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

by Johanna Omelia

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Aviation

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2003

Reviews

[Mariflo · Rating 1 out of 5]

The history was interesting - but could have used some editing and more interesting stories. Better that I read it after listening to Malibu Rising podcast that has some flight attendant content too.

[Karenvizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough history!!! super interesting!

My how the world of a flight attendant has changed over fe last 100 years!! So interesting to learn about the profession and the changes that happened over the years!

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had great pictures, but it was lacking in history and analysis. Actually, it's a glorified coffee table book, with text copied from period flight attendant ephemera and often repeated throughout the book. But oh, those pictures.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lovely photos. Lovely nostalgia. Not much else. It was interesting looking at old photos and ad campaigns, but the writing itself is decidedly meh.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good if breif account of the rise of the flight attentant

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the early 1980’s I interviewed to be a flight attendant with Pan Am. I made it all the way to the final interview but didn’t get the job. I was interested in travel and didn’t know much else about what the job would entail. This book shines an interesting light on why strong, independent women chose this field at the time. Some of the stories are frustrating, some inspiring, some heartbreaking. In the end, I’m not sure if I’m happy or sad that I didn’t land that job.

[Emilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun book, especially since my grandpa used to be a mechanic for Pan Am. Great pictures and a fast, interesting read!

[Ted · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know about the Golden Nugget Jet service from Alaska Airlines that went full out 1890's style during the 60's! The authors do a commendable job making this more of a global survey by incorporating photos from the archives of Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, JAL, THAI, Malaysia. However, Eva and Singapore Airlines were perhaps overlooked?