Are you one of those people who get antsy on long flights? Staring out the window at the endless blue sky or the endless sea can be pretty boring. If you’re looking for a way to pass the time, check out True Tales of TWA Flight Attendants: Memoirs and Memories from the Golden Age of Flying (Telemachus Press, Oct 2022) a new book by former flight attendants Kathy Kompare and Stephanie Johnson.
Fans of Ann Hood’s Fly Girl and Julie Cook’s Come Fly The World: The Jet-Age Story of the Women of Pan Am, will enjoy True Tales of TWA Flight Attendants. Compare and Johnson’s book offers an insider’s view of the airline industry during its heyday in the latter half of the twentieth century. Through their diary-style stories, readers get a glimpse of what it was like to work as a flight attendant during this time period.
Kathy Kompare and Stephanie Johnson worked as flight attendants for TWA airlines for several decades, and they have plenty to say about their experience. In their new book, the authors as well as numerous other flight attendant contributors, share some of the most memorable moments from their time working for the airline. From near-death experiences to encounters with celebrities, these true-life stories are sure to entertain and engage readers.
The TWA flight attendant application process in the 1960s and 1970s was more selective than Harvard. In those years, fewer than 1% of applicants were accepted to become members of this prestigious profession. The competition was fierce for anyone who dreamed of the opportunity at becoming one.
For anyone who’s ever daydreamed about what it would be like to fly first class, the golden age of air travel evokes a sense of nostalgia. In an era before TSA screenings and water bottle restrictions, flying was a luxurious experience. First-class passengers were treated to spacious seats, delicious meals, and attentive service. Even coach class was a step above today’s standards, with wider seats and more legroom. Memoirs of the golden age of air travel offer a glimpse into this bygone era, when flying was an elite experience reserved for the wealthy and famous. Today, flying has become a necessary part of life for many people, but it’s easy to see why the golden age of aviation holds such a special place in our hearts.
For many people, the idea of being a flight attendant conjures up images of glamorous jet-setting and international adventures. And while it’s true that the job does have its perks, True Tales shows readers there’s a lot more to it than just sipping champagne in first class. Flight attendants are responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers, and they must be able to handle everything from minor inconveniences to major emergencies. The job of a flight attendant is challenging and demanding, but it’s also exciting and rewarding. In recent years, shows like The Flight Attendant and Pan Am have done a great job of capturing the public’s imagination and giving people a glimpse into the fascinating world of aviation.
True Tales of TWA Flight Attendants will be available Oct 24, 2022, at bookstores everywhere, and would make an excellent gift for flight attendants (current and former), travelers, and those who are interested in the golden age of air travel.
