PlaneCrazy wrote:
LOL. I've worked in aviation for over 17 years. You don't have to tell me about how "not-hot" FA's are - for the most part - these days.
I disagree on the story though.
It has nothing to do with deregulation. IMO, it's the change in the status of women's rights and the rise of FA unions as well as the fact that most FA's are in it for a career now. Before, a good percentage of FA's were just looking for a rich pilot husband and a way to travel the world for dirt cheap.
Political correctness has destroyed the "stewardess" culture just as much as it has done for places like Hooters. Air Canada is the worst example of that too, IMO. Just on my last trip home from CR, I was traveling on an interline pass which is standy-by space available only and I luckily got the last seat on the airplane to Toronto. It was the seat at the back that the flight attendants usually have locked out so they have a place to sit when they are on break. For 5 and a half hours, I had to sit there and listen to the FA's sit in the back and bitch and moan about their contract. They did their mandated two services for the flight and ignored everyone for the rest of the time. All 4 FA's, with the exception of the Spanish speaking one they had on this flight, were mid 40's, overweight, plain looking and peevish. Nothing like the woman I joined the mile high club with back in the early 90's

You are correct; zero to do with deregulation.
You rase an interesting point - like in many industries/professions/jobs, the workers did have it better in the past, in some ways - and its worse to give up a benefit/income vs never having had it in the fist place - I'm 56 and I remember when flying was a really positive experience; you dressed up for it, personel were polite and professional - but the public spoke and said we want low fares, and the industry responded - however, there is zero excuse for the lack of courtesy that so many experience today, and not just in the avaition industry.
Bottom line is you cannot mandate work rules as you could in the 1960's as to appearance, weight, et al (hell, I'm not
that old, but do remember when the want ad's - another 'old' term

- could specify help wanted "male" or help wanted "female") - you can if the job requirement says you have to be able to lift 50 lbs, for instance - but be prepared to prove it
