What does the term 'crew members' generally refer to?

The term 'crew members' specifically refers to individuals who are part of the operational team on an aircraft, primarily responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers during a flight. This includes both flight attendants, who manage the cabin environment and passenger service, and pilots, who are responsible for the aircraft's navigation and operation. Together, these individuals form the core group that performs the essential functions required for a flight to take off and land safely.

In contrast, passengers are the individuals traveling on the flight, maintenance staff are tasked with ensuring the aircraft is in good working condition but do not operate in-flight, and airport security personnel focus on safety and security at airport facilities rather than the operational aspect of flights. Therefore, when referring to 'crew members,' it is specifically highlighting the roles of flight attendants and pilots as part of the aviation team.