BBC World last week used the term "air hostess" for flight attendant-acceptable term?
Oct 13, 2009, 9:25 am
#1
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BBC World last week used the term "air hostess" for flight attendant-acceptable term?
There was a news story on BBC World last week. The story mentioned Air India, and the newscast announcer used the term "air hostess" (presumably all the flight attendanats were female) on the Air India planes.
Is this a British term, Indian term, or both? Where else in the world would the term "air hostess" be used?
I would presume that such a term is (for a variety of reasons) not an appropriate terms (jargon) in the North American setting.
Is this a British term, Indian term, or both? Where else in the world would the term "air hostess" be used?
I would presume that such a term is (for a variety of reasons) not an appropriate terms (jargon) in the North American setting.
Oct 13, 2009, 9:41 am
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There was a news story on BBC World last week. The story mentioned Air India, and the newscast announcer used the term "air hostess" (presumably all the flight attendanats were female) on the Air India planes.
Is this a British term, Indian term, or both? Where else in the world would the term "air hostess" be used?
I would presume that such a term is (for a variety of reasons) not an appropriate terms (jargon) in the North American setting.
Is this a British term, Indian term, or both? Where else in the world would the term "air hostess" be used?
I would presume that such a term is (for a variety of reasons) not an appropriate terms (jargon) in the North American setting.
In British English, "air hostess" is completely acceptable.
Oct 13, 2009, 10:10 am
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Oct 13, 2009, 10:23 am
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But the various British airlines' official term for these employees - would still be "flight attendant"?
Oct 13, 2009, 10:48 am
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Oh, I see. Yes, I think it would. You'll probably need to check with someone who is actually employed by a British airline - I am not.
But your question was about the term which is used commonly, not officially. In that case, the terms used much more commonly, IME, are "air hostess" and "steward/stewardess". And occasionally "trolley dolly". And very occasionally "Dolly Dripmat".
But your question was about the term which is used commonly, not officially. In that case, the terms used much more commonly, IME, are "air hostess" and "steward/stewardess". And occasionally "trolley dolly". And very occasionally "Dolly Dripmat".
Originally Posted by FlyerGoldII
Is this term used commonly for flight attendants flying on BA, BMI, Virgin, or other full service or low cost carriers oriiginating in the UK (or Ireland)?
Oct 13, 2009, 11:04 am
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Oh, I see. Yes, I think it would. You'll probably need to check with someone who is actually employed by a British airline - I am not.
But your question was about the term which is used commonly, not officially. In that case, the terms used much more commonly, IME, are "air hostess" and "steward/stewardess". And occasionally "trolley dolly". And very occasionally "Dolly Dripmat".
But your question was about the term which is used commonly, not officially. In that case, the terms used much more commonly, IME, are "air hostess" and "steward/stewardess". And occasionally "trolley dolly". And very occasionally "Dolly Dripmat".
I am surprised the BBC would use a common term, rather than the official term, especially when that newscast is being broadcast around the world.
Oct 13, 2009, 11:08 am
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I'm surprised "air hostess" is still used, given the increase in male FAs (unless the male FAs are happy to assist with the stereotype that plagues them!
).Edit: It does appear official. http://www.britishairwaysjobs.com/baweb1/?newms=info42
Oct 13, 2009, 1:05 pm
#13
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The official job designation at Air India is "Air Hostess" for females and "Assistant Flight Purser" or "Flight Purser" for men. Only the most recent hires (last 5 years or so) have been hired under gender neutral T&Cs. So yes, that is absolutely correct and accurate.
Oct 13, 2009, 1:26 pm
#14
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I find this fascinating, since the word "purser" is (a) unisex and (b) has indicated, since the days of transatlantic ship travel, a higher position than "steward" or any similar term. (I'm old enough to have made six crossings by sea as a child and teen-ager.) Granted, the status of an "assistant purser" is vague, but there still seems to be some sexism here - at least in terminology, even if no longer in the terms and conditions of employment.
Oct 13, 2009, 1:37 pm
#15
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Until only about 3 years ago, the policy at Air India was that the seniormost female crewmember was considered junior to the juniormost male crewmember. Female cabin were also not permitted to hold any supervisory or managerial positions on board an aircraft. So yes, that was exactly the intention.