From Stewardess to Flight Attendant and Cabin Crew

During my first plane ride from Manila to Baguio, I remember my parents telling me that those people on board serving us are not called “waitresses,” but “stewardesses.” From that time on, the term “stewardess” stayed stuck in my mind until the mid-1990s when I flew more often. I began referring to them as “flight attendants” and later on “cabin crew.” However, some of the older people, most probably born during the baby boomer era, still refer to them as “stewardesses.” While today, “stewardesses,” “cabin crew,” and “flight attendants” all play the same role in an aircraft, the term “stewardess” did somehow have a negative connotation. There is nothing wrong with using the term “stewardess,” but there’s somehow a history to it.

Hence, I am writing this not to tell you that using “stewardess” is wrong. It is not. However, you might be wondering why the terms “flight attendant” and “cabin crew” are used commonly nowadays, and no longer “stewardess.” The story goes back to the 1950s, the golden age of aviation.

Indeed, the terms “stewardess,” “cabin crew,” and “flight attendant” all describe the essential role of attending to airplane passengers’ needs and safety. However, the journey from “stewardess” to “cabin crew” reflects a significant evolution in the aviation industry, shaped by societal changes and a growing emphasis on safety and professionalism.

The Golden Age of Aviation

In the 1950s, the role of a stewardess was highly gendered and came with strict appearance and marital status requirements. Stewardesses were expected to be female, white, aged between 21 and 26, and single – never married, divorced, or widowed. They also had to meet specific height and weight criteria. This era saw stewardesses primarily as glamorous figures, catering to mostly male business travelers, and their role was often perceived as that of a “flying waitress.” The job was glamorized as a way to see the world and potentially meet a wealthy husband.

The 1960s and 1970s brought significant changes. The push to remove gender bias in job descriptions, coupled with more men entering the field, led to the adoption of the term “flight attendant,” which is more inclusive and professional. This shift also reflected a broader societal move towards gender equality and the breaking down of stereotypes.

A Focus on Safety and Professionalism

Today, the requirements for becoming a flight attendant are more inclusive and focused on safety and customer service skills. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, with a preference for those aged 21 and above. Language skills are also a plus, especially for international positions. Physical fitness, enough to reach overhead bins where some of the safety equipment are located, and handle emergency situations, remains a key requirement.

The role of cabin crew has always included a strong focus on passenger safety, but this aspect has become even more pronounced over time. While early stewardesses were trained in safety procedures, today’s flight attendants undergo rigorous training to handle a wide range of emergency situations, including potential acts of terrorism. Their responsibilities include briefing passengers on safety equipment, administering first aid, and directing evacuation procedures in emergencies.

The quest for professional recognition and respect has been a long-standing goal for flight attendants. For over 50 years, they campaigned for licensing to establish their role as a critical safety profession. However, it wasn’t until after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that Congress passed regulations in 2003 for the licensing of cabin crew members.

Today, while a few individuals may still occasionally use the term “stewardess,” airlines officially use “cabin crew” or “flight attendant.” These terms better reflect the comprehensive nature of their responsibilities. Ensuring passenger safety is the primary focus, with attending to passenger needs, such as serving food and beverages, being secondary. In the world of aviation, safety is paramount, and cabin crew members are extensively trained to ensure passengers’ safe arrival at their destinations.