It was most likely much tougher than it seemed – with charm and grace training, evacuation exercises, disgruntled passengers and endless hair and makeup sessions. Guess all the excitement and grandeur is a thing of the past. Does anyone even consider becoming a flight attendant today? Photos taken from the wonderful Life archive at Google.

The luscious collaboration with British lifestyle magazine Chic Today proceeds. Here is the fourth article by me, it is lovingly called Fly me friendly and continues my fascination of air travel and stewardesses in its golden age. The article can be found in their magazine available in a interactive form or as downloadable PDF-file (links below). But as of this issue all of the editorials will also be presented as posts through their website. Chic Today is totally free and features interesting articles about fashion, design and lifestyle elements for all of you who enjoy the more chic things in life.

Chic Today Issue 23 - Flights of Fancy (Magazine version)
Chic Today Issue 23 - Flights of Fancy (PDF version)

Fifty years ago, 1958 — the jet age officially makes its mark in history with the launch of the Boeing 707. Jet planes could fly to their destinations non stop, cheaper and faster than before. Air travel was now longer not restricted only to people of wealth. “Fly me friendly”, “coffee, tea or me?” We have all heard it before, stewardesses with big smiles, elegant outfits and long legs making sure that your trip is an unforgettable experience. But what was it really like? Is there any truth behind how air travel was portrayed in its golden days? Ultra Swank travels back to 1970 to talk to former Pan Am stewardess Valerie Waterman.

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More airline retro goodness from a TWA commercial made in the early 1970s. Looks cheesy but still delicious in some odd way.

Here in Sweden we just skipped spring, summer and autumn and went directly back to winter again, so why not take a trip to the sun with Eastern Airlines? Here are six one-minute vintage commercials with none other than Brazilian bossa legend Astrud Gilberto on vocals. The jingles were recorded in the late 1960s and styled in different variations. Taken from a promotion 7" record intended for their employees only, but now offered to the Ultra Swank readers as well.

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Remember what is was like before Southwest Airlines? Well, I don't. But it looks all good to me. Here are two early 1970s ads from the Dallas based airline Southwest Airlines and Miami based National Airlines. Both rather sexist, created to attract the attention of male passengers using tightly fitted outfits on the stewardesses along with broadcast and print campaigns suggesting that you could "fly" a stewardess to your destination of choice. Good times indeed.

Alright so it has been a while. I've been busy with work related projects and what not - sadly, life is not only about glamorous parties, international flights, premieres and posh penthouse apartments. Fortunately the past is always the present here at Ultra Swank and you are always more than welcome to stay for the night and enjoy the company of our lovely flight attendants. Speaking of stewardesses, I had a great time in London last month with my friend. London is such a great place for culture, shopping and enjoying life. What is your favorite weekend destination?

As hinted in a previous post, here is my latest custom made compilation! The theme for this one is jet travel in the late 60s / early 70s - which basically means lots of delicious strings, brass and soft bass lines in every form. This is the kind of music you would listen to when you jet-setted around the globe first class in a Boeing 747. For all you airline buffs out there, I have included a bit of history of Pan AM jet flight as a bonus track. The compilation clocks in at about 70 minutes, features 25 tracks and I have already tested out this compilation on some friends of mine and they love it - I hope you will too!

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