The two videos below give us a lovely insight into what air travel was like in the 1950s and 1960s. It was just so elegant.
Immediately you’ll notice how the passengers are dressed – the men in suits and often hats, the ladies in demure frocks or suits and also hates like the menfolk. Flying in those days seemed to be something one dressed up for. This is not even remotely like today!
Other features you’ll see in the videos include:
- Smiling flight attendants (they were called air hostesses of course, at the time) who wrap passengers snugly in blankets when it’s time to sleep, serve delicious food and even light passengers’ cigarettes for them
- Flowers, seemingly fresh flower arrangements on tables surrounded by spacious, comfortable furniture
- Drinking glasses that are made of, yes, glass, and not plastic. China plates and mugs. Silverware that might not actually be silver but at least metal and not plastic
- Linen tablecloths adorning the ‘individual dining tables’ and linen napkins – no paper products in sight
- Delicious-looking food served properly and not in compartmentalised plastic trays
- ‘Power rooms’ with large mirrors, modern conveniences that would rival those in any home
- In flight magazines passed to passengers by smiling and attentive air hostesses. Even airline colouring books for the kiddiwinkies
- Air hostesses passing trays of canapés to passengers – and I’m sure I saw some caviar on ice
- In the video of the 1950s Boeing 377 Stratocruiser to Hawaii, guests are greeted on the tarmac by Hawaiian musician and dancers distributing leis
I hardly recognise it as air travel!
ARTICLE BY:
Jackie
JJ is originally from the UK and has lived in South Florida since 1994. She is the founder and editor of JAQUO Magazine. You can connect with her using the social media icons below.