Stepping onboard your flight, you may spot the senior cabin crew member or purser with a tablet. Not so unusual, you may think - but what are they looking at and why? Before tablets, the senior crew members would be handed a passenger information list, or PIL, before boarding. This is now all automated and sent to a tablet, depending on the airline.

The basics

The flight number, date, point of departure, and destination are included, as well as the aircraft type and registration. The passenger's full name and seat number and final destination are shown. Some PILs show age, sex, and nationality. The information is constantly updated during the boarding process so that the airline knows who exactly is onboard and who is not. Obviously, this is important for security purposes.

Connecting flight

A passenger may have a connecting flight; this will also be shown on the tablet. If the flight is delayed and the passenger may miss their flight, a flight attendant can help them to rebook the next available flight whilst onboard.

An All Nippon Airways flight attendant using a tablet.
Photo: All Nippon Airways

Loyalty

If a passenger is a member of the airline's loyalty program, the tablet will show that. It will show what status they have and their frequent flyer information. This is sometimes used to upgrade passengers, or the crew member may address high-status frequent flyers by thanking them for their loyalty. There may be information about a birthday or anniversary; if so, the crew may allow a glass of champagne.

Special codes

Some passengers need extra assistance, and a unique four-letter code will note it. This could be for someone who is hearing or sight impaired or has mobility issues. Having this information ensures they get all the help they need from the airline staff on the ground and the flight attendants on the aircraft.

Special meals

Anyone with a pre-booked special meal will also have a four-letter code next to their name. The flight attendants know where to bring the meals before the main meal service.

Asiana airlines flight attendants holding tablets.

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Seat map

Tablets will also have a feature showing the seat map of the aircraft and where passengers are seated. The crew member can help resolve any seating issues using this seat map, such as reseating a family not sitting together. Sometimes, when there are empty seats in business class, ground staff will type a code next to a passenger name to show that they are 'suitable for upgrade.' This makes the senior crew member's job easier - they just look for the code.

Surveys

Any information about customer satisfaction surveys completed by the passenger will also show up. These are used to address any previous issues while flying, and airlines take them very seriously. It helps them to monitor how the passenger sees things and if there are any reoccurring problems.

Emirates cabin crew standing in the A380 economy class.Staff travel

Where an off-duty flight attendant is traveling using 'staff travel' or discounted travel with their airline or another airline, this will also show next to their name. This can be noted for upgrading a crew member occasionally; It is also good to know if you need their help in an emergency.

Inflight entertainment

Some airlines now offer customized inflight entertainment options to individual passengers' entertainment systems through the tablet. This allows the passenger to find entertainment based on their preferences and pick up where they left off from previously watched movies.