Flight Attendant Beauty Standards: A History of Discrimination
University-Sponsored Beauty Contests for Flight Attendants
In China, some universities sponsor beauty contests specifically for aspiring flight attendants. These contests evaluate women on their physical appearance, including their weight-to-height ratio, the shape of their legs, and the absence of glasses or scars. Additionally, contestants must be younger than 25, between 5′ and 5’9″, and single.
Qatar Airways’ Discriminatory Policies
Qatar Airways goes even further in its discriminatory practices. Female employees who decide to get married or pregnant face the likelihood of losing their jobs. The airline’s hiring contracts explicitly state that employees must obtain prior permission to change their marital status and that the employer has the right to terminate employment upon notification of pregnancy.
Historical Parallels in the United States
These restrictive requirements are reminiscent of the policies that U.S. airlines imposed on female flight attendants until the 1960s. In the 1960s, many U.S. airlines required flight attendants to be young (under 32), single, and meet specific physical standards, including weight and height restrictions. They also faced regular weigh-ins and were required to wear girdles.
Pushback Against Discrimination
In 1965, American women began to challenge these discriminatory practices. A Northwest flight attendant filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), arguing that male attendants did not have similar restrictions in their contracts. The EEOC found reasonable cause to believe that female flight attendants had been discriminated against.
In 1968, the EEOC ruled that being a woman was not a legitimate qualification for determining whether someone could become a flight attendant. This ruling marked a significant victory in the fight against gender discrimination in the workplace.
Discrimination in the Modern Era
Despite the progress made in the 1960s, discriminatory practices against flight attendants persist in some parts of the world. Qatar Airways’ policies are a prime example of this ongoing issue.
Consequences of Discrimination
Discrimination against flight attendants has serious consequences for women’s careers and personal lives. It limits their opportunities for advancement, undermines their self-esteem, and can even lead to job loss.
Need for Continued Advocacy
The fight against discrimination in the aviation industry is not over. Continued advocacy is necessary to ensure that all flight attendants, regardless of their gender, are treated fairly and with respect.
