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.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.com ...
I flew on at least one of those, and it was amazing.
Look at the 9:10 point of this video for the variations of the upstairs lounge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu-8QVsuCWo
Correct: There were no "crying babies" back-in-the-day!
Babies back then were more stoic, and better-behaved! Also, the ubiquitous clouds of cigarette smoke calmed them!
Regards,
Ah, I see what you did there. Very amusing.
Regards,
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