What do you call it when you exit a plane?

Disembarking vs. Deplaning: The Nuances of Exiting Aircraft

Disembarking and deplaning are two terms that are often used interchangeably to describe the act of leaving an aircraft. While both terms are widely accepted, there is a subtle difference in their meanings.

Disembarking: A General Term

Disembarking refers to the act of leaving any type of vehicle, not just aircraft. It can be used to describe exiting cars, trains, buses, and even ships. The term disembark is derived from the Latin prefix dis, meaning away, and embark, meaning to get into a vehicle. Therefore, disembarking literally means to get away from a vehicle.

Deplaning: Specific to Aircraft

Deplaning, on the other hand, is a term that is specifically used to describe leaving an aircraft. It is derived from the Latin prefix de, meaning down, and planum, meaning plane. Therefore, deplaning literally means to come down from a plane.

Everyday Usage

In everyday conversation, it is perfectly acceptable to use either disembarking or deplaning to describe the act of leaving an aircraft. However, if you want to be more precise, you can use deplaning to specifically indicate that you are leaving an aircraft.

Examples of Usage

• Passengers are now disembarking the train.
• The pilot announced that we would be deplaning shortly.
• Im so excited to disembark and see my family.
• The deplaning process was smooth and efficient.

Conclusion

While both disembarking and deplaning are acceptable terms for exiting an aircraft, deplaning is the more specific term. In everyday conversation, however, using either term is perfectly acceptable.