A Brief History of Flight Attendants

The cabin crew job is one of the most challenging yet much-desired. The cabin crew profession has its origins way back in the maritime world when air stewards were responsible for managing the safety and security of everyone onboard. While the legacy continues, the cabin crew job has become more difficult and equally rewarding for those who choose this career path.

The role of the cabin crew is to ensure the safety of the aircraft and the well-being of its occupants, including the crew. Cabin crew undergo rigorous training before being certified to work on a commercial flight. This article focuses on the origins of the flight cabin crew job and how it has evolved.

Early days

The first flight attendant was reportedly Heinrich Kubis in 1912, who worked on German airships. Despite the profession later becoming a female-dominated domain, many early flight attendants, such as Heinrich Kubis himself, were males. He was a professional waiter who had worked in luxury hotels around the world and moved on to work on the infamous Hindenburg airship that exploded in 1937.

Kubis was responsible for overseeing the servers and chefs and was working when the disaster occurred. He helped passengers down from the dining area and assisted some in jumping to safety before escaping without injury.

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1920s – 1940s

In the 1920s, the role of flight attendants became more diverse. For example, during this decade, Imperial Airways in the UK started recruiting cabin boys who could load luggage and reassure the passengers.

Meanwhile, in 1929, Pan Am in the USA was the first carrier to have onboard ‘stewards’ who served food. Then, in the 1930s, Boeing Air Transport and registered nurse Ellen Church worked together to devise a scheme where nurses were hired for three months at a time to travel onboard, look after the passengers, and quell their fear of flying. She became the world’s first female flight attendant.

However, during the Second World War, many nurses were enlisted into the armed forces as part of the ongoing war efforts. As a result, the requirement for flight attendants to have nursing backgrounds was changed.

1950-1970

In the ’50s and ’60s, being an air hostess, or air stewardess as it became known, was seen as an elite profession, but conditions were very strict. Only young unmarried females were accepted, and appearance was very important. If you wanted to get married, you had to resign, and the girls retired by 30.

The uniforms were form-fitting and featured accessories, including hats, high-heeled shoes, and white gloves. As a result, a certain glamorous reputation was always perceived. In the late 1960s, fashion started to change and move, and mini skirts and hot pants became more widespread.

Photo: British Airways

Airlines used the stewardess image to appeal to mostly male passengers traveling for business, selling a provocative and promiscuous look. Things changed again in the ’70s with the start of unions, equal rights between men and women, and less discrimination. More males started to join as ‘air stewards,’ which later changed to ‘flight attendants’ in the US for male and female employees.

The 1980s and onward

Cabin crew qualifications and other requirements

• Secondary school, associate, or higher degree
• Education and/or experience in hospitality and services is preferred
• Prior customer service and hospitality industry experience
• Knowledge of aviation is preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

As more time passed and conventions changed, airlines adapted to a business-style look for their flight attendant uniforms, and the dress code became slightly more functional. The role of the flight attendant had slightly changed in that they were being regarded in terms of safety, not just service and appearance.

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Crew challenges

Special training required for crew members

• Aviation industry, norms, and aircraft
• Crew member coordination and communication
• Hospitality and customer service skills
• Management of passengers and cabin interactions
• Safety and emergency procedures (by aircraft type)
• Carriage of dangerous and unusual goods on board the aircraft
• Risks management
• Security-related issues and awareness

Appearance and image are still very important factors for many airlines. That being said, discrimination has become fairer, with weight regulations dropped in the late 1990s. By the early 2000s, female cabin crew could stave off retirement until age 55. Uniforms are still important but tested for functionality, and some carriers adopt a gender-neutral approach.

Photo: British Airways

Recently, some airlines have allowed visible tattoos and make-up for male and female employees. However, there are many restrictions in the Middle East and Asia, resulting in an abundance of young female cabin crew.

Since the introduction of tougher safety regulations, the role of a flight attendant has become more difficult. The modern name for the profession of ‘cabin crew’ reflects that safety is the first priority. The coronavirus pandemic has created more challenges in recent years, with many cabin crew losing their jobs as the world has ground to a halt and some never returning to the industry.

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Disruptive passenger incidents have risen remarkably, and we have seen chaos following a surge of people wanting to travel. At the same time, airlines struggle with limited capacity, which adds further challenges for cabin crew. Sadly, for many currently working, the hours are longer, and the salary is lower than ever. Undoubtedly, there are difficult times ahead, but the role will continue to evolve.

What are your thoughts on cabin crew origins and their roles through the years? Share your opinion in the comments section.