Abstract: Anchoring mechanism for aircraft freight decks. Normally erect anchoring devices are provided on the freight deck of an aircraft which devices will automatically yield to the passage of freight containers or pallets across same and will automatically become reerected after such have passed. There is provided in a suitable recess in the deck of the aircraft a first lever system for sensing and responding to the presence of a pallet or container and a second lever system including a hook which when desired can be caused to enter into an appropriate recess in a container for holding same snugly to such deck. Such lever systems are interconnected in such a manner that pivotal movement of the first such system against a resilient force in response to the presence of a container or pallet will automatically fold the second lever system into its retracted position and then release same for return to operating position upon the passage of such pallet or a container.