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. |
My friend is a flight attendant with Easyjet and he loves being called an "air hostess".
Seriously. |
These days, they all consider themselves security officers. "We are here PRIMARILY for your safety and security...OBEY!"
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Originally Posted by FlyerGoldII
(Post 12619987)
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. In British English, "air hostess" is completely acceptable. |
It sounds dated to me but hardly something that anyone would make a fuss about.
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Originally Posted by ajax
(Post 12620151)
The first B in BBC stands for "British". ;)
In British English, "air hostess" is completely acceptable. |
Erm. I would guess so. I hear it all the time in colloquial speech with friends and colleagues. In fact, "stewardess" and "air hostess" are more common than the rather anodyne "flight attendant."
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Originally Posted by ajax
(Post 12620482)
Erm. I would guess so. I hear it all the time in colloquial speech with friends and colleagues. In fact, "stewardess" and "air hostess" are more common than the rather anodyne "flight attendant."
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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". :D
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)?
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Originally Posted by ajax
(Post 12620741)
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". :D 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. |
Originally Posted by FlyerGoldII
(Post 12620529)
But the various British airlines' official term for these employees - would still be "flight attendant"?
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 |
Cabin crew at BA, VS and I believe BD too. Air hostess is a bit archaic but wouldn't cause any offence.
Flight attendent isn't a word I've heard used in the UK outside of FT. |
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.
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Originally Posted by B747-437B
(Post 12622619)
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.
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Originally Posted by Efrem
(Post 12622871)
there still seems to be some sexism here - at least in terminology, even if no longer in the terms and conditions of employment.
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