In 1989 my father passed away a few days before Christmas. My sister and I had just a day or so to get home. The funeral home wanted to get everything done before Christmas. TWA had flights available and the best prices. It was also a direct flight from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO. They served lunch on the plane and everything was still classy back then. After 9/11 it all went downhill. I have always wanted to thank TWA for being there.
The decline in so many aspects of the U.S. was dramatic after 9/11 and now the decline post Pandemic is lowering standards even more, however this time it’s Universal not just limited to the U.S,A,
Last week, I was on a flight where an elderly lady had to beg for water to take medication. They finally gave her a small plastic cup with about 4 tbsp of water. They were grievously annoyed that she didn't want to pay $3 for a 350ml bottle. Shameful.
Unaccompanied Minors. In 1962, when I was 5, I flew from Philly to Milwaukee, WI all BY MYSELF, with a note pinned to me. The crew accepted responsibility, which was seen as completely normal. I got a tour of the cockpit, a toy plane, a set of pin-on wings, loads of attention from the stewardesses (no men doing this back then), and my own personal barf bag when we hit turbulence. Gramma & Grampa got me at the gate, and brought me back weeks later to do the same thing all over again (minus the barf bag this time). Good memories. Not sure they still do that these days.
Because of legal issues, there are no more unaccompanied minors. Not sure what the legal age cut-off is. If you are big enough, and look old enough, you might get away with it, but they definitely won't let 5 year olds fly unaccompanied anymore.
Great story. We've lost a lot of great things and experiences like this along the way. This type of thing was correctly seen as character building experience. The lack of character we see in many people today is the direct result of abandoning the manning-up process for young people. And instead making the growing up process being about churning out special snowflakes who think they should get a trophy for showing up.
You spoke about the insurance. Back in the mid 1970s I remembered a family who attended the same church as my family and the husband had bought insurance for his flight to and from his out of town job duties. On his way home from the airport he had a flat tire along a major highway. As he was changing his flat tire at the side of the road his car was rear ended by a drunk driver driving at a high rate of speed and it killed the husband of the family. Because he had bought the insurance and was on his way home from the airport the insurance company paid the family a substantial settlement for his untimely death. The amount of money helped the wife and her children survive until the mother got a good job to continue with life without her husband.
@@pou618 I said that years ago. Were just cattle anymore to the airlines. Everything is about the airline is the problem. As a teen in 1983 flying on Braniff from Dallas to Kansas City I asked the stewardess if I could go to the back to have a quick smoke and she said yes of course
Not being able to go to the gate really gave me the feels. I remember meeting many family members and friends over the years that way and it was always so exciting to see them in the distance, coming down the corridor, just waiting to give them a big hug. ❤
@@williamwilkins3084 No...I meant it as a sadness or complaint (as in the command "not allowed!") that it's no longer allowed...sorry if I didn't explain it well. I feel real sorry...I miss the old days (1960s for me). Best wishes.
@@kelseymathias3881 Okay, fine. I apologize for my misperception. But you do find many emotionless and thoughtless people these days. I was around during the sixties and miss those days, too. Best wishes to you.
@@williamwilkins3084 Hang in there...the pendulum will swing around again. And remember....all the little kids today are the future parents of the kids of the (next) 60s! 🧡
In the early 60's my dad traveled for his job. We would take him to the airport and walk to the gate. Once he boarded, my mom would take us kids to the observation deck to watch until his propeller plane took off. I always thought it was so much fun!
Some airports still have observation areas...of sorts, usually parking garages. Here in Houston car parks are usually open to spotters, though no amenities such as seating. Indeed, going to to the gate, seeing family and friends off was a treat as a kid.
@CantFixStupid1 I just miss, the REAL times, when boys, were REALLY boys, and girls were REALLY girls, and there was no confusion, or mental illness, when it came to using public bathrooms
Things you may have missed: video arcades in airports, free airline pins, free headphones, polite well mannered travelers, in-flight movies and video monitors, more space between seats, an actual empty seat, and on-time flights.
I specifically remember the airline pins. On my first flight as a kid I went on American Airlines with my grandparents. I remember getting a pin and thought it was the coolest thing ever.
What? I saw kids being handed airline pins on a flight, only a few months ago. They also still give out free earbuds to passengers who forgot there’s, even though they might be cheaply made and I don’t know how well they work, since I always travel with my headphones. As for well mannered passengers, most of my flights had them. The worst are when young kids are constantly being nosy or crying, but in reality, young kids have too much energy and parents sometimes forget to let their kids run around the airport before boarding the long fight. Every blue-moon you’ll have a difficult adult passenger who keep causing trouble, but I haven’t encounter one on of my flights and I travel by plane at least twice or more annually, except during the pandemic.
