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What's The Mile High Club? Meaning & History | [In-Flight Fun]

Apr 22 2025

What's The Mile High Club? Meaning & History | [In-Flight Fun]

Is it possible to achieve the ultimate level of "high" in the sky? The "mile high club," a euphemism for those who have engaged in sexual activity aboard an aircraft, remains a surprisingly persistent and intriguing concept in modern culture.

The concept, as defined by Milehighclub.com, involves "two people engaging in sexual activity... at an altitude of no less than 5,280 feet (a mile high above the earth) in an airplane." Whether it's a romantic fantasy, a rebellious act, or simply a dare, the idea continues to capture imaginations.

One individual shared their experience, recalling a flight back to Manchester in December 2018 with two girlfriends, highlighting the practicalities and perhaps, the awkwardness of such an endeavor. The individual admitted, "I hate flying, so I just got wasted drinking double gin and waters by."


The very definition of the term is clear: The "mile high club" refers to an informal group whose members have consummated sexual activity while airborne, most often, though not exclusively, on a commercial airplane. This provocative concept is a reflection of human curiosity, desire, and perhaps a touch of recklessness.


The genesis of the phrase and the activity itself is difficult to pinpoint. The phrase has been in use for over 50 years, often described as jocular, offensive, or jocularly offensive. It has evolved from an almost mythic pursuit to an increasingly (though still discreetly) discussed aspect of the culture around air travel.


The term itself alludes to the high altitude of air travel, and the word club refers to the acts rarity and exclusivity. Though many have heard of the "mile high club," few have actually joined its ranks. The phrase conjures images of exciting escapades and is frequently embraced in pop culture, even though the reality might be quite different.

It seems the "mile high club" originated as a dream for some horny aristocrats and became a reality. Aviation has changed significantly since then, and so has the club, according to some opinions. The meaning of the slang term "mile high club" refers to the act of having sexual relations on an airplane.

Often the relations refer to intercourse or fellatio in the plane's bathroom while the rest of the crew and passengers are unaware of what's going on.


Category Details
Definition A euphemism for individuals who have had sex on an airplane in transit, at a minimum altitude of 5,280 feet (one mile) above the ground.
Origin The exact origin is uncertain, but the phrase has been in use for over 50 years. Some historical accounts suggest it may have emerged as air travel became more accessible.
Cultural Significance Frequently referenced in movies, television shows, music, and literature. It's a significant cultural phenomenon reflecting a mix of taboo, adventure, and exclusivity.
Practicality Engaging in sexual activity on an aircraft presents significant challenges, including limited space, potential for discovery by crew or passengers, and legal considerations depending on jurisdiction.
Legal and Social Implications Actions within an aircraft are subject to the laws of the country where the aircraft is registered, or the laws of the location the aircraft is over. Such acts can lead to serious legal consequences.

The humorous website claims Lawrence Sperry, inventor of autopilot in 1914, was the first member of the mile high club, but the slang term isnt used until 1966, according to Greens Dictionary of Slang. Sperrys story is an interesting one, with aviation folklore (and the New York Newsies) suggesting he crashed his plane off Long Island after unintentionally disengaging his newly invented autopilot while teaching a local socialite how to fly (or rather, showing her his newly invented autopilot wink wink).

In the early 1900s, an organization named the mile high club was created in Denver, Colorado. It was a social club created by men for men who attended the University of Illinois. For the sake of this organization, a nightclub called the mile high club was opened, which still stands in Denver. This is important context, demonstrating that the concept of the club, in some form, predates the aviation-related version.

The "mile high club" is not an actual exclusive club. Rather, its an unofficial group that a person "joins" once they have had sex in a plane while the plane is in transit. One individual's account from December 2018 reflects on the practicality, describing how the experience turned into a "mutual agreement to get it in there, move it around for a short time, and then let's get out of here; We will have a hotel room in a few hours kind of thing." The logistics clearly pose their own set of challenges.

The concept is often associated with airplanes, but it turns out the clubs been around a lot longer than that. Starting with the classic "Coffee, Tea, or Me?" first published in the swinging 60s and written as a memoir by two randy stewardesses. More recently, theres the mile high club in the kinky friedman series; "First class all the way with the rich and famous."


Aspect Details
Slang Terminology The term "mile high club" is a slang expression, often used humorously. It is a euphemism that refers to a group of people who have had sex on an airplane or in the air.
Popular Culture References The phrase is a significant cultural phenomenon, referenced in movies, television shows, music, and literature. It is often associated with a sense of adventure and exclusivity.
Practical Considerations Engaging in the act poses challenges, including limited space, potential for discovery by crew or passengers, and legal and social implications.
Historical Context The term's origins are debated, but it has been around for over 50 years. It has evolved from an almost mythic pursuit to an increasingly (though still discreetly) discussed aspect of air travel.
Ambiguity The term and its related actions often exist in an environment of ambiguity, potentially blending elements of risk, secrecy, and public perception.
Legality Actions within an aircraft are subject to the laws of the country where the aircraft is registered or where the aircraft is over. Such actions can lead to legal consequences.

The informal status is essential; it is not a formal institution. Its existence is based more on shared knowledge and the secretive nature of the act itself. Its influence is undeniable. For years, the "mile high club" has been an aspiration for many, suggesting the allure of doing something outside the norm.

One person's experience also provides a glimpse into the often difficult realities of participation. The constraints of an airplane cabin, the lack of privacy, and the inherent risks would discourage frequent participation. However, the terms enduring presence suggests a fascination that extends far beyond the practical challenges.


The "mile high club" has been an informal, intriguing subject. For years, the idea has persisted, fueled by a mixture of curiosity, daring, and the thrill of the forbidden. Though the experience is frequently described in pop culture, the actual experiences could be quite different. The reality, as one person stated: "It is horrendously uncomfortable, we mostly giggled the whole time."

For further information, you can consult resources like: Wiktionary

Mile High Club Secret Meaning (9 Things To Know)
Love is in the air Would you join the Mile High Club? LuggageHero
Mile High Club Secret Meaning (9 Things To Know)