Are Those Beeps and Bongs on a Plane anything to be scared about? A Pilot Explains What They Really Mean

Have you ever sat on a flight and thought... “What was that noise? Does it mean something's wrong?”

Hi, I’m Flyman Simon - Airline Captain and Fear of Flying Coach. I know that when you're feeling anxious, the aircraft cabin can feel like a bit of an unfamiliar place. The dings, beeps and bongs might seem random, but they’re not. Every single one has a purpose. Those sounds, the chimes, the crew moving quickly through the cabin - it can all give the impression that something’s wrong. But the truth is, it’s all completely normal. And once you understand what those signals mean, you'll feel far more at ease.

So, let’s break them down, because next time you fly, I want you to feel fully in the know.

Why Are There So Many Noises in the Cabin?

Aeroplanes are big - really big. Take the Airbus A350-1000 that I fly: it’s over 240 feet long. To put that into perspective, it’s as tall as a standard two-storey house, and if you parked it in a football stadium, the wings would stretch right out to each touchline, with the nose and tail sitting over the penalty spots. It’s huge.

With all that distance between the flight deck and the rear galley, pilots and cabin crew use an internal chime system to communicate quickly and clearly. All airliners have galleys (some even have several) which are kitchen-like areas used to prepare food and drinks. It’s important the crew can communicate effectively right across the aircraft at all times. These beeps and dings are just part of a routine process that helps the crew work smoothly and safely throughout the flight.

Common Cabin Chimes and What They Mean

Intercom Calls

• What it is: Communication between pilots and crew via the phones around the aircraft
• What you hear: A clear chime before someone speaks
• Why it happens: To share routine updates or safety checks

Passenger Call-Bell

• What it is: When a passenger presses the button above their seat to get cabin crew attention
• What you hear: A single chime from the nearest crew station and in the cabin near the seat
• Why it happens: A signal to cabin crew that assistance is requested from a customer…normally for another Gin and Tonic.

Seatbelt Sign ‘Ding’

• What it is: A chime when the seatbelt sign turns on or off, with the seat belt sign also illuminated or extinguished.
• What you hear: A single ding
• Why it happens: To let you know it’s time to buckle up - or that it’s safe to move around the cabin again, with care.

The Double Chime (The Crew’s Secret Signal)

• What it is: A secret cue from pilots to cabin crew
• What you hear: Two chimes in a row
• Why it happens:
• Before take-off: The pilots are busy concentrating on the take-off sequence so do not have the time to call and speak to the crew. Instead they let them know with a double-ding that the aircraft is entering the runway
• During descent: Around 5,000 feet - landing is near
  This is a non-verbal, internal cue used by the crew so they don’t need to make extra announcements. It’s to let the crew know we’re descending below 5000 feet and soon will be landing. You’re now in on the secret.

Enjoying these behind-the-scenes explanations?

If you’re finding this blog helpful, you’ll love my FlyPhobia Newsletter. It’s completely free, and I send it out every week - each edition covers a different fear-of-flying topic or answers a common question, all explained in a calm, easy-to-understand way by me, Flyman Simon - Airline Pilot and Fear of Flying Coach.

It’s also the best way to stay up to date with new resources I’m working on - whether that’s books, courses, or audiobooks - all designed to help you feel more confident every time you fly.

And when you sign up (you’ll find the form at the bottom of this blog), I’ll send you two free eBooks as a thank you, they change periodically but at the moment it’s:
Jet Lag Recovery Tips from a Pilot and The Winter Weather Handbook for Nervous Flyers. Both are full of practical, reassuring advice to help make your next flight feel that bit easier.

PA Announcements

• What it is: Messages from the pilot or crew through the speakers throughout the cabin
• What you hear: A chime or click just before the announcement
• Why it happens: Updates, safety info, or flight details to keep you updated

Crew Calls to the Flight Deck

• What it is: Cabin crew calling the pilots
• What you hear: A two-tone chime or short burst of beeps that you may faintly hear from the flight-deck
• Why it happens: Crew keeping the pilots informed of the status of the cabin, such as the cabin is ready for take-off or landing, or the cabin is secure after the seat-belt sign has been illuminated.

Lavatory Call

• What it is: A passenger pressing the assistance button in the toilet
• What you hear: A single chime at the nearest toilet and crew station
• Why it happens: To alert the crew someone may need help in one of the toilets

Passenger Service Interphone

• What it is: Crew members calling each other, galley to galley, coordinating meal and drink services
• What you hear: A soft chime or tone from a handset near one of the doors
• Why it happens: Keeps everything running smoothly without unnecessary walking from galley to galley. Cabin crew do enough ‘steps’ on the average flight!

Why the Cabin Crew Might Look “Rushed”

You might notice crew moving quickly before take-off or landing. To a nervous flyer, this can look like something’s wrong - but it’s not.
Here’s what’s really happening:

• Final safety checks before departure or arrival
• Making sure luggage is stowed and trays are secure
• Confirming the cabin is ready for take-off so the pilots aren’t delayed unnecessarily
  Fun fact: There’s a display in the cockpit showing us when the cabin is secure. We won’t take off until that signal is received.

Now You’re In the Know

The next time you fly, you’ll know exactly what each chime and bong means.

• You’ll understand what’s routine
• You’ll recognise standard procedures
• And most importantly - you’ll feel more in control, safe and secure

Want More Calm, Pilot-Backed Flying Tips?

If you found this Blog helpful, there’s so much more you’ll love

• Explore the Turbulence Trio - my complete toolkit to help you feel calm in the air. Includes a 15,000-word eBook, audiobook (narrated by me), and comprehensive workbook to ensure you’ve understood what’s been taught, improving success rates
   > 🛫 Get the Turbulence Trio HERE 🛫 <
• Join my free FlyPhobia Newsletter
  Sign up below today > 📋 Free Weekly Flyphobia Newsletter  📋 <

And if you want more reassuring reads, there are plenty of my Fear of Flying Blogs waiting for you. Just click the ‘Blog’ link at the top of the page and dive in.

Fly Happy, Fly Safe -
Captain Flyman Simon