What is it called when you get off a plane?

Disembarking: The Formal Act of Leaving a Plane

Upon reaching the destination airport, passengers embark on the final phase of their air travel experience: disembarking. This process, also commonly referred to as deplaning or deboarding, marks the transition from being airborne to setting foot on solid ground.

Unlike emergency evacuations, which occur in hazardous situations, disembarkation is a standard procedure designed to ensure the safe and orderly exit of passengers from the aircraft. This process typically follows a specific sequence:

• Announcement: The cabin crew makes an announcement that the plane has arrived at its destination and that disembarkation is about to commence.
• Seat Belt Check: Passengers are instructed to fasten their seat belts one last time as the plane taxis to the gate.
• Gate Arrival: The plane pulls up to the designated gate, where it connects to an air bridge or airstairs.
• Disembarkation: Passengers gather their belongings and form an orderly line to exit the aircraft.
• Exit Procedures: Passengers follow the instructions of the cabin crew, which may include using specific exits and adhering to safety precautions.

Variations in Terminology

While the term “disembarking” is often used to describe the act of leaving a plane, there are several other terms that may be encountered:

• Deplaning: This term is primarily used in aviation industry contexts to refer to the official process of exiting the aircraft.
• Deboarding: Similar to deplaning, this term is also used to indicate the act of leaving the aircraft.
• Disembarking the aircraft: This phrase is more specific than the general term “disembarking” and explicitly refers to exiting an airplane.

Regardless of the terminology used, disembarkation remains the standard procedure for passengers to safely and efficiently leave an aircraft after completing their flight.