unicate writes:
The list of definitions (in the dictionary) goes on to include those
responsible for the comfort of passengers on a ship or airplane.

Mxsmanic wrote:
Those definitions are derived from the earlier ones, however.

Yeah, but point is, that *is* what they do and has been what they do for
years.

And the thing is, on an aircraft, FAs are _not_ there to ensure the
comfort of passengers.

If seeing to the comfort of passengers was *not* part of their job, they
wouldn't be serving drinks, food, and bringing people pillows and
blankets. They're there to provide safety in case of an emergency, but
they're also there to serve the needs of the customers (passengers).

They were always there to not only do the "busy work" (serve food,
drinks or bring blankets/pillows), but also to provide instruction and
assistance in an emergency.

Their sole purpose is the latter.

It's a big part of their job, but it is not their "sole purpose."