Fly With Me | Full Documentary | AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | PBS

The first paragraph introduces the allure of the flight attendant profession during its golden era. It highlights the glamorous image of stewardesses and the societal impact of their roles. Casey Grant expresses her aspiration to become a flight attendant, drawn by their beauty and the opportunity to travel. Ann Hood reflects on the allure of the job to small-town girls. The paragraph also touches on the expectations of flight attendants to serve and maintain a glamorous appearance, the hiring of independent and curious women, and the industry's eventual strike. It concludes with the acknowledgment of stewardesses' pivotal role in the women's movement and their fight for gender equality in the workforce.

The second paragraph delves into the early history of aviation and the introduction of women as flight attendants. It describes the luxurious and glamorous image associated with flying, the public's perception of the profession, and the restrictions on women's roles. Ellen Church, a registered nurse and pilot, is credited with pioneering the role of flight attendants. The narrative covers the experimental era of cabin service, the racial and gender biases prevalent in the industry, and the challenges faced by early stewardesses, including turbulent flights and lack of proper in-flight conditions. It ends with the acknowledgment of the hardships and the big adventure that flying represented at the time.

The third paragraph discusses the advent of the jet age and its impact on air travel and the role of flight attendants. It covers the introduction of jets, symbolizing technological advancement, and the expansion of air travel to the masses. The airlines' marketing strategies are highlighted, focusing on the aspirational aspect of flying and the use of flight attendants in ad campaigns to promote a glamorous image. The stewardesses' experiences of traveling and the independence it offered are also detailed, emphasizing the significant change in women's lifestyles and expectations during the '50s and '60s.

The fourth paragraph explores the professional and personal challenges faced by flight attendants. It discusses the stringent hiring process, the focus on physical appearance, and the educational requirements that varied by airline. The training process for flight attendants is outlined, including lessons on in-flight services, physics of flight, and safety procedures. The narrative also touches on the expectations of stewardesses to be knowledgeable and reassuring to passengers, and the shift in airlines' marketing strategies from luxury to a more standardized image of the 'ideal' stewardess.

The fifth paragraph highlights the experiences of flight attendants traveling globally and the broader societal changes they encountered. It discusses the personal growth and independence gained through international travel, the confrontation with racial and gender discrimination, and the legal battles against such practices. The narrative includes the story of Pat Banks Edmiston, a woman of color denied a job as a stewardess due to her race, and her subsequent legal fight against Capital Airlines. It also touches on the broader issues of racial segregation in air travel and the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement.

The sixth paragraph focuses on the efforts of flight attendants to organize and fight for their rights through unionization. It discusses the initial resistance to unions, the realization of the need for collective bargaining, and the formation of alliances with other workers. The narrative covers the specific issues faced by flight attendants, including the arbitrary age and marital restrictions, and the successful push for a 'grandmother clause' that protected the jobs of existing attendants. It also highlights the role of Dusty Roads, an influential union member, and her efforts to advocate for stewardesses in Washington.

The seventh paragraph details the public image of flight attendants and their strategic use of this image in the fight for their rights. It describes the creative tactics used by Dusty Roads and other flight attendants to challenge the age restrictions, including a press conference that garnered national attention. The narrative also covers the response from airlines and the ultimate failure to negotiate the age rule, the experiences of racial discrimination faced by flight attendants, and the broader implications of these struggles for gender and racial equality.

The eighth paragraph discusses the legal milestones in the fight against discrimination, particularly focusing on the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It outlines the inclusion of sex discrimination in the Act, the establishment of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the initial lack of action on gender discrimination cases. The narrative highlights the efforts of activists within and outside the EEOC, the formation of the National Organization for Women (NOW), and the strategic use of legal and public pressure to enforce the law.

The ninth paragraph explores the sexualization of flight attendants in advertising and its impact on their professional image and working conditions. It discusses the 'Fly Me' ad campaign and the negative consequences it had on the stewardesses' daily experiences, including increased sexual harassment and objectification. The narrative also touches on the changing world context, with the Vietnam War and the Cold War influencing the work environment of flight attendants, and the growing awareness of the need to balance the public's perception with the serious responsibilities of the job.

The tenth paragraph narrates a pivotal moment that led to increased activism among flight attendants. It describes an incident where a flight attendant was asked to cook a steak during a bomb threat evacuation, triggering her realization of the inequality and absurdity of her situation. The narrative highlights the subsequent actions taken by flight attendants, including the fight for equal opportunities within the union, the pursuit of a non-discriminatory contract, and the legal battle against wage disparities and gender-based job titles.

The eleventh paragraph details the class action lawsuit filed by flight attendants against Northwest Airlines for sex discrimination. It outlines the grounds for the lawsuit, the process of convincing the judge of the appropriateness of a class action, and the organizing efforts led by Mary Pat Inman. The narrative also covers the arguments presented in court, the eventual victory, and the long legal battle that lasted 11 years, culminating in a significant financial settlement and policy changes that benefited all female flight attendants.

The twelfth paragraph reflects on the legacy of the Mary Pat Laffey case and its impact on the flight attendant profession. It discusses the newfound opportunities for flight attendants, the end of discriminatory practices, and the shift in the industry to reflect a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The narrative concludes with a celebration of the collective effort that led to these changes and the lasting impact on the rights and status of flight attendants.

The thirteenth paragraph concludes the narrative with a focus on the collective nature of the fight for flight attendants' rights. It emphasizes the selflessness of the activists and the positive change that their efforts brought about for future generations. The paragraph also teases the next episode of 'American Experience,' which will focus on Mária Telkes, a solar pioneer.