What's the difference between an air hostess and stewardess?

Question

What's the difference between an air hostess and stewardess?

Answer 1

None, really.  The term "steward/stewardess" was borrowed from ocean liners.  The word "steward" means "caretaker", thus this is a person who will take care of you.  The term "hostess" implies less of a caretaker, and more like someone who will entertain you ("host" you), maybe serve you refreshments, etc.  I think some airlines have tried to switch to the term "air hostess" in order to set a level of expectation with passengers that these people are not there to satisfy their every whim.

Answer 2

None. It's the same thing. The term stewardess sounds old fashioned like laundress or actress. More often than not the term actor is used for  both men AND women. Stewardess seems equally dated. Steward in general has the idea of guarding people. I don't think these terms are in favor now so hostess is used instead.