chels marieantoinette's Reviews > The Great Stewardess Rebellion: How Women Launched a Workplace Revolution at 30,000 Feet

I remember when I went to flight attendant training in 2015, I had to dye my hair all one color and buy makeup because I didn’t even own the lipstick we were required to wear. I had friends and family who thought this was insane and sexist, but I didn’t really mind. I knew I wanted to be a flight attendant, so I attended “image” class to ensure I was properly groomed and wore my uniform as expected (though it’s kind of a joke in the industry that once you leave the training center- often called the “Charm Farm” by more senior flight attendants- that imagine standards are no longer necessarily adhered to). That being said, the industry has obviously changed drastically and I’m very grateful for the flight attendants before me who fought for all this leniency. I personally still take pride in how I present myself on the job and I want to represent my company well, but since I’m now married, on the verge of “aging out” according to the old standards, and can’t imagine feeling comfortable being referred to as a “C.R. honeybun,” I’m so happy I’m not forced to say goodbye to my incredible career.
This book is very interesting and educational while also ensuring an entertainment quality that is necessary when reading historical accounts. There’s a focus on the union which is good knowledge to obtain about the industry in general and, while some of the employee treatment & expectations may be somewhat shocking to those outside the airlines, it’s a quick read and I’m glad I was able to review it. I’d highly recommend it to anyone interested in the aviation industry and any current or former flight attendants as well as feminists and general history buffs. (Also all the photos were SO fun to see.)