Look at any airline advertisement today, and it's likely to be centred around price, destination or service.
But, that's not always been the case. For more than a decade, airlines used to use what was onboard their aircraft to sell tickets.
Not the food, wine or comfortable seats, but the women.
This little blonde
This ad aims to dispel the clearly damaging perception that Iberia only flies to Spain.
"We have blondes from Barcelona, Redheads from Cadiz, and of course a liberal helping of the beautiful brunettes you pictured us having. The romance of Spain on every plane."
Hot and Strong
It wasn't just the European airlines getting in on the act either. This Ansett ad comes from just across the Tasman.
Oh, Braniff
Braniff was well known for its advertising campaigns, and this is just one example of how the company would use women to sell tickets.
Oh, Braniff 2.0
Need we say more really? In this campaign Braniff showcased a former Playboy model who was now a flight attendant for the airline.
Mummy's boy
In this American Airlines advertisement, travellers are told that the airline's cabin crew have a maternal-like instinct with their passengers, and that's due to an extensive training program which the ad describes as "not just a beauty course".
Thank U, Next
This ad features a group of women who the airline says "could get a job anywhere they want" - just not at Eastern Airlines.
The company proudly boasts "we pass up around 19 girls before we get one that qualifies".
So, what qualifies you to work for Eastern? Here's another quote from the advertisement.
"We look at her face, her make-up, her complexion, her figure, her weight, her legs, her grooming, her nails and hair."
Phew, so not that difficult then. But there's more.
"We judge her personally," the ad continues. Things like her intentions, enthusiasm, resilience and stamina are all put to the test.
And, if you think things couldn’t get any worse, here’s their television commercial.
Do you remember any other inappropriate airline or travel ads from decades gone by? Get in touch by emailing travel@newshub.co.nz.
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