Flight Attendant

[Bobbert]

I try to remember to use the word azafata/azafato for flight attendant because I’m pretty sure it is used and understood by all Spanish-speakers, and it can be used to refer to both male and female flight attendants just by changing the article and the ending.

However, the word I initially learned to use a long time ago was sobrecargo. My question(s) is:

1. Is sobrecargo still used?
2. Is it universally understood?
3. If I use sobrecargo, is it el and la sobrecargo or is it el sobrecargo and la sobrecarga?
4. What word is usually used in Mexico?

Any and all input is appreciated.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

There is "la azafata" (I've never heard it used in masculine, but "azafato" might be a regional word).

"Sobrecargo" is the most commonly word in Mexico, and it's "la/el sobrecargo"; same for both genders.

The most common word a few years ago was "aeromoza/aeromozo", but nowadays it sounds pejorative, so it's not so commonly heard anymore, and I don't recommend using such word.

I have never heard anyone using "la sobrecarga", and I doubt that it will be used even in a gender equality approach, because "sobrecarga" has a meaning by itself. :)


I think "auxiliar de vuelo" might be more neutral, but I'm not sure about its regional or extended usage. :)

[Bobbert]

Thank you, AngelicaDeAlquezar.

[aleCcowaN]

I mostly agree with Angélica. It depends on you addressing one or talking about one.

You can address them any of the ways you listed or using English terms if you like. Be aware azafata is a little dated and azafato sounds forced and exudes some little whiff of distespect.

Gender neutral terms are preferred today. Their technical denomination is "tripulante de cabina de pasajeros", and are usually addressed as "auxiliar de abordo", which is safe if you don't know the person's pronouns. If you ask one of them for a pillow and they reply "I'll have someone bringing that to you" that means you addressed the "comisario/a de abordo", the head honcho of the TCPs.

[Bobbert]

Thank you for your input, aleCcowaN.