Requirements for female flight attendants in 1954 have resurfaced online - and many are saying the same thing about the outdated criteria. Taking to Reddit, one poster shared a Chicago and Southern AirLines 'qualifications' list for a stewardess - and many suggested it looked like a man's list of requirements for their very own perfect woman. The shocking demands included being 'single', weighing 'between 100-120 pounds' and having 'slender legs.'.
![[Cabin crew in the 1950's were known for their glamorous image and were a symbol of luxury and glamour in aviation]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/11/13/95091005-14384595-image-a-33_1739280735183.jpg)
Cabin crew in the 1950s were known for their glamorous image - and were a symbol of luxury and glamour in aviation. Unlike today, flight attendants did not receive much training, with meal service and customer care considered much more important than first aid. Airlines promoted the image of young, attractive women serving passengers in elegant uniforms. Some other requirements listed included 'good teeth', being 'between the ages of 22 and 28', having 'natural colour to hair' and being 'willing and anxious to please'.
Commenters were shocked at the long list of physical attributes - but little to no mention of the skills or knowledge required to get the role. Taking to Reddit a Chicago and Southern AirLines 'qualifications' list for a stewardess was shared and many suggested it looked like a man's list of requirements for their very own perfect woman. One person wrote: 'This reads like a bunch of dudes sitting around a typewriter with one of them occasionally saying: 'oh and don't forget ______.'.
Another replied: '"Citizen of the United States" being #16 definitely read that way. 'Ok, I think we've covered all the physical/hotness traits, anything else? Oh, right! Can't have any dirty foreigners.'. 'You articulated the vibe perfectly lol,' a third penned. 'Surprised they could even see past all the fedoras as they typed out the perfect requirements for their very own lady'. Another quipped: 'Funny thought, but no... in reality they would have a secretary do the typing.'.
Someone else likened the advertisement to a scene in Leonardo DiCaprio's flick, Catch Me If You Can. Cabin crew in the 1950's were known for their glamorous image and were a symbol of luxury and glamour in aviation. 'So basically that scene in Catch Me If You Can where Leonardo DiCaprio goes to a local college posing as a job recruiter to get a half dozen young women dressed as stewardesses to surround him through the Miami Airport to get on a flight to Madrid without Tom Hanks catching him was 100 per cent accurate,' they wrote.
Others suggested even more requirements that would fit in perfectly with the job description. One also quipped: '20. Must respond to "broad" or "toots". Another added: 'And appreciate a hearty smack on the a** as a compliment!'. Someone else said: 'In short: be eye candy.'. Single - Not engaged. Between the ages of 22 and 28. Between 5'2' and 5'5'. Between 100 and 120 pounds. Good eyesight (No glasses). Good teeth (Even no gold showing when smiling).
Good figure. Slender legs. Natural color to hair. At least four years of college or two years of college and two years business experience. The ability to carry on a lively conversation. Good carriage. Even temper - must not become provoked by demands of passengers. Willing and anxious to please. Willing to transfer. Citizen of the United States. Excellent health. Clear skin. Nice hands. In 2025, criteria for flight attendants are extremely different and focus more on qualification rather than physical attributes; men can also apply for the role.
Some airlines may require a university degree or vocational degree in hospitality or tourism, including a high school diploma, good communication skills, and physical fitness. Many cabin crew also need to pass a medical exam, background checks and undertake and successfully complete aviation training. It comes after two flight attendants revealed that there are many downsides to their jobs. Aja Bailey, who has worked as cabin crew for more than eight years for both commercial airlines and private jets, said some of the tougher aspects of her work include missing every social event and altitude-induced health issues.
Meanwhile Caroline Kneitz, who worked as an Emirates flight attendant for six years, says difficult passengers were a constant stress. Some of her least pleasant memories included witnessing a drunk man beat his wife and a man who she told to stop smoking blowing e-cigarette smoke in her face. Take a flight down to learn more of their insights around what goes on as a flight attendant, behind the scenes.
Health concerns. Aja said being constantly exposed to high altitudes can lead to various health concerns such as dehydration and exhaustion, so it's 'important to prioritize your health in this industry'. She once had to get an IV drip because she was 'super dehydrated.' The globetrotter explained: 'With the job you can be so busy sometimes that you forget to drink water and eat. It's not like a nine to five job where you get a lunch break.
