Before deciding on her present path, journalist Lauren Sánchez, the girlfriend of Amazon head honcho Jeff Bezos, hoped to be a flight attendant. But, fate had other ideas.
In 1989, she applied to be one for Southwest Airlines, but the parameters were so stringent that she scrapped that plan. Little did she know that much better things would be waiting for her down the line.
Sánchez, 53, told People that weight restrictions at the time, similar to those in the modeling industry, denied her the job.
“Back then, they weighed you, and I weighed 121 pounds,” she revealed. “They said, ‘you need to be 115.’”
Years later, Sánchez got certified to fly helicopters. She loves it so much that she does it three times a week and hopes to see more women follow in her footsteps.
“I don’t know why more women don’t do it,” she said. “It’s really not that hard. I do want more women to get involved in it.”
Sánchez’s love of being airborne is evident in some of her side projects as well. She’s the founder of Black Ops Aviation, an aerial filming company. Also, according to Mint, “she serves as vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, an organization that Bezos started, and is devoted to halting climate change and preserving the environment.”
Here is everything that you need to know about Sánchez, her relationship with Jeff Bezos, and flight attendant restrictions.
1. Sánchez Is An Accomplished Journalist
Sánchez is an Emmy award-winning journalist who worked on air at KTVK in Phoenix, Arizona, Fox Sports, Extra and Good Day L.A.
As for life with the world’s third richest man? It’s an enviable place to be in for sure.
Sánchez said she and Bezos enjoy flying, exercising and laughing. Whenever they get separated at a large event, she can always find him because of his distinctive laugh.
2. For Flight Attendants, Appearances Matter
Every airline has its own expectations for aspiring flight attendants. But, there are some expectations that apply across the board.
According to Cabin Crew HQ, “customer service skills, strength and personality,” are a must. Good grooming and a baseline level of attractiveness is also important.
For those hoping to be a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines, the parameters are as follows:
One: “weight must be of such proportion to height that a neat appearance is maintained and the physical ability to perform all job functions is not hindered.”
Two: “flight attendants must have the ability to walk and fit comfortably down the aircraft aisle, fit quickly through the overwing window exit, and fit into a jumpseat harness without modification, including closure without a seat belt extension.”
Three: “flight attendants must be able to lift items up to 50 pounds from floor to shoulder level as required.”
3. She Has Her Eyes On Space
Her next goal is to visit space in 2024.
Sánchez told the Wall Street Journal that she’s going to be part of an all-female crew on a trip to space. The hope is to inspire women to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
“I’m super excited about it,” she told the publication. “And a little nervous. I’ve wanted to be in the rocket from the jump, so [Bezos] is excited to make this happen with all of these women.”
Bezos himself won’t be on board.
“As much as he wants to go on this flight, I’m going to have to hold him back,” Sánchez explained. “He’ll be cheering us all on from the sidelines.”
4. Sánchez and Bezos Went Public With Their Relationship Recently
According to Mint, “Bezos and Sánchez went public with their relationship on July 14, 2019 when they attended the Wimbledon Men’s Singles Final together, sitting just three rows behind Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge.”
This is Bezos’ latest relationship since his divorce from his wife of 25 years, MacKenzie Scott.
