Come Fly with Us: A Global History of the Airline Hostess - Softcover

Omelia, Joanna; Waldock, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1933112069 ISBN 13: 9781933112060

Publisher: Collectors Press,U.S., 2006

Synopsis

When the first commercial flights took off in the 1930s, stewardesses were registered nurses whose duties included swatting flies and helping passengers read railroad timetables in the event of forced landings. In the 1950s, stewardesses were viewed as wives-in-training, as adept at preparing a baby's bottle as mixing a martini. By the swinging ’60s and ’70s, female flight attendants were considered successful marketing tools, sporting microminis, hot pants, and buttons that read "Pure, Sober, and Available" to lure male business passengers on board. Come Fly with Us! explores the unique history of this industry pioneered by women, tracing changes in the flight attendant's role — from flying nurse to airborne sex kitten to today's custodian of safety and service. Stunning visuals from airline archives and early flight maps, promotional brochures, and print advertisements re-create a sense of the early days and underscore the dramatic changes that have occurred in this dynamic industry.

About this title

Synopsis:

Welcome aboard! Fasten your safety belts for a celebration of the women who have created an oasis of safety and service aloft This book explores the unique story of the women who have circled the globe decade after decade, constantly adapting to their changing roles in society. From the flying nurses of the 1930'swhose job description included fixing loose chairs, loading baggage and swatting flies to the miniskirt clad attendants used as marketing tools to lure male business passengers aboard and traces the struggles, fashions and the public's perceptions of these pioneering women throughout the 20th century. Stunning visuals, many from the archives of the world's great airlines, help create a sense of the early days, while the book closes with a glimpse of the future of air travel.

About this edition

• Publisher: Collectors Press,U.S.
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1933112069
• ISBN 13: 9781933112060
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160