Flight Attendant Requirements in 1954: A Look Back

In 1954, becoming a flight attendant was defined less by safety protocols and more by an absurd list of personal and physical prerequisites. A popular post on Reddit titled “Requirements for being a flight attendant in 1954” showcased a typewritten document from Chicago and Southern Air Lines listing qualifications that resembled criteria more suited to a beauty pageant than actual job requirements.

Strict Criteria for Female Applicants

The qualifications demanded were particularly stringent: female candidates were expected to be single, between 22 and 28 years of age, weigh between 100 and 120 pounds, and exhibit slender legs, even teeth (with no visible gold fillings), good posture, and natural hair colour. Furthermore, the criteria required potential attendants to have at least four years of higher education or two years of college coupled with two years of professional experience, along with “the ability to engage in an animated conversation.”

Community Reactions on Reddit

Reactions on Reddit were quick and incisive. One user commented that the list seemed as though “a group of men were gathered around a typewriter, occasionally suggesting elements to add.” Another person shared a personal account: “The user’s mother worked as a flight attendant during this period… It was a repressive environment, devoid of any safety from harassment or assault. Measurements and weight checks were performed daily, accompanied by a restrictive diet and encouragement to smoke. There was stigma surrounding any signs of bloating.”

The Rigorous Training Regime

The post noted that training for flight attendants was incredibly detailed, even dictating how they were to walk. Commenters mentioned, “They received instructions on their gait, including the classic ‘pile of books on the head’ balance test. They had to navigate stairs with feet angled sideways. Everything was about being graceful.”

Criticism of Quirky Qualifications

One of the most satirical responses pointed out the whims of the qualifications by stating, “The list meanders from objectifying physical traits to educational background and interpersonal skills, then circles back to add things like, ‘No zits! How gross! And don’t forget to have nice hands!’”

Another user succinctly encapsulated the time period: “Ah yes, the golden age of aviation—where one required a modelling contract, Olympic-level patience, and absolutely no gold fillings just to serve peanuts. Safety? Not a priority. Slender legs? Mandatory.”