newyorklondon

This article in the Guardian (from the Observer archives: 11 January, 1970) is quite interesting in its discussion of how - by 1970 - the 'jet age' had already begin to lose its sheen (But the piece soon brings us down to earth, asking whether it’s a ‘marvellous, relaxed way to travel’ or a ‘tense, irritating experience that will place more and more demands on the human-fatigue factor’.)

But buried in the article is this nugget: The airlines’ view towards guide dogs was rather draconian – they had to be ‘muzzled and drugged’. Still, that’s nothing compared with the treatment of air hostesses. BOAC had ‘compulsory retirement after 10 years’...

Is that really true? When was that phased out?

babats

I know there's an extra bit in the OP but I had a good Monday morning chuckle when I stopped reading after this bit.

PUCCI GALORE

I cannot answer your question, but it is only about 13 years since retirement at 55 was compulsory for pilots and cabin crew.

T8191

You're 68? I can't believe it!

itsmeitisss

Sop hunting for more mucci lol

PUCCI GALORE

I'll strip him of his all Honours if there's any repetition of such insolence. Cheeky Toad!

It will be the first Dishonourable Discharge in FT history. I'll find him in some sleazy bar be it in St Helier, Golf Course, or better yet a First Class Lounge and give him a piece of my hairbrush. Furthermore I will tell Mrs T8191 exactly the nature of our relationship.

Hell hath no Fury like a Pucci Prematurely Aged!

T8191

Oh, dear, my compliment has clearly been misconstrued.

Have a good week, young Lady

PUCCI GALORE

Forgiven Handsome!

TravellerFrequently

My Mother was a BOAC "stewardess" and had to leave when she got married, as was the requirement at that time.

Phil the Flyer

newyorklondon

Wow. What was the reasoning behind that?!

T8191

Drawing a parallel with UK Military at the time, a mix of commitment to company rather than spouse, and the likelhood of pregnancy. It was the way of the world back then. Why invest in staff that could quit at a moment’s notice?

T8191

Ah, Phil, you misinterpret the bones on this occasion. Madame also enjoys the company of the more mature and worldly-wise for reasons other than youthful groping. Think of Her instead as having a well-balanced set of golf clubs to play a round with.

PUCCI GALORE

You must be delusional. HIDDY smokes like a chimney, he never bothered with the mirrors, CIHY is old enough to be your father never mind mine, and as for you you were never a spark let alone a flame. Uncle T and I are just Good Friends.After you became toast for someone else's marmalade, my comings and going were strictly my business and none of yours. I never meant to hurt you when I dumped you, but it's still on the list.

Still I will never be your equal until I can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think I am sexy. Just because I live by the adage that if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with does not mean that you're in with any chance. Anyhow the last time you saw sixty-anything was on a Boarding Pass.


(This feels like a real BA Forum thread!)

Greenpen

This "rule" was quite normal back before the sixties. The woman would be a housewife while the man continued to work. Women dealt with the home and looking after children and her husband.