Below is our growing glossary of terms used by frequent flyers and travelers alike. This list was inspired, in part, by a member of the FlyerTalk community who wrote to us about deciphering the comically absurd lingo of the frequent traveler. Here's a brief example of life in the fast lane:
"FWIW, I resent being called SLF, typically fly UA C from DEN to HKG, SYD, LHR, LIS and many others and have been UA 1P FF for the last 10 years. I never use ITN, have never done a MHD, don't really want to be a VFF because of family but am jealous of 1K SWUs and HK49s. I have flown only 6 *A partners and like UD on the 744. I frequently UG Y to F (many times from B, M & K), don't worry about EMR at altitude and find WSJ difficult in small-pitch rows. I have not yet memorized FARs, don't know anyone at the FAA and highly respect most FAs. I always try to see my PNR and always use the UA RCC when I have the time. I really like CTOs and use only two CCs. I am fascinated watching my TA use her CRS and am not concerned whether the left seat is on ILS or VFR. I prefer heavy AC and am not yet a member of the MHC (darn!). I am cool with F/O handling T/O and enjoy ATC on channel 9. I am grateful for E+ and MRTC and am pondering a RTW soon. I am finally getting used to EGRs but don't trust ETAs. I can find the record locator on any tix and don't care if it's FBW, FBY or hydraulic. I slightly fear DL's RPU. I miss MCOs issued for CC tix and always do RT, not O/W."
- Thanks to FlyerTalker, R. A. Davis
Please enjoy our listing of terms related to frequent flying and general travel. Whether you're new to the whole miles and points world, or a seasoned veteran looking to improve your travel vocabulary, we hope you find this list informative and fun.
MA: Malev-Hungarian Airlines
MATRON: Airline employee, often middle-aged woman, who polices access to business and first class lounges.
MCO: Miscellaneous Charges Order, paper issued by the airline for a ticket refund, etc. Not to be confused with MCO, the code for
Orlando, FL.
MEMBER: This label, which you will find under the FlyerTalker's name, designates that the member has made more than 30 posts but less than 250 posts to the forums.
MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES: Special privileges granted by airlines and hotels to members of frequent travel programs. For example, hotels may offer discounted rates or free nights to program members for a limited time.
METAL: Refers to aircraft (thus metal) of the airline you are flying. (i.e., Delta metal, American metal, etc...).
MH: Malaysia Airlines
MHC: Mile High Club
MHD: Mexican Hat Dance, a type of mileage run between Canada and Mexico
MILEAGE JUNKIE: A frequent flyer who obsessively accumulates miles and points, and often does not redeem many awards.
MILEAGE MANIAC: See MILEAGE JUNKIE.
MILEAGE PURCHASE: The capability to purchase a certain percentage of miles needed to redeem a specific award.
MILEAGE RUN: A series of flights taken in a very short amount of time, solely for the purpose of accumulating frequent flyer miles, with a blatant disregard for the destinations.
MINIMUM MILEAGE: Minimum number of miles earned by a program member, regardless of the length of the flight; usually 500 miles.
MLL: Maple Leaf Lounge - Air Canada's network of Elite and VIP airport lounges.
MPM: Maximum Permitted Mileage. Many tickets especially RTW have a maximum number of miles permitted under the fare.
MRTC: American's "More Room Throughout Coach"
MS: Egyptair
MU: China Eastern Airlines
MX: Mexicana de Aviacion
Because new terms are always popping up, feel free to submit any that you feel are missing along with an explanation of what the term means. These suggestions can be emailed to glossary@webflyer.com.