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When I was young, no one ever told me I could do anything with my life. But they also didn’t tell me I couldn’t. That is how I became a journalist.
So now, exploring a second career, I applied for a role as a freewheeling, older flight attendant. Why? I’m an optimist, love people and like everyone else, could use some extra money.
After years as a writer/reporter, I thought I could retire easily, but I find I still want to explore life and a new job.
My first resume went to an opening at a charter airline called GoJet. Gojet, owned by United Airlines, is headquartered in St. Louis. It has more than 1,100 employees and 250 daily flights to 50-plus destinations. I wasn't worried about my age or my lack of experience. I just wanted to give it the old college try.
“I see a lot of older flight attendants on my flights,” agreed my friend Mary.
The next time I flew, I asked one.
“I’m 69,” says Jackie, a comely redhead and Southwest Airlines flight attendant. “It’s been great.”
That’s all I needed. When I sent in my resume, I didn’t think I would hear anything. Then they sent an official email, and it looked legit. I didn’t even get nervous until I got in my car to go to the interview. It was far away, and I didn’t think I would make it on time, so I asked for a Zoom call, and they obliged. There were five of us on the video call. It was clear I could be everyone’s grandmother, but that didn’t stop me from being an enthusiastic candidate.
I was nervous. Some airlines may have an unofficial age limit of around 65 or 70 years, because of the physicality of the job. However, others may be flexible and need empathy and friendliness, of which I have a bounty.
Here’s how it went: I got on the call, and they treated me just like everyone else and why not? I walk 4,000 steps most days, and I’ve taken classes in belly dancing and tai chi. I keep up with my face fillers, and believe I’m sort of pretty in the right light and distance. It never even occurred to me that I couldn’t be a flight attendant.
I’m hip in my thinking, have a college degree and have worked for decades as a writer. With this background, I exuded confidence in my answers, while many of the younger applicants were more tentative in their responses.
Then, the recruiters started asking only me harder questions like “What’s the part of the plane we recently redesigned?” Ah, they weren’t going to fool me. In fact, I answered all their questions with ease. I even tried to show off my large vocabulary, using technical terms that reflected my knowledge of aviation.
“We’ll get back to you by the end of the day,” the recruiters told us.
Alas, as soon as we all disconnected from the interview, I got an email from Golet. My hands were sweaty when I clicked on the email. Then came the answer. It was thanks for trying, but no job. Maybe they thought I was showing off with my big words.
In reality, one of the airline’s insiders said they were looking for more experienced flight attendants because the small aircrafts only have one on board. Full disclosure? I didn’t want to fly around alone with no other in-flight support system. Obviously, the pilots would not be helping me. So, this didn’t seem to be an ageist rejection.
Though, can a woman in her mid-60s start a new career as a flight attendant?
I executed my reporter skills and started calling media representatives at each of the major airlines and asking them this question. Some didn’t call me back or answer when I asked about hiring older flight attendants. I ended up getting responses from American, Delta and Southwest Airlines.
American Airlines requires a neat and professional appearance, a high school diploma and moving to whatever city is required. There is also an unpaid training period. Age requirements were not addressed.
My favorite response was from Delta Airlines: “Each Delta flight attendant has a story of their own. Whether a career as a flight attendant is the first or second chapter in someone’s story, we’re honored to be part of 25,000+ journeys.”
Southwest Airlines' response did quench my curiosity about thinking I could be too old: “There is not a federal regulation on upper age limit for commercial flight attendants like there is for pilots,” read the company’s email back to me.
Most experienced flight attendants told me it's a hard job. Overall, airlines must ensure their flight attendants are physically and mentally fit. Even if candidates love the job, it doesn’t always work for newbies of any age. One flight attendant told me that some people finish their training and quit before they start working flights.
In the end, I am still game to apply for a position as a flight attendant and know I would be good at the job. I was recently on two flights that had to stay in the air until they almost ran out of gas because the weather was bad, and no runway would let them land. My plane then diverted to other destinations than originally planned. And I remained calm.
On one flight, I was sitting next to an off-duty attendant, an older woman, who told me this career she has had for years is one “which I dearly love."
Now that gives me hope to try again. In the end, I don’t think ageism played a part in my failing to get the job. I am only 67, and I know I’ve got what it takes to fly the friendly skies, with energy and a big smile.
Have any of you started a new career later in life? What was it? Let us know in the comments below.
November 6, 2025
