sipples

If AA brought the stewardesses back too -- as they were, not as they are -- then I think I'd take that deal.

kerflumexed

Since ya asked, Here are the TWA qualifications from 1945:

TWA Air Hostess Qualifications

sipples

Wow. Note that it says "one year" of college, not "at least one year." Might that requirement have implied "finishing school," essentially?

This ad and the upthread "Men Only" ad got me curious whether the airlines practiced racial segregation aboard their flights. From what I can find out, no, apparently not. Jim Crow was too impractical aboard an airplane. I found several references to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. flying alongside everyone else, including on Delta. My guess is that the airlines had no interest in creating separate cabins (for powerful economic reasons), the technology (airplanes) was too new, that flying was a rare experience for everyone (including ardent segregationists/bigots), and that interstate travel didn't lend itself well to state-by-state regulation.

Airports did have segregated facilities, however. (Apparently there are still bricked-up traces of the "Colored Only" restrooms at the airport in Jackson.)

I'm not one to get overly romantic about "how much better it was in the good old days..." In 1936 American Airlines served hot, delicious meals -- and you might have died of polio before you ever got to enjoy them. That said, I think there are some lessons to be learned here. Service still counts in a service industry.

jaynyc

I don't think we want the women hired through that ad. They would be 81-86 years old today

boilermaker

Reminds me of today's WN route map

Jace

And some of them are still flying... I'm sure I saw some on the last flight to LHR.

samsp99

Hmm, Are you sure they would be any worse than the ex TWA MD80's?