United Airlines boasts a rich history, tracing back to the nascent days of commercial aviation in the 1920s through the amalgamation of four pioneering companies in 1931: National Air Transport, Pacific Air Transport, Boeing Air Transport, and Varney Air Lines. These entities merged to form United Air Lines, Inc., which by 1934, solidified its position as a leading carrier, notably on the crucial San Francisco–Chicago–New York “Main Line” route.
While male stewards were present on a few airlines in the 1920s, the advent of female cabin crew began with Ellen Church, hired by Boeing Air Transport in San Francisco in 1930. Church not only became the first female cabin crewmember but also pioneered the profession by recruiting seven other women, initially termed “stewardesses.” As the industry evolved, the inclusive term “flight attendant” replaced “stewardess” in the 1970s, recognizing the role of both men and women in cabin service.
United Airlines uniform flight attendant attire has consistently mirrored the evolving narrative of air travel. From designs emphasizing professionalism and confidence in the early days to embracing the glamour of air travel during the Jet Age, these carefully curated uniforms charted a visual journey. This progression, from air travel as an exclusive experience to becoming a routine aspect of modern life, is vividly reflected in the changing styles of the United Airlines Uniform Flight Attendant.
The significance of these sartorial symbols is underscored by a generous donation from the United Airlines Historical Foundation to the SFO Museum. This donation, a comprehensive collection of flight attendant uniforms spanning from the 1930s to the present day, highlights the historical and cultural importance of these garments. An exhibition featuring eighteen select female uniforms from this collection showcases designs by renowned figures and fashion houses including Raymond Loewy, Ben Reig, William Travilla, and Jean Louis. Adding a touch of elegance, many uniforms were complemented by hats crafted by the celebrated milliner Mae Hanauer.
For those keen to delve deeper into the airline’s heritage, the United Airlines Historical Foundation stands as a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving United’s landmark achievements in commercial aviation history. Further information is available at www.uahf.org.
Sources:
Garvey, William and David Fisher, The Age of Flight: A History of America’s Pioneering Airline. Greensboro, NC: Pace Communications, Inc., 2002.
Mahler, Gwen, Legacy of the Friendly Skies: A Pictorial History of United Airlines Stewardesses and Flight Attendants. Marceline, MO: Walsworth Publishing Company, 1991.
United Airlines Historical Foundation, www.uahf.org
