Airline Jargon: What Is A Deadhead?

The word "deadhead" has a few connotations. In the 1970s, the word was commonly used to describe fans of the band, the "Grateful Dead." Earlier versions of the word described theatergoers who did not pay fees for admission. Today, the word is most commonly associated with airline crew commuting. Here's a straightforward explanation of a deadhead for pilots and flight attendants.