Thanks, I didn't know that. I've always sort of wondered why things were so different back in the day (except for the Eastern Air Shuttle).
My godmother's wife was one of the former models stepping up to be a stewardess. I still remember how gorgeous she was then, how glamorous. Everyone she worked with was a former model -- and I can't remember the airline, I'd have to ask my mom, but one of the big ones (maybe TWA at the time, or United).
I'm not sure if it was a requirement per se, but it seemed to be, from what she told us. The only thing is, she was married (to my godfather), so that requirement someone else mentioned must not have applied or already been gone (this is in the 70s).
Interesting, isn't it? I miss those glam days personally :0)