I’ve heard of the “golden age” of air travel, but having not taken my first flight until 1980 (Eastern DC-9, RDU-DCA, flight 390 for those keeping score), I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced it. The closest I’ve ever come is The Pan Am Experience in Los Angeles, an unforgettable total AvGeek immersion experience I should write a blog post about for sure.
My Pan Am 747 Boarding Pass
As a student of the airline industry for as long as I can remember, I’ve seen many a picture of upper deck lounges and piano bars in flight. However, being a pedestrian domestic business traveler in 2015, it is sometimes difficult to believe that airlines really were (OK, still are) cool.
That’s why sharing a New York Times article that caught my eye seemed like a fun thing to do this Saturday morning. Take a look at “When Airlines Looked Cool and Showed It” if you’re feeling a little nostalgic for a different era in air travel. Check it out. I have a handful of historic marketing posters like those in the article. Time to head to the frame shop, I think! Do you remember air travel’s golden era? What do you miss most about it?
-MJ, August 29, 2015
[…] By:Marshall Jackson– I’ve heard of the “golden age” of air travel, but having not taken my first flight until 1980 (Eastern DC-9, RDU-DCA, flight 390 for those keeping score), I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced it. The closest I’ve ever come is The Pan Am Experience in Los Angeles, an unforgettable total AvGeek immersion experience I should write a blog post about for sure. […]
My first flight was at age three in 1955 or 1956 on a TWA Connie from IND (Weir Cook) to PHL. Memories are somewhat dim except I remember being tremendously excited. I also distinctly remember having a nice meal in economy and trying unsuccessfully to eat peas with a knife. I think we boarded on airstairs in the tail and that there was a stop in PIT. The Connie’s humpback shape with four prop engines and three vertical stabilizers was truly a marvel of its day.
@John,
I think “awesomesauce” is now officially a word. And riding on a Connie would be just that. 🙂
One of my first flights was in 1961 and I was 17 years old. It was in 1’st class between Albuquerque and Chicago. The stewardess came by and asked what I wanted to drink. I was 17 and had no flying experience so I asked for milk. I heard giggling from the galley and was indeed brought milk but in a baby bottle with a nipple. At that point I knew that I has more choices in ordering. That would certainly not happen today.
I caught the tail end of the golden age. I think what many people miss is the glamour, mystique, and elegance that travel embodied. I still remember flying on a 747 in the early 70’s when I was six years old. I couldn’t sleep because I was so excited. The stewardess (as they were known at the time) saw this and offered me a tour of the plane. I remember my awe when I followed her upstairs (upstairs on a plane!) and saw a very lively piano bar scene. Then I got to meet the Captain. I was so happy… Read more »