In the United States, the standard and professional term used today is "Flight Attendant." However, the history of the term reflects significant cultural shifts. In the 1930s and 40s, they were originally called "Stewardesses" (for women) or "Stewards" (for men), with strict requirements that early female hires be registered nurses, single, and within specific weight ranges. The term "Stewardess" became iconic during the "Golden Age of Flight" in the 1960s but carried gendered and sometimes diminishing connotations. In the late 1970s and 1980s, the U.S. aviation industry transitioned to the gender-neutral "Flight Attendant" to reflect a more diverse workforce and to emphasize their primary role as safety professionals rather than just service staff. While some older Americans might still colloquially use "Stewardess," doing so in 2026 is often viewed as outdated or slightly disrespectful, as the modern title better recognizes their extensive training in emergency medical care and aircraft evacuation.