Warning: These airport codes may cause chuckling at the gate!

Short codes, big laughs

Warning: These airport codes may cause chuckling at the gate!

You know that little three-letter code on the luggage tag that usually means nothing to you? Turns out some of them are comedy gold. A few airport codes look like something your grandkid texts, or how you feel after standing in a security line too long. Once you spot them, you can’t unsee them. Next time you fly, you might find yourself smiling before you even reach the gate.

LOL: Laughing before you land

Image: Juliana Malta

If you’re flying into Derby Field in the state of Nevada, check your ticket and feel free to laugh out loud, literally! LOL is the code! That alone feels like a good omen, right? It’s a small regional airport, not a stand-up club, but the code gives it instant personality.

OMG: Surprise included

Image: Ultimate Safaris Namibia

Omega Airport in Namibia proudly carries the code OMG. That seems fitting, especially if it’s your first trip to southern Africa. Whether you’re amazed by the scenery or just stunned by how far from home you are, that reaction is already displayed on your boarding pass.

WOW: Expectations set high

Image: Patrick Federi

Keeping up with surprises, WOW belongs to Willow Airport in the United States. With a code like that, you expect fireworks on arrival. It might be misleading, though; Willow is a small Alaskan airport, but WOW gives it a sense of drama.

YUM: No snacks included

Image: Andrew Sterling

If your boarding pass says YUM, you’re headed to Yuma International Airport in Arizona. Sadly, it has nothing to do with dessert. Yuma is known for sunshine and desert landscapes, not buffet lines. Still, it’s hard not to grin when your luggage tag sounds like a compliment to the in-flight meal.

PIE: Wishful thinking

Image: Lance Asper

Does PIE mean free pie? Not quite. This code belongs to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport in Florida. While you won’t be handed a slice at baggage claim, the area does serve beaches, warm weather, and plenty of places to eat. Close enough, right?

MAD: The mood matches

Image: Jorge Fernández Salas

If you’ve ever been stuck in a long security line, MAD feels painfully accurate. This code represents Aeropuerto Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas in Spain. It’s one of Europe’s busiest airports, so frustration can happen. Talk about accuracy!

DOG: Expectations managed

Image: Steve King

Why did they bother coming up with these codes if puppies are not included? This code belongs to Dongola Airport in Sudan. No dogs waiting for you on arrival, but if you visit the country, you’ll be delighted with the pyramids, and you’ll sure come across a dog or two!

EEK: Exactly what it says

Image: Alex

Did you know Alaska has an Airport that is Eek? And this one isn’t shorthand at all. Eek is the actual name of a tiny airport, and it only has one runway. Remote, quiet, and very small, the code feels like a natural reaction to realizing just how far off the beaten path you’ve gone.

BOO: Perfect for October

Image: Samuel Han

BOO is the airport code for Bodo Airport in Norway. It sounds spooky, but the town itself is charming and scenic. Flying out of BOO on Halloween would feel especially on theme. We’ve seen all kinds of codes. Why not one that adds seasonal fun to an otherwise ordinary travel day?

DIE: Not as scary as it looks

Image: Sandy Ravaloniaina

Now, here’s a crazy one to finish with! Seeing DIE on your ticket can stop you cold, but there’s no need to panic. This is the code for Arrachart Airport in Madagascar. It’s simply a coincidence, not a warning. Once you get past the letters, you’re headed somewhere truly unique and very much alive! Would you dare visit it?