Air travel back in the days was totally different from today for the common man. Travelling first class today was a privilege of every passenger then. This was long before the TSA. And before we had to struggle through large crowds and long lines.
Your grandparents might have experienced the privilege of air travel during their era long bygone. But, what did it really look like? Luckily, we don’t have to describe the experience in words. We have selected some of the vintage photographs that reveal the glamour of air travel back in the days.
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in 1958, public air travel cabin features were set and introduced. The features included opaque window shades, folding armrests, and cantilevered seats to enhance passenger comfort. The seats were enough to support a person for accessible space underneath for hand-carry baggage. Boeing
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Air travel featured wide cabin spaces with plenty of legroom. The alley also looked wide enough for convenience of movement of both stewardess and passengers.
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Food and beverages were excellently prepared and served. You would not believe you are many miles from the ground.
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Flying today can be uncomfortable and stressful. But, we are sure all your anxieties would be abated if your stewardess look like these beautiful ladies.
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Air travel was glamorous. Forget about landing. Who would not want to fly everyday?
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Flying surely was fun and entertaining. Guests could get to relax in a piano bar. Talk about good food, good friends, good music and good laughs.
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Flying was never an unpleasant experience. The flight companies made sure you make new memorable moments every time you fly.
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Another way to relax during a flight is to have a few drinks or three or catching up on the latest news in large comfortable couches.
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You would never think you are inside a plane. You would think you are in a bar on a Friday night or a weekend enjoying a sip of champagne and cocktails.
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Attention to detail was a specific characteristic that airlines provide to clients. Airplane lounges were posh and stylish.
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Patrons could use a room like this to freshen up and get ready for a grand landing.
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Fine dining is not exclusive to the ground. Even flights provide excellent service of top restaurants.
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Ladies can take a moment to retouch their make-up or comb their hair after a long flight.
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The plane was an area conducive for socialization. The ambiance was light and joyful.
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Smoking inside the plane was not so strictly prohibited before compared to now.
Travelling back in the days did not mean sacrificing ones comfort for many hours. Air travel was a time to relax, enjoy your food and drinks and meet new acquaintances in a wide cabin room. The planes were complete with comfortable and luxurious amenities including piano bars, pubs, lounges, comfort rooms and restaurants.
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Sleeping during the flight during the golden age of air travel meant not waking up to stiff neck and shoulder muscles and cramped legs. Taking a nap was sleeping in the clouds. Flight companies such as Imperial Airways and Boeing had comfortable sleeping quarters for patrons. And they sure pampered their passengers like kings and queens.
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Well, price is another matter. You would have to pay for more for an air flight experience like this. But still, the price is truly a bargain for the impeccable almost faultless service provided by starched collar and uniformed stewards and stewardess, palatial cabin spaces with plenty of room for comfort and movement, and for delicious food and beverages served with style. Today, flying economy meant prolonged suffering. You have to really fly first class to get this kind of service. Even then, it surely was not like what it used to be. And like the ads say, air travel back in the days was the most comfortable way to get to your destination fast.