceed 24 hours in one location. This is an important distinction as it can influence how an award ticket is priced. If you are switching planes for just an hour or two, that is usually termed a connection.

6. Runway vs. Taxiway

Once a plane lands, passengers often reach for their phones to contact friends or family. Someone might mistakenly say, 'We’re still on the runway,' but in reality, the runway is the stretch of pavement designated for takeoffs and landings. After landing, planes exit the runway onto a series of taxiways that lead to the airport terminal building.

Additionally, the term tarmac, which is frequently used in aviation articles by the media, is also incorrect. It is often wrongly used to refer to the area where planes are parked or maneuver on the ground. In reality, tarmac is a specific type of surfacing material, similar to cement or asphalt. The correct term for the area where aircraft park is known as the apron (or ramp).

This article was initially published in June 2017 and updated in April 2024.