These days, when we think of flying, we usually think of all the trouble and cost that comes with it. But there was a time when flying was a fancy and exclusive activity that only the rich and famous could do. From the late 1940s to the 1970s, the “Golden Age of flying” was a time when flying was glamorous and high-class.
Back then, flying was a rare and exciting experience. People liked having roomy seats, delicious food, and great service from staff who were well-dressed and polite. Graham M. Simons, an aviation historian, says it was a “fast, luxurious, and smooth process” where people could enjoy champagne and drinks in stylish lounges.
In comparison to how people dress these days, people used to get dressed up for flights, putting on their nicest clothes and accessories. But it was hard to book a ticket because you had to use travel companies or other time-consuming methods. Prices were also very high. In 1955, a trip from Chicago to Phoenix cost about $138, which is about $1200 today.
There were some problems, but there were also a lot of nice things about flying, and there weren’t as many rules, so people could enjoy their time on board. People expected flight attendants to look and act in a certain way, and over the years, their outfits have become more stylish.
When you think about how bad flying is now, think about the Golden Age of air travel. We’ve come a long way in making air travel easier to get to and cheaper, but there are still many great things about how fast and convenient it is today.
