Vintage Air Hostesses
The first female flight attendant was a 25-year-old registered nurse named Ellen Church, she was hired by United Airlines in 1930. In the United States, the job was one of only a few in the 1930s to permit women, which led to large numbers of applicants for the few positions available. Female flight attendants rapidly replaced male ones, and by 1936, they had all but taken over the role. They were selected not only for their knowledge but also for their characteristics. In the United States, they were required to be unmarried and were fired if they decided to wed. A 1936 New York Times article described the requirements:
“The girls who qualify for hostesses must be petite; weight 100 to 118 pounds; height 5 feet to 5 feet 4 inches; age 20 to 26 years. Add to that the rigid physical examination each must undergo four times every year, and you are assured of the bloom that goes with perfect health.”
There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane…” Air Hostess
>>>YOU MAY ALSO LIKE<<<
Soviet Fashion Times
Red Alert
Vintage Rural America
Over and over
Corsets, love and a small waist
The art of collecting
Vintage miniature city
I flew a lot when I was a kid, as my dad worked for Capital and United Airlines. These outfits brought back many memories! Great post!
Well, they don’t make them like THAT anymore! lol. The last time I was on a plane it was a Continental flight staffed by crotchety old women who probably spit in your coffee if you dared to ask for “extra sugar, please?” I think Japan Airlines is the only airline that still hires beautiful, helpful, friendly women for the job anymore. btw- love these vintage photos!
My guidance counselor was one of the original Pan-Am flight girls
Ps: Southwest would not be okay with the lengths of any of those skirts or shorts