Requirements for Being a Flight Attendant in 1954 Go Viral

A post highlighting the rigid and appearance-based qualifications required to become a flight attendant in the 1950s has gone viral on Reddit. The post, shared by Reddit user ineedtofiguremys***, has amassed 34,000 upvotes since it was posted on February 11. The post, titled "Requirements for being a flight attendant in 1954," shows an image of a document detailing the strikingly outdated standards once imposed by the now-defunct Chicago and Southern Air Lines (C&S), which merged with Delta Air Lines in the 1950s. The document, titled "Qualifications for Stewardess," shows a list of 19 requirements that range from specific physical attributes—such as "slender legs," "a good figure," and "nice hands"—to restrictions on personal life, including a rule that applicants had to be "single–not engaged."

Other stipulations included a height range of 5 feet, 2 inches to 5 feet, 5 inches, a weight range of 100 to 120 pounds, "good eyesight (no glasses)" and "natural color to hair." Beyond appearance, the airline also required flight attendants to have at least four years of college or two years of college plus two years of business experience. Other requirements emphasized personality traits, such as "the ability to carry on a lively conversation," a "willing and anxious to please" attitude, and an "even temper" that ensured they would not "become provoked by the demands of passengers." While these requirements may seem extreme today, they were once commonplace in the airline industry. Dan Bubb, a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a historian and former airline pilot, told Newsweek that such standards were reflective of the time. "Those requirements look accurate," Bubb said. "Many young ladies aspired to become flight attendants because it looked glamorous, fun, and they could travel and see the world." According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for flight attendants is projected to grow 10 percent from 2023 to 2033, significantly outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations. The BLS estimates that there will be about 19,500 openings per year in the next decade, many due to retirements and career transitions. Flight attendants continue to be highly ranked among the best jobs in the U.S. In its 2025 "100 Best Jobs" report, U.S. News & World Report ranked the profession 45th overall, fourth among the highest-paying jobs without a degree, and fifth among both the best civil service jobs and best jobs without a college degree.

The Evolution of Flight Attendant Requirements

Bubb noted that when airlines first started hiring flight attendants, they often sought out nurses due to concerns that passengers might experience air sickness or discomfort while flying. "Nurses could calm them," he explained. Flight attendants were also expected to uphold a particular aesthetic that aligned with the industry's marketing strategy. "Flight attendant uniforms were military inspired," Bubb said. "As the decades passed into the 1950s and 60s, flight attendant uniforms still looked professional, however, they looked more glamorous and feminine and were created by famous clothing designers." By the 1970s, airline uniforms shifted toward brighter colors and patterns, and in modern times, "they became more relaxed and practical to fit the long shifts and many responsibilities that flight attendants have." Still, Bubb noted, "They still look professional, but are more relaxed." The industry has undergone significant changes since the 1950s and the strict appearance-based qualifications have largely disappeared. "The requirements to become a flight attendant have changed because those original requirements were perceived as discriminatory," Bubb said. "Flight attendants still must look and dress professionally, and pass rigorous training and tests, but the height and weight restrictions have largely disappeared." Today, airlines prioritize customer service skills, safety training, and adaptability over physical appearance. Do you have a travel-related story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.