But it seems like many (male) FlyerTalkers just want young, pretty, female flight attendants that they can ogle and flirt with. Of course, they rationalize it with the claim that somehow, youth equals greater competence in an emergency, which is a questionable assumption at best. I doubt that there is much correlation. Of course, if an FA is physically unfit for any reason, whether from being too weak because of advanced age, or too weak because of not exercising, that is not a good thing. But the greater concern seems to be the ability to handle an emergency situation MENTALLY, to think clearly, assess the situation, take charge and do what needs to be done. This takes a certain mental toughness, an ability to remain calm rather than panicking when an emergency arises. I really don't see where youth and beauty have any special advantage there!