flight attendant

This term is the gender-neutral successor to "stewardess" and "steward." While the older terms are still encountered, they are often perceived as dated or exclusionary in professional aviation contexts. The shift to "flight attendant" reflects a modern emphasis on the safety-critical nature of the role rather than just the service aspect.

In professional settings, the term is used as a formal job title. In casual conversation, it remains the standard way to refer to the crew members, though it is rarely shortened in a way that maintains its professional connotation.