The Wild List That Left Social Media in Disbelief

A resurfaced list of job requirements for flight attendants in 1954 has taken the internet by storm, sparking widespread discussion and outrage. These outdated and often bizarre qualifications—ranging from strict physical standards to personal relationship restrictions—offer a stark reminder of how much workplace norms have evolved.

The now-viral document, originally posted on Reddit’s ‘interestingasf*ck’ page, quickly gained traction, racking up over 35,000 upvotes. It was first issued by Chicago and Southern Air Lines (C&S)—an airline that no longer exists after merging with Delta Air Lines.

As people scrolled through the long list of demands, reactions ranged from amusement to outright disgust. Some social media users were shocked at how little emphasis was placed on actual aviation skills, while others couldn’t believe the level of superficiality in the criteria.

The list had some very specific requirements for staff (**Getty Stock Photo**)

So, what exactly did airlines expect from flight attendants back then? Let’s take a deep dive into this list, and see how times have changed.

A Glimpse into the Past: When Flight Attendants Were Only Women

Even before analyzing the requirements themselves, the title of the document—“Qualifications for Stewardess”—immediately signals a different era. Unlike today, when anyone who meets training and safety standards can work as a flight attendant, in 1954, this job was exclusively reserved for women. Airlines made it clear that this was a profession designed for young, attractive, and unmarried women, reinforcing outdated gender roles.

During the Golden Age of Travel (the 1940s-1960s), airlines marketed flight attendants as symbols of glamour and sophistication. They were expected to act as both hostesses and caretakers, ensuring passengers had a comfortable and enjoyable experience. However, beneath this polished image, many women faced strict workplace rules, unrealistic beauty standards, and limited career growth opportunities.

Despite these limitations, many women pursued the job because it provided a rare chance to travel internationally, gain financial independence, and experience life outside traditional domestic roles—even if only for a few years before being expected to settle down and marry.

The Most Shocking Cabin Crew Requirements from 1954

The infamous list starts with a hard pass on marriage and engagement:

Requirements for being a flight attendant in 1954
byu/ineedtofiguremyshit ininterestingasfuck

🛑 “Single – Not Engaged”
If a woman was happily dating or engaged, she was automatically disqualified from applying. The logic? Airlines believed that married women would eventually leave the workforce to become housewives.

And it only got worse from there.

Physical Appearance Rules

✔ Age Limit: 22-28 Years Old
One of the most puzzling aspects of this requirement was the uncertainty surrounding what happened after turning 29. Were stewardesses let go the moment they blew out their 29th birthday candles?

✔ Height Restriction: Between 5’2” and 5’5”
Modern-day flight attendants typically have minimum height requirements to ensure they can reach overhead compartments. However, in 1954, the height requirement was more about maintaining a petite, dainty image.

✔ Weight Limit: 100-120 Pounds
While weight restrictions for flight attendants do exist in some cases today (often for safety reasons), the 1954 rule seems to have been entirely based on looks. One Reddit user sarcastically noted,
“I guess if you gained weight after Thanksgiving dinner, you were out of a job.”

✔ No Glasses Allowed
Having good eyesight was a must. No glasses, no exceptions. Today, prescription glasses or contact lenses are perfectly acceptable as long as vision is corrected to 20/20.

✔ “Good Teeth (Even no gold showing when smiling)”
It wasn’t just about having healthy teeth—you couldn’t have any visible gold fillings or dental work. Airlines wanted flawless, Hollywood-worthy smiles.

✔ “Good Figure”
This vague yet revealing requirement essentially meant one thing—stewardesses had to be slim and conventionally attractive.

✔ “Slender Legs”
Because, apparently, it wasn’t enough to be slim—you also needed legs that met some undefined, subjective standard.

✔ “Natural Hair Color”
Women with dyed or unnatural hair colors weren’t considered acceptable. This likely meant no bold reds, platinum blondes, or jet blacks—only subdued, natural hues.

✔ “Clear Skin” & “Nice Hands”
Even having acne or rough hands could cost you the job. The obsession with physical perfection extended down to the tiniest details.

The cabin crew had to have ‘clear skin’ and ‘nice hands’ (**Getty Stock Photo**)

Personality & Behavior Expectations

Beyond physical requirements, stewardesses were also expected to display a certain personality and demeanor—some of which were completely unreasonable.

🗣 “The ability to carry on a lively conversation”
Flight attendants were essentially required to be constantly engaging, regardless of whether they were having a bad day.

🧍‍♀️ “Good carriage”
While unclear, many have speculated that this refers to posture—or possibly even the shape of their body.

😤 “Even temper – must not become provoked by demands of passengers”
Handling rude or demanding passengers without ever showing frustration was part of the job.

🙏 “Willing and anxious to please”
The word “anxious” here is particularly unsettling, almost implying that stewardesses should be desperate to serve.

🌍 “Willing to transfer”
Flight attendants had no say in where they were stationed—they had to go wherever the airline needed them.

Social Media Reactions: The Internet Is Stunned

As expected, the resurfaced list has sent shockwaves across the internet, with users on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram sharing their thoughts.

🔥 Reddit Users Sound Off

The original post on Reddit quickly filled with thousands of comments.

🔹 “This reads like a bunch of dudes sitting around a typewriter with one of them occasionally saying: ‘Oh, and don’t forget ______.’”
🔹 “I love how literally everything is about looks. And then, oh ya, a 4-year college degree required. Lmao.”

🐦 Twitter Users Chime In

Twitter users had plenty to say:

💬 “These 1950s flight attendant requirements are WILD! It’s like a dating profile gone wrong.”
💬 “Imagine being disqualified from a job because of ‘slender legs’ and ‘nice hands.’ Glad times have changed!”

📲 Facebook & Instagram Reactions

Facebook groups dedicated to aviation history and feminism also shared their thoughts.

📢 “A blast from the past: 1954 flight attendant requirements. Unreal standards!”
📢 “It’s shocking to see how much emphasis was placed on appearance over skills. We’ve come a long way.”

How Flight Attendant Requirements Have Changed

While some expectations—such as professional grooming and excellent communication skills—remain relevant today, modern hiring practices focus on:

✅ Safety & First Aid Training
✅ Customer Service Skills
✅ Physical Fitness for Emergency Situations
✅ Cultural Awareness & Diversity Training
✅ Knowledge of Multiple Languages (For International Airlines)

The height and weight restrictions have been largely eliminated, except for safety-related reasons.

Expert Insight: Why Were These Rules in Place?

Dr. Dan Bubb, a historian and former pilot at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, confirmed that these strict beauty standards were once the norm.

“Many young ladies aspired to become flight attendants because it looked glamorous, fun, and they could travel the world,” he told Newsweek.

However, he acknowledged that today’s requirements are far more inclusive and focused on professional skills rather than appearance.

Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Flight Attendants

Looking at this 1954 list in 2025, it’s clear just how much has changed. What was once considered normal is now viewed as sexist and discriminatory.

While the past had its flaws, the present-day aviation industry is far more inclusive, diverse, and professional. Flight attendants are no longer hired based on outdated beauty standards—but on their ability to ensure passenger safety and deliver excellent service.

So next time you board a plane, remember—you’re in much safer, and far more qualified hands.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Thomas Barwick