Regulation destroyed the days of high-flying. Prior to the ushering of mass traveling, airlines were mostly a business class luxury. The industry had the image of sexy coolness. Pilots are not the faceless union members of today, but were in league with Madison Avenue admen in being figures of admiration. And flight attendants were all beautiful women with tight figures in skimpy outfits. Watch “Catch Me If You Can” to see what I mean.

Deregulation and feminism destroyed that experience. Deregulation increased competition and made flying affordable for every middle-class Western family. That’s all well and good (and allows me to travel), but one cannot be high-flying if Joe Six Pack is sitting next to you.

And the feminist movement claimed that the image of stewardesses was sexist since is objectified women and presented an unhealthy image. Stewardesses were expected to be perfectly shaped and even maintain a flirtatious walk. A high school French teacher once told us she did an interview for an airliner and they requested to see her hands (if they are very feminine) and even to walk before and forth to judge her posture. Such demands would constitute sexual harassment if they took place now.

The feminists won, and the sexy and playful image of the stewardess became a bygone. How unfortunate. I do not like long flights, beautiful women would make the trip much more enjoyable. Call me old fashioned, but I fancy a skirt-wearing chick walking past me whom enjoys they occasional slap or two. Is that really so wrong? I mean it’s just customer service, and the stewardesses do not mind.

In all honest: Although the sexy image of Pan Am stewardesses was nice while it lasted, it was a burdensome image to maintain for the stewardesses and a victory for them once unsolicited slaps by businessmen and playing almost the Playboy bunny were done with. Airlines learned to market their fares and services, rather than their women. Or as a Congresswomen put it:

In a 1964 Congressional hearing, when airline executives testified that it was imperative for businessmen that attractive women light their cigars and fix drinks, Representative Martha Griffiths said, “What are you running, an airline or a whorehouse?” and the conversation began to change.

Quite funny. Those days are over now. But, man, was flying fun back in the Whorehouse Express time.