During the first year, the stewardesses were placed on flights without formal training, as a stewardess school had not been developed.  One stewardess recalled, “One of the employees would show us the airplane, where the coffee pot was, and send us on a flight, often the same day we were hired.”  Betty (Fox) Newton, who was hired in the summer of 1941, recalled “It was a challenge trying to serve a meal gracefully, without spilling anything, as flights were pretty bumpy at lower altitudes.”  

In 1941, one of the original six, Helen Bowen, was promoted to Chief Stewardess.  One of her duties was training the new hires, as a stewardesses school had been added; Betty (Fox) Newton's class was the first to attend.  Training was sketchy and simple, as they only learned first aid and how to serve a meal.  

When the United States entered World War II, nurses then flying commercially were needed to serve with the military. Airlines dropped the RN requirement, opening the door to many women who wanted to share in the glamour of aviation. The applicants were numerous, but only a select few were chosen. 

In 1946, National and the Chief Stewardesses realized there was a need for standard service and strict qualifications for applicants.  Classes were now three weeks and each young lady had a manual outlining her duties and responsibilities.
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1.  Age limit - 20 through 25 years of age 
2.  Height - 5’2" to 5’6" (inclusive), stocking feet 
3.  Weight - 105 through 125 pounds, properly proportioned 
4.  Applicant must be single 
5.  Unquestionable family background 
6.  Poise 
7.  Irreproachable character 
8.  Pleasant personality 
9.  Good conversationalist 
10. Ability to deal with people 
11. Speaking knowledge of Spanish or French desirable, but not required 
12. Applicant must have completed two years of college or have business  
background deemed equivalent to college.

With the purchase of the 46-passenger DC-4 and the award of two important routes, New York and Havana, National Airlines continued its dynamic growth. For the first time there were two stewardesses per flight on this aircraft. One of the responsibilities of the senior stewardess was “Showing the ropes” to the junior stewardess.  Working conditions were challenging, as the Lodestar and DC-4 were not pressurized. Flying at lower altitudes meant air turbulence, cold cabins in winter and sweltering conditions in summer. Passengers were uncomfortable and often suffered air sickness. “Burp bags” and chicklets were a must! The harsh conditions did not discourage employees or the flying public, as National continued to prosper. The public began to realize that air travel was the fastest and most convenient way to travel. 

The purchase of the airlines first pressurized airplane, the 58-passenger DC-6, improved in-flight conditions enormously.  The promotion for this aircraft proudly announced “The first Truly Postwar Luxury Airliner."  Initially christened the “Buccaneer 400’s,” passengers experienced "Cool Pressurized Cabins at all altitudes, Full View Windows, Swank Modern Lounge" and flew more than five miles per minute. Service was inaugurated on July 1, 1947, between Florida and New York, reducing the five and a-half hour trip on the Lodestar, to an amazing four hours!  

In 1949 National embarked on promoting the airline with innovative and successful ad campaigns. We will be highlighting two -- the popular “Piggy Bank Vacations” and DC-6 "Star" service. 

By the end of the decade, approximately 60 stewardesses proudly wore their National wings. Our first stewardesses pioneered a career that became an integral part of National's success and history, while exuding a special brand of dedication to their company and passengers that is remembered today. 
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We will be adding additional memories, as we receive them, from a very special group of ladies, the “Feathered PROPS,” stewardesses who flew during the 40’s and 50’s.  We now invite you to return to December 7, 1941, (Pearl Harbor Day) and relive the historic flight of Eleanor (Hayman) Amos, the sixth stewardess to fly for National Airlines