In the mid 90's, for six months I was required to fly Alitalia a couple of times a week. For some reason, the cabin crew always seemed to be male (and lots of them), wearing well-cut uniforms with peaked caps, gold bars, wings and stripes everywhere. There was a definite relaxed macho attitude prevailing throughout the flights which appeared to often extend to optional or very, very last-minute seating for landing. I often imagined two or three of them hurtling towards the rear should the thrust levers be pushed forwards at the last minute...
