Male flight attendants are called hosts while female ones are referred to as hostesses. Cabin crew is selected in accordance with the certain rules of aviation organizations and they are also subjected to the rules set by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation.

The professional and internationally recognized term for the people who look after your safety and comfort on an airplane is "Flight Attendants." Historically, in the mid-20th century, they were referred to as "stewardesses" (for women) or "stewards" (for men), and even earlier as "air hostesses." However, the aviation industry moved toward the gender-neutral term "Flight Attendant" decades ago to better reflect the diverse workforce and the high-fidelity responsibilities of the role, which are primarily focused on safety and emergency response rather than just "service." Some airlines, particularly in the UK or with certain traditional carriers, may still use terms like "Cabin Crew" or "Cabin Staff." Regardless of the informal names used by passengers, these professionals are highly trained in fire suppression, medical emergencies, and aircraft evacuation. Using the term "Flight Attendant" is the most respectful and accurate way to address them in 2026, acknowledging that their presence on the flight is a legal safety requirement and that they are the primary authority in the cabin during a flight.