The job used to come with such progressive policies as "get pregnant, get fired" "get married, get fired" and "get old, get fired" The public demanded low fares and the pay rate got too low to attract people that would put up with that.
FA's (stewardessi) make more than you think. A ten year plus veteran can bring in $75K or more a year if they hustle (i.e. work a lot). ...more than a lot of mid-level managers I know. And don't forget the per diem and travel beni's.