What is it called when you exit the plane?

Exiting an Aircraft: Terminology and Process

Exiting an aircraft, the final phase of an air journey, is a multifaceted process involving several distinct terms:

Disembarking:
This term encompasses the entire act of leaving the aircraft after landing. It includes the initial steps of unbuckling seatbelts, gathering belongings, and moving towards the exit. Disembarkation typically occurs via an airbridge or airstairs, leading passengers to the terminal.

Deplaning:
Deplaning specifically refers to the physical act of stepping off the aircraft. It involves negotiating steps or a ramp and crossing the threshold of the aircraft door. Deplaning usually follows disembarkation and precedes entering the terminal building.

Deboarding:
This term has a broader meaning than disembarking or deplaning. It encompasses all aspects of exiting the aircraft, including disembarkation, deplaning, and the subsequent movement through the terminal. Deboarding typically concludes with passengers exiting the secured area and entering the public space of the airport.

Each term subtly implies a different aspect of the departure process. Disembarking emphasizes the initial movement out of the aircraft, deplaning focuses on the physical act of leaving, while deboarding encompasses the entire exit procedure, from unbuckling seatbelts to leaving the secured area. Passengers may encounter any or all of these terms during the process of exiting an aircraft.