That was one of my earliest memories of the airport in Freeport, Grand Bahama. They had a Donkey Kong machine in the domestic departure lounge. First video game I ever played. I was going hard on that machine before someone told me I had to put a quarter in it for the game to work.
@@kenmohler4081: True enough; point taken! But, I was referring more to a comparison of ambiance between the two modes of travel, rather than their relative "comfort." Either way is no joy ride. Cheers!
True! But flying was much more expensive, regulated, and for many unaffordable. In the 1950 to fly from London to Australia was the price of a suburban home.
Lockers! When I had long layovers, I could put my carry-on and coat in a locker and didn't have to lug them around. I also used them if I wanted to go off the airport property to go shopping or what not.
They were also useful for people traveling from the North to Miami in the winter. Put your winter boots, coats, gloves in the locker and fly light to Miami with more room for souvenirs when you return. I used the locker in March, 2001 to put my suitcase in when leaving the airport on a layover. After 9/11, they were all taken out of public places.
Just for fun, as teens in the late 60s, we would go to O'hare Airport and people watch, have a bite to eat, go out and observe the planes taking off from the observation deck. It was so relaxing and we often met people from other countries.
@@glennalmayer6563 I just miss, the REAL times, when boys, were REALLY boys, and girls were REALLY girls, and there was no confusion, or mental illness, when it came to using public bathrooms
The last time I flew was in the mid 70's ---- It was nice. Real food, served on real dishes with real cutlery. cocktails were free, wine included with the meals. Want to know what didn't happen? You didn't have loud, vulgar, ill mannered thugs getting drunk and brawling in the aisles or in the airport itself. People actually had self control and respected themselves and those around them. I miss that. Civility.
yea people cared about mannors appearance, and civility alot more before the turn of the millenium, now people cant even be bothered to dress up at least a little for christmas or church most times, at least around here, and modesty of appearnce and language is out the door.
I so miss my parents dressing so well. Dad in his handmade Wingtip shoes, a pair of Chinos and a casual shirt, he was so dapper. Mom dressed up for grocery shopping at Publix, dress, heels & matching purse. Those day remain so mellow in my mind.
Joann H Miss those days as well. I remember my Dad making me get a haircut before reporting to the USAFA in 1970 because my hair just barely touched my ears. Did not matter to him that they were going to buzz cut it. Thanks for the memory.
Remember my mom dressing up like that to go to the post office once when she had to send a Certified Letter to my Great Uncle's Railroad Union Pension office to let them know he had a new address, lol. It's not every day you deal with Certified Mail!
A dress and heels just for the market. Now there are so many pictures all over the place of how people dress at Walmart that it's a running joke--the Walmart outfit. What I wouldn't give to go back in time just for a day!!
I remember flying by myself in 1968 on Piedmont Airlines from Richmond, VA to northern Kentucky. My mother made me wear a tie and slacks. People were dressed up and it seemed like a big deal. I was about 12 at the time and for a kid, they made me feel special.
Boy I do remember Piedmont Airlines - I lived in AZ back then but now in NC - they was a name for Piedmont but I just can’t remember - might have been Pathetic Airlines🤭🤭🤭.
During that era, people dressed up to go Downtown too... Actually: Adults attired well to be seen anywhere in public (other than the beaches)! They had more self- respect, (and respect of others), than to slovenly parade around in torn underwear (expensive or not!)
@@rmp7400 Also, back then...if people were inappropriately dressed for the place or occasion, stares or even statements from others would set them straight. These days you don't dare say anything to anybody...they may have a gun or just attack you.
Several airports that I frequented actually had upscale restaurants serving excellent food. In one city, local businessmen would take clients to the airport restaurant for a meal.
We have a hospital that had food like that for lunch until the manufactured crisis ruined it. Now it's just another mediocre cafeteria. Can't have nuttin nice when Democrats are around.
...at ORD, the Six Continents Restaurant and Conference Center was located on the second and third floors of the Concourse G rotunda (owned and operated by the restaurants division of the CarsonPirieScott department store of Chicago); people used to go to the airport for fine dining with a view of the airplanes on the ramp; a Cubs themed restaurant is there now (airside.)
Great video! I grew up in an airline family so remember all of this fondly ! So sad what travel has become. The golden age peaked with the arrival of the 747. It’s been downhill ever since.
You missed the flight deck tour that kids would get once the plane leveled off. And when kids boarded , they had “wings” pinned to their shirt by the flight attendant or the captain himself. Mom took me any my brother to Pittsburgh international for a guided tour. Seemed odd to go to the airport when we were not meeting dad at the gate or flying somewhere (in our Sunday best) . We saw how the airport operated. Had a lunch there, watched planes in the observation deck. And went home with a swag bag.
