"Pax" is a term you might have come across when traveling by plane, whether at the airport, on the flight, or upon landing. It's used frequently in both written and spoken forms.
So, what does "pax" actually mean? For those curious, this article will explain the meaning of the term and its various uses in different contexts.
In aviation, "pax" stands for "passenger." It's commonly used to indicate the number of passengers on a flight. For instance, you might hear it used to report the number of passengers who have checked in or boarded the plane.
For example, an attendant might say, "We have 150 pax checked in" or "200 pax on board."
The precise origin of using "pax" as shorthand for "passenger" isn't completely known. However, it likely emerged as a quick way to communicate in the fast-paced environment where flight attendants and airport staff work under tight schedules.
Despite the ambiguity around its origins, "pax" is now a universally recognized term across the global airline and travel industry, integrated into the daily operations of almost all airlines.
Understanding the term "pax" adds a bit more insight into the language of aviation, useful for both frequent flyers and the merely curious.
As I mentioned earlier, the term "pax" shows up in various parts of flight operations. Here are a few common places you'll encounter it:
In reservation and ticketing systems, the number of passengers booked for a flight is often called "pax."
The manifest or passenger list on a flight usually lists the number of "pax" on board.
Airlines use "pax" to calculate the load factor, which is the percentage of seats occupied by passengers. For example, they might say, "load factor 80% with 150 pax."
In internal airline communications, such as crew briefings or operational documents, "pax" is used to refer to the number of passengers.
Airline customer service staff use the term "pax" when discussing passenger numbers, both for ground services and in-flight.
In performance reports, airlines use "pax" to indicate the number of passengers carried over a certain period. This helps track travel trends, industry growth, and overall airline performance.
Although "pax" started in aviation, it has since spread to other fields. Here are some examples:
Public transportation, like buses, trains, and ships, often use "pax" to indicate the number of passengers they carry.
Hotels, resorts, and other lodgings use "pax" to refer to the number of guests booking rooms or attending events like conferences or weddings.
Travel agents and tour operators use "pax" to indicate the number of participants in the tour packages they offer.
In the food and beverage industry, "pax" refers to the number of guests reserving a seat or meal for an event.
Event organizers use "pax" to count the number of participants or guests at events like concerts, seminars, or exhibitions.
Many people mix up "pax" and "pack" because they sound similar, but they mean very different things.
If "pax" stands for passenger, then "pack" stands for package, which means a bundle or packaging. So, "pack" is used for goods, while "pax" refers to people.
That's the explanation of the term "pax" and how it's used. Now, you won't be confused if you see or hear this term at the airport or elsewhere.