An older designation for a female flight attendant who manages the cabin environment, conducts safety briefings, and serves food and beverages during a flight. The role originated in the early days of commercial aviation to provide a welcoming atmosphere and reassure nervous passengers. Official airline terminology has since transitioned to gender-neutral titles.
Heard on the job
She started her career as an air hostess on the old propeller routes before becoming a senior purser.
Insider tip
This historic title has been entirely replaced by flight attendant or cabin crew in official airline manuals.
Also heard as
- stewardess