I was at Ohare in the 60s when I was in the Navy and had to take off from there. I went to the observation area and enjoyed watching the planes takeoff and land while I was waiting for my flight.
My wife and I were traveling with another couple on a KLM flight from Amsterdam to JFK in 1984. My wife and our friend wanted to see the cockpit and the flight attendant gladly obliged. They were taken to the cockpit where our friend took a photo of her antique Jack Tar teddy bear in the pilot's seat.
Still have my wings and certificate from my first American Airlines flight in 1963. Had a captain’s hat but lost it. Going into the cockpit during flight was awesome. Even today when I get the chance to fly on our corporate jet I enjoy going up front to talk with the pilots.
I remember back in 1991 going to Tampa international airport and I remember rushing around while waiting for my mom's flight to come in to get a bunch of quarters so I could watch the Minnesota twins during the world series and I also wanted to see if I could see my mom and stepdad on tv. The airport had tvs like the ones in the video in the terminal. Like someone said earlier I miss being able to either greet them at the gate or say good bye there.
TIA is one of the very best US airports in spite of the degenerating services in air travel. At one time you could walk down to gate areas to see family off: today, from arrival to gate is a process. TIA has the best bunch of TSA people I have come across in the US.
In the 1960s and 1970s pilots would often allow children into the cockpit before departure and sometimes even while in flight. That was so exciting for me as a child! Those days are long gone.
As a kid in the 70s, I loved to go to the airport to meet arriving family members. I would try to visit each airline ticket counter to pick up their paperback flight schedules. I would read through them for hours dreaming of all the different destinations to visit. Great video! Thank you for the memories 😊
Mid-Seventies, it Was a BIG DEAL when my Grand-Parents went BACK to Italy for the FIRST Time since they emigrated to America. The ENTIRE Family went to see them off and I KNOW that BOTH my Grand-Father and Grand-Mother were Dressed Up. Thanks for your AMAZING Videos... Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays.
Great video! I also remember as a kid you could get playing cards, plastic pilot wings, slippers and magazines on the plane. The movies were actually shown using projectors in the ceiling onto 3 or 4 screens. There would also be times when flights were stacked up over larger cities (like NY) where you had to circle around and wait for a landing slot. Thankfully, that doesn't happen much, if at all anymore.
We can still do that in Australia and be at the gate when they arrive (domestic only). Of course you have to go through the same security checks at the start at the airside pier. But it’s not just restricted to passengers.
@@xr6lad I just miss, the REAL times, when boys, were REALLY boys, and girls were REALLY girls, and there was no confusion, or mental illness, when it came to using public bathrooms
I used to love when I would fly home from college for Thanksgiving and my mom and dad would be meeting me at the gate. Even though my mom embarrassed me with her loud yell , I still remember this fondly. LOL
I feel the same way, flying used to be a treat. They served proper food on airplanes and usually offered free alcohol and planes were more spacious. Mind you, some of the excitement was the novelty but flying now is a drudgery
As a child in the late 60's, our class took a field trip to the airport. Not only did they let us all get onto a passenger jet, they had us buckle up & the pilot started up the engine and taxied us around the entire airport before returning us to the gate!
@@HariSeldon913 I had my favorites at a few local airports. Cowboy Young in Hollywood and Leo in Oakland. Wax shines are the best. I still wear and respect all leather shoes.
One thing I haven't seen in a while at airports are those 25c lockers. You'd put your belongings in the locker so you didn't have to carry them around with you while you were shopping or eating there, insert a quarter and turn & pull out the key. When you were done, you simply went back to your locker, insert and turn the key and retrieve your belongings.
These lockers still exist at train stations. They are much more expensive than 25 cents though (converted around 5 $). Some work without keys (paid with a credit card, open with an App and QR code)
I remember taking my Mother to Dulles airport in 80s & early 90s. She would fly to Germany every year. We would have a great sitdown lunch in a nice restaurant, we could see the planes taking off at a window seat. I was able to say goodbye right at the boarding gate. Could even ride that bumpy shuttle over to the boarding areas with her. It was always a pleasant experience. Glad we had those times together. Now its say goodbye at the checkin counter & maybe grab a cinnabon!
To be honest, I miss all of those things (esp smoking when it was safe to do so after take off because I was a nervous flyer) but what I REALLY REALLY miss is how polite people were. Whether you were working the flight or you were a passenger, most people kept their anger, bad manners and over entitled attitudes at home. The only jerks you had to watch out for were the drunks. Oh and also getting your wings after visiting the cockpit and seeing out the front window - now that was a beautiful sight.
I can honestly say that I have never had problems with staff or other passengers anytime I have flown. Maybe I am the exception but I have flown all over the world.
