Difference Between Cabin Crew and Flight Attendant

• The main difference between a cabin crew and a flight attendant is that a cabin crew refers to all of the employees onboard a cabin in an aircraft while a flight attendant is just one position within that group.
• Cabin crew, flight attendants, air hostesses are interchanged but they usually have the same job role and functions
• Pursers or senior flight attendants supervise the crew and operations onboard the aircraft.
• Pilots have their own distinct category and work by flying the plane in the cockpit, they are not considered part of the workers inside the plane cabin.
• The cabin crew is everyone who works onboard the airplane, including flight attendants, senior flight attendants, and even onboard chefs.

The main difference between a cabin crew and a flight attendant is that a cabin crew refers to the employees inside a cabin on a plane. These cabin crew includes Flight Attendants, Senior Flight Attendants, Pursers, Cabin Service Attendants, and Onboard Chefs.

Also Read: Cabin Crew Layover – Maximizing Hotel Layovers as a Flight Attendant

If we are going to be strict about the definition of terms, this is the slight distinction between cabin crews and flight attendants. Essentially, cabin crew includes all the people on duty inside the cabin. They are all a part of the team that is responsible for passenger safety and well-being on a flight.

What is the Difference Between Flight Attendants vs Cabin Crew?

With the above definition hopefully explaining better what is the difference between the two, this means that…

All flight attendants are cabin crews, but not all cabin crews are flight attendants.

Reason: A flight attendant is an individual position that is part of a cabin. There are other job posts working inside a cabin, such as flight supervisors, pursers, etc.

Then why do people interchange these two terms?

It’s really a matter of usage and the common terminology in a specific location. In airlines based in the Middle East (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad), they use the term “cabin crew” for the flight attendants.

In Western airlines like in America, we noticed that they use “flight attendant” as the more common term.

Take note that there are cabin crew supervisors and cabin crew managers inside the aircraft, too.

What is a cabin in a plane?

A cabin is the interior of an airplane. It is typically divided into several sections, including a first-class section, a business class section, and a coach or economy class section.

The cabin also includes a galley where the flight attendants prepare food and drinks, as well as a lavatory.

Why is the term ‘cabin crew’ associated with flight attendants?

Because there are more flight attendants in a cabin on the plane. It’s also more common nowadays to refer to flight attendants as cabin crews.

What are other Other Flight Attendant Terms?

Aside from cabin crew, here are some other terms used by other airlines to call flight attendants:

• Air Hostess (Female)
• Flight Steward (Male)
• Flight Stewardess (Female)
• Airline Steward (Male)
• Airline Stewardess (Female)

Are pilots considered part of the workers inside a plane cabin?

No, they have their own distinct category. Pilots belong to the ‘flight deck crew’ or ‘flight crew’.

The flight deck crew is responsible for flying the airplane, whereas the cabin crew is in charge of the passengers’ comfort and safety.

How many cabin crew members are in a flight?

While the number of cockpit crew is regulated by local aviation authorities, the number of cabin crew depends on the airline’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

For long-haul flights, there are usually more cabin crew because passengers need to be taken care of during the entire duration of the flight.

As you can see, there is a big difference between a cabin crew and a flight attendant. A cabin crew refers to all of the employees onboard a cabin in ann aircraft while a flight attendant is just one position within that group. So, if you’re ever unsure which term to use, just remember that all flight attendants are considered cabin crew but not all cabin crew are flight attendants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a cabin crew and a flight attendant?

The main difference between a cabin crew and a flight attendant is that a cabin crew refers to all of the employees onboard a cabin in an aircraft while a flight attendant is just one position within that group. So, if you’re ever unsure which term to use, just remember that all flight attendants are considered cabin crew but not all cabin crew are flight attendants.

2. What are the duties of a cabin crew/flight attendant?

The duties of a cabin crew or flight attendant include ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers while onboard an aircraft. They also play an important role in providing customer service and ensuring that the needs of passengers are met during a flight.

3. Are pilots considered part of the workers inside a plane cabin?

No, they have their own distinct category. Pilots belong to the ‘flight crew’. They work by flying the plane in the ‘cockpit’.

4. How do I become a cabin crew/flight attendant?

The best way to become a cabin crew or flight attendant is to check with your local airline or aviation authority for requirements. Some airlines may require you to have a certain amount of experience working in customer service or the hospitality industry. There are also specific training courses that you can take to help prepare you for the role.

5. What is the salary of a cabin crew/flight attendant?

The salary of a cabin crew or flight attendant varies depending on the airline, but it is typically around $30,000 per year.

6. What are the working hours like for a cabin crew/flight attendant?

The working hours of a cabin crew or flight attendant can vary depending on the airline, but it is typically a shift work system with long hours.

7. What are the benefits of being a cabin crew/flight attendant?

Some of the benefits of being a cabin crew or flight attendant include free or discounted travel, hotel stays, and layover allowance. They also receive training in first aid and safety procedures.

8. Where will I be based as a cabin crew/flight attendant?

The base of a cabin crew or flight attendant is typically the city where the airline has its headquarters.

9. What are the career prospects for a cabin crew/flight attendant?

The career prospects for a cabin crew or flight attendant depend on the airline, but there are opportunities to move into management roles or other positions within the customer service and hospitality industry.

10. Are cabin crew and flight attendants the same?

Yes and No. All flight attendants are cabin crew, but not all cabin crew are flight attendants.

YES, because it is now a common situation where both terms are interchangeable. However, the answer is also a NO because take note that there are also flight supervisors, cabin service attendant jobs, pursers, onboard chefs – which all belong to the ‘cabin crew’ category.

11. Is air hostess and flight attendant the same?

Yes, they are the same. Although air hostess is refers to the female flight attendants. But they have the same function/role.

Summary

Flight attendants and cabin crews are responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers while they are on an airplane. They provide instructions on how to use safety equipment, answer questions, and make sure that everything runs smoothly during the flight.

Now that you know the main difference between these terms, we hope you won’t get confused anymore on how to address the people working inside an aircraft.

Lastly, if you interchange these two terms, it is totally fine!