pre·flight
ˈprē-ˌflīt 
: preparing for or preliminary to flight (as of an aircraft)
a preflight inspection
preflighted; preflighting; preflights
: to inspect (an aircraft) before a flight
: a preflight inspection of an aircraft
Examples of preflight in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2026
SpaceX puts Starship through preflight tests SpaceX has been putting Starship through its paces at Starbase in the lead-up to announcing an official target launch date.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026
American Airlines noted that drivers should never assume a pilot can see them, especially in high-traffic areas such as aprons and ramps, where crews are occupied with critical preflight checks.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preflight
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Adjective
Travel + Leisure recently spoke to two former flight attendants about their preflight routines and practices, and the answers ranged from pragmatic to surprisingly insightful.
—Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2026
SpaceX puts Starship through preflight tests SpaceX has been putting Starship through its paces at Starbase in the lead-up to announcing an official target launch date.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Noun
Don’t Overdo the Booze While a preflight or in-flight cocktail might sound like a good idea to calm jangled nerves, both experts caution against overusing alcohol to manage anxiety in the air.
—Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026
American Airlines noted that drivers should never assume a pilot can see them, especially in high-traffic areas such as aprons and ramps, where crews are occupied with critical preflight checks.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preflight
Cite this Entry
“Preflight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preflight. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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