Flight attendant

A flight attendant is a professional member of an aircraft's aircrew. Their primary responsibility is ensuring the safety of all passengers within the cabin during every stage of flight. They also manage the comfort of passengers as a secondary duty. Collectively, these professionals are often referred to as the cabin crew. This group is distinct from the pilots and engineers who operate the aircraft from the cockpit.

The role functions through a series of strict safety and service protocols. Before takeoff, flight attendants perform essential safety checks. They verify the location and condition of emergency equipment, such as life vests, torches, and firefighting tools. They also monitor the cabin for unusual smells or sounds. During boarding, they assist with carry-on baggage and ensure that passengers in emergency exit rows are capable of assisting during an evacuation. Once the flight begins, they must secure the cabin by ensuring tray tables are stowed and seat belts are fastened.

During the flight, the duties shift toward passenger service and continuous monitoring. Flight attendants often use an airline service trolley to distribute food and drinks. While performing these tasks, they must remain vigilant. They conduct periodic cabin checks and monitor the lavatories to ensure smoke detectors are functional. They also perform regular checks of the cockpit to ensure pilot safety. In the event of turbulence, they must immediately secure the cabin to prevent injury.

The history of this profession began with early airship travel. In 1912, Heinrich Kubis became the world's first flight attendant while working aboard a Zeppelin. He served on the DELAG Zeppelin LZ 10 Schwaben and later the LZ 129 Hindenburg. In the 1920s, Imperial Airways employed "cabin boys" or stewards. By 1926, Stout Airways became the first U.S. carrier to employ stewards on Ford Trimotor planes. In 1930, Ellen Church became the first female flight attendant when she was hired by United Airlines. She was a registered nurse and envisioned nurses serving on aircraft to assist passengers.

As the industry grew, the role underwent significant social and legal changes. In the mid-20th century, many airlines in the United States had strict requirements for female stewardesses. They were often required to be unmarried, and many were fired if they chose to marry. In 1957, Ruth Carol Taylor became the first African-American flight attendant in the U.S. on a Mohawk Airlines flight. Later, in 1960, Patricia Banks Edmiston became the first Black flight attendant for Capitol Airlines following a legal complaint. These challenges led to major legal shifts. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled in 1968 that age restrictions were illegal sex discrimination. By 1971, the restriction of hiring only women was lifted following the Diaz v. Pan Am court case.

Flight attendants must undergo rigorous training to manage diverse emergencies. They are trained in first aid to handle medical situations like illnesses or cardiac events. They also prepare for high-stress scenarios, including cabin fires, depressurization, and emergency evacuations. They must be ready for unexpected events such as on-board births or water landings. To communicate during these moments, they use audible chimes and colored lights. For example, a flashing light with a high-low chime often signals an all-services emergency.

Today, the profession is governed by specific regulations regarding staffing and wages. In the United States, the number of flight attendants required is determined by aircraft size. For larger aircraft, regulations generally require one flight attendant per 50 passenger seats. In May 2017, the median annual wage for flight attendants in the U.S. was $50,500. This was higher than the national median wage of $37,690 for all workers. While the industry has become more diverse since 1980, many airlines still maintain specific requirements regarding vision, height, and medical evaluations.