What is the primary responsibility of a flight attendant?

The primary responsibility of a flight attendant is to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. This encompasses a wide range of duties that go beyond merely serving food and drinks, which is just one aspect of the role.

Flight attendants are trained to handle emergency situations and are responsible for demonstrating safety procedures, conducting safety briefings, and ensuring that all safety equipment is operational and accessible. This responsibility extends to watching for any unusual behavior among passengers, assisting with any medical emergencies, and guiding passengers during evacuation procedures if necessary.

While serving meals and beverages is certainly part of a flight attendant's role, it takes a backseat to the overarching priority of passenger safety. Other responsibilities, such as checking in passengers and maintaining the aircraft condition, are typically handled by ground staff and cabin maintenance crews, respectively. Therefore, the emphasis on safety and the well-being of passengers underscores why ensuring their safety and comfort is the flight attendant's primary responsibility.