There was a time long ago when airplanes had propellers and passengers were cared for by a "stewardess" who wore the wings of United Airlines. When these young women (no men on board then) got married, they had to give up both flying and their wings. So their wings were "clipped".

In 1941, former stewardess, Jackie Jos Ceasar, formed a club in Chicago to maintain her airline friendships and to help others less fortunate. In 1978, membership was extended to all online flight attendants. Today Clipped Wings® is a national organization composed of 32 chapters across the country and open to all former, retired, and current United and Capital Airlines flight attendants.