DigeeBooks

Glamour, danger, liberation: in a Mad Men–era of commercial flight, Pan Am World Airways attracted the kind of young woman who wanted out, and wanted up Required to have a college education, speak two languages, and possess the political savvy of a Foreign Service officer, a jet-age stewardess serving on iconic Pan Am between 1966 and 1975 also had to be between 5′3 and 5′9, between 105 and 140 pounds, and under 26 years of age at the time of hire.Cooke’s intimate storytelling weaves together the real-life stories of a memorable cast of characters, from small-town girl Lynne Totten, a science major who decided life in a lab was not for her, to Hazel Bowie, one of the relatively few Black stewardesses of the era, as they embraced the liberation of their new jet-set life. Cooke brings to light the story of Pan Am stewardesses’ role in the Vietnam War, as the airline added runs from Saigon to Hong Kong for planeloads of weary young soldiers straight from the battlefields, who were off for five days of R&R, and then flown back to war. Finally, with Operation Babylift—the dramatic evacuation of 2,000 children during the fall of Saigon—the book’s special cast of stewardesses unites to play an extraordinary role on the world stage. 

Come Fly the World: The Jet-Age Story of the Women of Pan Am by Julia Cooke is a captivating and inspiring narrative that chronicles the remarkable lives and contributions of the Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) stewardesses during the golden age of aviation.

In this meticulously researched and beautifully written book, Cooke takes readers on a fascinating journey through the history of Pan Am, from its humble beginnings as a small seaplane company to its rise as a global aviation giant.

At the heart of this story are the women who played a pivotal role in shaping Pan Am's legacy. Cooke introduces us to a diverse group of stewardesses, each with their own unique experiences and aspirations. Readers will meet trailblazers like Helen Church, the first stewardess hired by Pan Am, and Hazel Raines, the first African-American stewardess.

Through the eyes of these women, we witness the evolution of the airline industry, from the early days of propeller planes to the jet-age era. We learn about the challenges and triumphs they faced, the sacrifices they made, and the lasting impact they had on the world of aviation.

Cooke's writing is both engaging and informative, bringing to life the glamour and excitement of the jet-age. She paints a vivid picture of the stewardesses' lives, from their training and uniforms to their adventures in far-flung destinations.

Come Fly the World is more than just a historical account; it is a celebration of the pioneering spirit and resilience of women. Cooke's book is a testament to the power of dreams and the transformative impact of women in male-dominated fields.

With its captivating storytelling and rich historical detail, Come Fly the World is a must-read for anyone interested in aviation history, women's history, and inspiring stories of courage and determination.