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.

Those definitions are derived from the earlier ones, however.

And the thing is, on an aircraft, FAs are _not_ there to ensure the
comfort of 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. Rest assured, if the FAA didn't
require flight attendants, they would have disappeared long ago.

I wouldn't say "flight attendant is more accurate" as much as it's just
an updated title ... sort of the same way waiter/waitress has been
replaced by "food server". Same job, updated title.

In any case, I don't think "stewardess" is likely to produce hysteria
in the average FA.

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