What if THAT Happened? — A Writing Challenge

Dreaming of the Skies: What-If I Were a Stewardess

Travel logo on Magnific / Travel map image on Magnific / 1971 photo of author

It was 1971, and I was in my senior year in college. It was time to be serious about my career path. I was getting a Bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a major in Spanish.

On one hand, I wanted to be a teacher, which was a family tradition. On the other hand, it would be fun and glamorous to be a stewardess (now known as a flight attendant). It was so different being a stewardess back in the day.

The Allure of the Skies

Choosing a career as a stewardess was not just about serving meals and drinks at 30,000 feet; it was about being part of the aviation industry that connects the world.

I could envision waking up in a new city every day, exploring the sights, and reliving the memories. I was enthralled with the allure of jet-setting around the world, meeting guys, and experiencing different cultures.

Wings of Possibility

The more I thought about it, the more I became excited about applying to several airlines. I looked into the requirements, which were as follows: female, unmarried, under age 27, between 5’2” and 5’9”, and of a height-to-weight ratio.

No problem. I was female, unmarried, 21, 5’4”, and weighed 110 pounds.

For international flights, a stewardess had to speak a second language. Score, I spoke Spanish.

One of my best friends, Luanne, was Basque and a natural at speaking Spanish. I met her in a college Spanish class. So, I talked her into applying for a stewardess position too. We each submitted a written application along with a required photo of ourselves.

Shortly afterwards, I received a response from United Airlines and was thrilled. They wanted me to come for an interview in Seattle. That meant flying from Boise, Idaho. It would be my very first flying experience.

I immediately called Luanne to see if she received an invitation. She did! Now we would travel together, and I was so happy about that. Luanne had flown before and would guide me through the routine of checking in at the airport and boarding a plane.

Luanne had a sister attending Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, so we would make a stop and stay overnight in a girls’ dorm. All of this was such an adventure for me in April 1971. Perhaps it was meant to be.

The Interview

We took a taxi to our interview in Seattle. I don’t recall the questions. I do recall learning about the important areas of responsibility.

1. Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with passengers and crew, always with a warm smile on your face.

2. Crisis Management: Whether it’s turbulence or a medical emergency, you need to be able to think on your feet and remain calm in an emergency. Would receive training in first aid and evacuation procedures.

3. Cultural Sensitivity: Be hospitable to people of different cultures and customs.

4. Interpersonal: Good interpersonal and customer service skills.

I was disappointed not to know whether I would be offered a job. I would have to wait to hear, and no timeframe was given. The same thing applied to Luanne. It was good to know I was not the only one waiting and wondering.

All in all, I had a great time traveling for the first time on a commercial airplane, going for my first job interview, and being on my own out of town, another first. That meant buying my meals and sharing the cost of a cab.

Life After College Graduation

While waiting to hear, I had time to think about the job. Even though the romanticized version of being a stewardess is enticing, the reality can be quite different. Long hours in addition to irregular eating and sleeping schedules can be challenging.

And, this is a big one — wages. The starting salary for a new stewardess at United Airlines in 1972 was between $4,000 and $4,500 annually, or approximately $345 to $375 per month. With that said, I knew I would have to share an apartment with one or two roommates.

To keep all my options open, I was also applying for a teaching position. The annual base salary for a new teacher in 1972 in Boise ranged from $6,800 to $8,000. Teachers worked 9.5 months in the year.

I still had not heard from United Airlines when I received a teaching job offer from Vallivue Junior-Senior High School in Caldwell, Idaho. I accepted, and my starting annual salary in 1971–1972 was $6,000.

Crossroads

There are always decisions to be made in life. Sometimes surprises pop up that define the path we will take. That’s what happened to me.

So, I was thrilled to be a teacher teaching Spanish to students in grades 7 through 12. I enjoyed speaking Spanish, knowing about the culture, and interacting with such friendly people. To have the opportunity to bring my enthusiasm to young people was exciting.

My world was opening up like a flower blossoming. On October 1, 1971, my boyfriend proposed to me, I accepted, and we were engaged.

Then, two weeks later, I heard from United Airlines offering me a stewardess job if I was still interested. I declined because I was getting married.

What if I had become a stewardess?

I would never know. Interesting how life has twists and turns. I was happy about my future. In June 1972, I would be entering life as a newlywed with a new journey ahead.

Did I ever regret not becoming a stewardess? NO!

Thank you, Urna Gain Shyam and Sriram Yaladandi, for this writing opportunity.

[embed]What if THAT Happened? — A Writing Challenge Sometimes the most dangerous thing in the world is not a nightmare, it is a wish that finally comes true.medium.com

We are finally on social media.. Come say hi…

Subscribe and follow our official social handles on **Instagram | X | Facebook**.

Feel free to mention / tag us on these social platforms whenever you want to promote or collaborate on your content. We love watching you grow with this community.

This story published on “**Pen With Paper” — a fresh space where writers bring their thoughts, stories, and ideas to life. Want to share your voice? Join our community, and together, “We Elevate Your Stories”**

[embed]Pen With Paper Submission Guidelines 2026 : A Brand New Way to Be Added as a Writer New submission guidelines, approval steps, writing rules, and how to get publishedmedium.com