A viral document posted on Reddit, exposing the stringent and discriminatory requirements for flight attendants in 1954, has sparked renewed discussion about workplace equality. The list, from the now-defunct Chicago and Southern Air Lines, demonstrates how far labor standards have evolved in seven decades.
Physical Requirements dominated the criteria:
- Height restricted to 5’2″-5’5″
- Weight limited to 100-120 pounds
- No glasses or visible dental work
- “Slender legs” and “good figure” mandatory
Personal Restrictions extended beyond appearance. Candidates had to be single, not engaged, and between ages 22-28, with automatic termination upon marriage. The requirements effectively ended careers when flight attendants wed.
Workplace Reality proved challenging. Former flight attendants report daily weigh-ins, mandatory diets, and widespread sexual harassment without protection. One Reddit user’s mother described “oppressive” conditions including walking tests with books balanced on heads.
Modern Evolution shows significant progress. Today’s requirements focus on safety training and customer service skills rather than appearance. However, some international carriers, particularly in Asia, maintain strict appearance standards reminiscent of the 1954 criteria.
This historical document serves as both a reminder of past discrimination and a measure of progress in workplace equality, though some argue similar biases persist in more subtle forms today.
