But keep in mind, the article is clearly outlining what was the mentality in the 70's - and mentions that one of the forces included outrage from feminist group

But keep in mind, the article is clearly outlining what was the mentality in the 70's - and mentions that one of the forces included outrage from feminist groups. The average business traveler in those days, and thus the most important clientele of an airline, were men - and catering to the "needs" of those men is what made them money.