How air stewardesses became flight attendants – and how gender equality took to the skies

From the feminist movement to 9/11, the past 50 years drastically changed the role of flight attendants.

Being a flight attendant half a century ago may have seemed glamorous, but the industry was ripe with discrimination and sexism.

While many flight attendants worked to overcome these issues, challenges remain in the industry, including depreciating pay and a lack of racial diversity.

Here’s how being a flight attendant has changed in the past 50 years.

Flight attendants are responsible for passenger safety and comfort during the duration of their air travel. They attend to traveller needs, and may need to administer medical care. They don’t require more than a high school education for the role, but can complete additional training or certification if needed.

Back in the day, “stewardesses” would start working at 18 or 20 before going off to college or getting married. In fact, marriage could disqualify some women from landing the job, according to former stewardess Diane Hansen.

In 1968, however, federal courts struck down rules that forbade flight attendants from being married. In 1970, airlines withdrew restrictions against flight attendants being pregnant.