What is the primary role of flight attendants before takeoff?

The primary role of flight attendants before takeoff involves pre-flighting equipment, which encompasses ensuring that all safety and emergency equipment on the aircraft is in proper working order. This responsibility is critical for the safety of all passengers and crew, as it includes checking that items such as emergency exits, life vests, and oxygen masks are accessible and functioning correctly.

While conducting security checks, giving safety briefings, and serving food and drinks are also part of a flight attendant's duties, they occur at different times. Security checks are primarily the responsibility of airport security personnel and not the flight attendants. Safety briefings typically happen before takeoff as well, but the focus during the pre-flight period is on ensuring that all safety equipment meets regulatory standards. Serving food and drinks is usually reserved for after takeoff when the flight is in the air, not before. Thus, pre-flighting equipment is the most appropriate choice for the flight attendants’ main responsibility prior to the aircraft's departure.