Actions of flight attendants in emergencies have long been credited in saving lives ; in the United States , the National Transportation Safety Board ( NTSB ) and other aviation authorities view flight attendants as essential for safety , and are thus usually required on Part 121 aircraft operations . Studies , some done in light of British Airtours Flight 28M , have concluded that assertive cabin crew are essential for the rapid evacuation of aeroplanes . Notable examples of cabin crew actions include : The role of flight attendants received heightened prominence after the September 11 attacks when flight attendants ( such as Sandra W. Bradshaw and CeeCee Lyles of United Airlines Flight 93 ; Robert Fangman of United Airlines Flight 175 ; Renee May of American Airlines Flight 77 ; and Betty Ong and Madeline Amy Sweeney of American Airlines Flight 11 ) actively attempted to protect passengers from assault , and also provided vital information to air traffic controllers on the hijackings , as did many other passengers
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Flight attendant