Air travel was much more pleasant then than now (unless you have your own Gulfstream, that is).
“Air travel was much more pleasant then than now”
It was also a lot more expensive. Obama Sr could not afford to fly and relied on grants just to fly for purposes of his education. Neither could Obama’s Mom afford international travel.
This is one reason the ‘vacation birth in Kenya’ story is non-credible and a fairy tale.
The DC-8 was the first commercial aircraft out of Hawaii (to LA) in March 1960. They later added the 707 in Sept 1960. Both had a service ceiling altitude in the mid-30s (not that great to avoid turbulence). Also, 36,000' (DC-8 service ceiling) translates into 8,000-9,000' pressurized cabin altitude.
Ever flown with an infant? They can't clear their own ears from the change in pressurization. Nursing or bottle feeding may help, but there's no guarantees, and I can't see Ann being that savvy with babies and airline travel.
Ever change a diaper in an aircraft? It's not fun in a B-747 -- it sure as hell would not be a hoot for an 18-year-old girl to change a diaper on a DC-8 or 707 going to LA from Hawaii.
The bus ride from LA to Seattle wouldn't be a joy ride either ...