Posted on 09/18/2026 5:18:43 AM PDT by fruser1
A ticket could cost as much as a whole month’s salary; a one-way ticket from Britain to Rome during the golden age would cost the equivalent of £3,000 in today’s money, according to Key Aero.
Pan American World Airways, or Pan Am, introduced the Tourist Class in 1948 – and that's when things really took off (quite literally).
In-flight meals could have up to five courses, with reports of steak and lobster being served not uncommon. Silver service was the norm, with white linen tablecloths and real silverware used.
So, what on earth has happened?
Seat-price competition was key. The deregulation between Britain and Ireland in 1986 brought reductions in fares of more than 50 per cent – and passenger numbers doubled.
As a result, flying became more accessible, cabins became fuller and the path was paved for the introduction of low-cost carriers.
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Buy a first class ticket.
Fun to fly on PSA in cal in the 70s too.
Ha, I have to laugh. I fly frequently but my last flight in August , I had finally experienced what I’ve always dreaded happening, a lady that was probably 450 pounds sitting not only next to me but actually on my leg, with her leg extended into my foot space. She was very apologetic and clearly embarrassed. I’m hoping it’s a once in a lifetime experience, however my next flight, I booked first class 🤣. It’s 6 hours long.
Agreed. We now have the option to pay and enjoy first class, or go cheaper and have less quality service. People should embrace the choice to do either.
“The “Golden Age” of air travel continues - in corporate jets.”
Also in first class.
……..but in private jets you don’t need to put up with TSA lines and harassment.
I can attest that yes, indeed it was! I was just a kid, but knew I liked girls and mini-skirts...
Dang, like being served by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
It was. It was very fun. There were U-shaped sofas in the back. The flight attendants would hang out there and chat. SWA was the oilfield feeder from Midland to Love field and then other points. Eventually there were direct connector flights to DFW and Houston. We were all a lot younger 50 years ago.
Iv'e traveled overseas some. The trips to Asia were brutal from O'Hare. Trips to Europe weren't quite as bad depending on how far east one was traveling. That said, I could handle sitting in coach when fares were $1K round trip for economy class and $5K for first class.
“but in private jets you don’t need to put up with TSA lines and harassment.”
There’s a “pre-check” option that you pay for annually that lets you bypass the TSA lines.
“I’d also say (though most would not) that it was better to have smoking on flights..”
I remember being the only paasenger on a Northwest 727 deadheading from Madison, WI to O’hare. The stewardesses were having a hen party and I asked if it would be okay if I smoked my pipe. They said sure...we love the aroma.
Also remember being able to store long guns in the overhead.
That was in the 70’s when America was still America.
“My unusual flying experience is that it wasn’t until my 6th plane/jet flight, that I got to experience a landing...”
Couldn’t help but ask the obvious...:)
…..but with a private jet, in most cases, you can drive your own car (or the FBO’s) right up to the jet…it’s really sweet (again, if you can afford it).
While flying in the “Golden Age” of air travel looks nice, I’d pass. Have a feeling that travel took a lot longer, the planes were a lot less safe, and you felt the weather bumps and bad air a lot more.
Complimentary cigarettes as you boarded offered by by cbeerful attractive stewardesses.
My best friend who flies all the time says the flights are mostly all fat baby mama’s talking at the top of their lungs.
I never care to fly again.
“Flying ANYWHERE was too expensive for the common folk.”
“Common folk” are free to wear suits and dresses too.u
I had never flown before Jump School.
What is funny is that I didn’t put that together until I flew from Georgia to Seattle (for my new army station) and I thought the landing seemed a little rough and looked around to see the other passenger reactions, and then I realized that this was my first landing ever and I had nothing to compare it with, which amused me.
Ah! Funny story.
You must have been at JBLM (formerly known as Fort Lewis / McChord AFB)?
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