I have heard that airline travel was much more of an “event” back then. People even dressed for it. My dad used to fly a lot, and I remember hearing from him of what travel was like in the late 60s and into the 70s.
Plus I have seen pictures, and yeah you are right — certainly no fun now, and not particularly pleasant either. Not like how it seemed back then! For me it really went off the cliff with the whole having to take your shoes off, unbuckle your belt, empty your pockets, take out your laptop, put it in a separate bin, scramble to collect everything after the security check — ugh.
Other than the moon, there is nowhere I need to go that a Ship, a boat, a train, or a car can’t take me....given enough time. Besides it is the journey and not the destination.
I won’t fly anymore....life is too short to be inconvenienced with tiny seats (and I am medium build)and no place for my legs, or being stuck next to someone who smells bad, or whines. They had three chances, and they are out! 1. lost my luggage. 2. pilot missed runway. 3. drunk was flying the plane....that’s enough.