Discussions on flying today are bringing back memories of past times in the air and the evolving nature of travel throughout the years.
A user on Reddit recently shared a query in the “r/aviation” community, asking, “So were the airlines during the ‘golden ages’ running at a significant loss?”
Pan Am, for instance, operated for 64 years (1927-1991),” the individual continued. “Pan Am and other comparable airlines provided generous seating, quality utensils, and high-quality meals. In addition, working as an airline employee was considered honorable, and I believe that implied a demanding and well-compensated job.
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The user added, “These facilities and conditions are highly expensive … Today it is so far from”the luxury it used to be, [given that] cost reduction and corporate culture are dominant.”
Fox News Digital consulted travel specialists for perspectives as Reddit users expressed their enthusiasm in the comments section about the development offlying overthe years — with many praising the past and others criticizing the expensive costs.
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“Observe how the travelers are attired,” remarked a user.
Another person stated, “Flights were primarily for affluent individuals. Tickets were extremely costly.”
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Senior here,” one man said. “I took my first flight at 6 years old in 1970 from Chicago to Florida. Each ticket was $500 (equivalent to about $2,500 today). We went out and bought special ‘airplane outfits,’ the equivalent ofchurch attireI recall having steak on the flight. Indeed, different days,” he added.
Another user stated, “During the 1950s, airlines began offering ‘themed’ flights with corresponding menus, and certain Scandinavian carriers would even carve an entire ham in front of passengers. The period from the 1950s to the 1970s was truly the Golden Age of travel, where food became a major attraction of air travel.”
The meals were presented on fine china, silverware, and the real thingfood, drinks…the majority of it was served by hand … “There was no ‘cart hauling,”” said a user. “It was an experience.”
A former flight attendant and etiquette expert based in Florida, Jacqueline Whitmore, also highlighted that air travel was once considered a luxurious experience.
Passengers were dressed in their finest for Sunday,” she said to Fox News Digital. “Flight attendants servedreal food on real plates.”
She mentioned that flight attendants were “held in high esteem,” were neatly dressed and polite, and were “treated”like celebrities.”
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She mentioned that “now, flying is about getting from point A to B. Budgets are tight andair travelcenters on quantity rather than quality. Additional seats were introduced, while meals were reduced. Personal space has become limited.
Whitmore stated, “Numerous travelers exhibit a lack of manners and basic politeness. Certain individuals regard the flight attendants as if they are servants. Travelers consume any food they desire, irrespective of its odor.”
She also mentioned, “The seats are becoming smaller and less comfortable, offering passengers less space for their legs and arms. If you desire anything specific like early boarding or additional legroom, you must pay for it. Everything is now considered an ‘extra.'”
Gary Leff, a travel industry specialist from Texas and the writer of the blog “View From the Wing,” said to Fox News Digital that it’s common to view the early stages of air travel “with a nostalgic perspective.”
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There are numerous ways that flying has improved compared to any time in the past,” he stated. “Flying is now safer than it was before. Long-haul business class typically includes flat beds, and often comes with privacy doors as well.Lounges in airports are far more elevated.”
He also mentioned that technological progress enables travelers to enjoy entertainment during flights through individual television screens located in their seats.
Many users on Reddit commented on the changes inflying experiencesare caused by aviation rules.
One user remarked, ‘You didn’t face federal regulations and excessive taxes.’
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Another person stated, “The airline deregulation act eliminated those days. It made traveling more affordable and easier for the typical traveler.”
“Many individuals misinterpret the controlled period of air travel,” stated Leff.
It wasn’t focused on protecting consumers. It was about maintaining airline profits! There was a wrong assumption that airlines would risk safety if they didn’t have steady earnings … We witnessed consistently good safety records even during the bankruptcies that most major airlines have experienced.
He said, “Because the prices were so steep and”airlines weren’tThey were allowed to compete by reducing their rates, yet they still sought to draw in passengers (as each extra passenger was highly profitable) — and they achieved this by investing in services and comforts.
Original article source:The ‘golden age’ of air travel included steak meals, alcoholic drinks, and elegant clothing for refined passengers.
