Cabin Crew or Flight Attendant??
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Dre's mum's house
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cabin Crew or Flight Attendant??
The European title "cabin crew" or the US version" Flight Attendant"; which is more appropriate and which do you prefer?
We hear "Flight Attendant" probably more frequently through the media but "attendant" is defined -as someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another. It covers a multitude of sins but doesn't emphasise the "operating crew" aspect. It plays more on serving and service than safety. even the root of the word is from the French " attendre" - to wait for.
I prefer the European "cabin crew", as it relates more to operating the aircraft, in my opinion , and dovetails in very nicely with the term " flight Crew" to tie them both together as professional aircrew.
Does it matter what you are called? Do you even care?
We hear "Flight Attendant" probably more frequently through the media but "attendant" is defined -as someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another. It covers a multitude of sins but doesn't emphasise the "operating crew" aspect. It plays more on serving and service than safety. even the root of the word is from the French " attendre" - to wait for.
I prefer the European "cabin crew", as it relates more to operating the aircraft, in my opinion , and dovetails in very nicely with the term " flight Crew" to tie them both together as professional aircrew.
Does it matter what you are called? Do you even care?
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LGW
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just go with the flow, really. I'm more used to the term Cabin Crew, as that's the official we use in the UK. But if an American passenger calls me a Flight Attendant, I won't take offence.
What does annoy me though, is when passengers call me "the girl", "the staff", "oi, you!" and all the other stupid things they call me.
Gg
What does annoy me though, is when passengers call me "the girl", "the staff", "oi, you!" and all the other stupid things they call me.
Gg
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: London
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
the term attendant could be misleading;one could lose the actual authorty as a cabin crew onboard, which is necessary for safety related issues!
people will categorize attendants to toilet attendant, restaurant attendant, frontdesk attendant... etc..
loads of pax never realised that; cos all what they think is cabin crew are there to serve and listen to their wishes. According to the famous Convention Ordinance; any crew in the aircraft has his or her authority and pax have to follow their instructions.
people will categorize attendants to toilet attendant, restaurant attendant, frontdesk attendant... etc..
loads of pax never realised that; cos all what they think is cabin crew are there to serve and listen to their wishes. According to the famous Convention Ordinance; any crew in the aircraft has his or her authority and pax have to follow their instructions.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: I'm out there!
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Even a Toilet Attendant has a safety aspect to their position and OH&S requirements to meet. As a Hostie, Flight Attendant, Trolley Dolly, Cabin Manager or what ever you want to be called, you still just "attend" to the passengers needs. This could involve getting me a drink or helping get my ass out of a burning plane, don't over analyse it!
Don't get me wrong, you have an important roll but the Toilet Attendant/Sanitation Engineer thinks no less of his position and functions.
Don't get me wrong, you have an important roll but the Toilet Attendant/Sanitation Engineer thinks no less of his position and functions.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: FarFarAway
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yeah we're cleaners, we have to sort out the mess left behind by the pax sat in row "doesn't matter" A after he addressed to me using the ever so polite "oi love fetch me a lager".
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: canada
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
globetrotter
I work in canada so it's flight attendant here but being from across the pond i say cabin crew, however I found saying cabin crew over here people assume you work on a cruise ship!
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: East Midlands
Posts: 723
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Crew
1 per 50 fitted seats I believe, trained in safety and evacuation, fire fighting and others to save the airframe are you all not? Crew you shall remain when giving me a demonstration, checking my security or serving me a drink with a smile.
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: europe
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm a stew
I'll stick with the term steward.
As Purser, FO and Captain all terms come from ships.
Take this: In German many people don't know that there is a male form for Stewardess! In Spanish there is no male form of azafata!!
As Purser, FO and Captain all terms come from ships.
Take this: In German many people don't know that there is a male form for Stewardess! In Spanish there is no male form of azafata!!
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Sussex,UK
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not bothered on the whole although I have to agree with Glamgirl on the Flying Mattress thing. Anyone calling me that may find that I accidently miss their cup when pouring their coffee! 
JSL
JSL