@@DNSKansas I used to smoke and spent 13 hours on monthly flights to Hong Kong from Seattle. The business class smoking section of 747s was isolated and we had a great time. We used to laugh at the miserable people in the other sections. But that was 35 years ago and smoking sections on planes was the norm. The disgusting thing is applying today's morals to historical activities and beliefs. You sound like one of the miserable people who were seated in the other sections.
If you were a kid, you used to be able to go into the cockpit and the pilots would show you all the gadgets and gauges. The cockpit doors would also be left open. Not anymore.
My friend's kid has been to cockpit of Air France planes few times in the last decade. They have a close friend as a flight attendant, who would call a captain (if she knows him) in advance, and then they will be invited to the cockpit during the flight. Including on long international flight, Airbus A380, etc.
In the mid 60's, living in NM I took my daughter to see an eye specialist in Phoenix. The plane was a small prop jet with no air pressure control, so we were given chewing gum and paper cups to deal with the ear pain. In 1974, traveling from St. Joe, MO to El Paso, the airline lost record of the last leg of my reservation so I arrived in Dallas without a way to get further. A handsome agent complete with the uniform and hat was standing at a podium in the terminal watching for bewildered passengers like me. I don't have a reservation anymore, I told him. He clicked a few keys, handed me a ticket and with a benevolent smile said, well you do now. That's service!
So happy you mentioned how people were dressed. Today, there are some who are almost indecent. Loved the video. Flying was not only a special occasion, but relatively expensive.
Spot the Borg Cat I am old enough to remember men wearing suits and women wearing dresses on flights being the norm. I have flown on flights with people wearing a sleeveless t-shirt, shorts, and flip flops. Who needs their sweaty a$$ skin touching the seat.
@@reneastle8447 We can. I dress better than I normally would when I fly. I was told you have a better chance at being bumped up a class is you dress the part. Only happened once so far. But do notice I get treated wish a little more respect.
I don't mind sweatshirt and jeans But sorry peeps I don't want to see your back cheeks or your girls And men those sleeveless t shirts . It would not hurt to put on a shirt . My my five cents.
I remember all this...but I'm 76. I remember having to wait about 2 days for the heater to warm up the water bed mattress when you first filled it up. If not it was like sleeping on a block of ice. Then for the first couple of weeks you had to "burp" the bed to get the air out so it would not slosh when turning over in bed. To burp it you took all the sleets off the bed, then you opened the filler cap located on one upper corner of the water bed mattress. Now you took a broom and placed the handle sideways across the top of the mattress and slowly pushed the air bubble(s) from the foot of the bed toward the filler cap spout quickly closing the cap when the air bubbles we expelled. About ever 6 months you had to add an algaecide to the water and you made sure you bought the emergency mattress liner that would catch the water in case you sprung a leak. Fun times!
Years ago I took a flight from Houston to Panama as in Central America Panama. Not only could you smoke but there were live chickens mostly in cages on that flight. Yes live chickens in with the passengers. Some got loose and it made for an interesting trip.
Very well done. Reminded the mechanical flip-clock like flight boards As flight information was updated you would hear the clicking and clacking of the numbers as they changed. I loved those!
I remember 1980's and 90's flying overseas while in the Army, and the Stewardess would offer you a hot towel to kinda cover your face and neck ... Man that was such a great feeling after several hour on a flight
Weight savings and labor savings is why no blankets, pillows, magazines and hot towel service on aircraft. Most don't realize how much weight savings eliminating that can save.
on Asian airlines when I flew in SE Asia you still got meals. You got the warm towel and a newspaper. The flight crew were young attractive women dressed nice, I found Asian Airlines had much better service not so much like a bus that are US airlines.
What I miss most is people dressing up to travel. But hey, be the change you wish to see. Be the one to dress up if others won’t. Perhaps others will feel inspired to do the same.
Seeing this made me think of all the great airlines that I would fly with my parents before they all went belly up after deregulation. Eastern, AirCal, TWA, and PSA all had marvelous service and were fun to fly!
You forgot Mohawk, braniff, piedmont, and Pan-American. In 85 I flew on empire from Syracuse to Baltimore in a metro. We had to walk out to the ✈, and climb in. The ground crew made sure that you got on the right ✈.
I remember flying in the late 70's. Being a kid and getting to go up to the cockpit and getting little wings to pin on my coat. I once got a miniature captains hat. I loved it!
Dulles Airport opened in late 1962. For boarding, mobile lounges were used to transport passengers between the terminal to their respective planes. A mobile lounge was a type of bus with two doors, one at each end. The drivers has two sets of controls including two steering wheels inside two booths. The driver would operate the lounge from the booth that faced the direction of movement. One end would line up with the terminal port specialty designed for their parking and the opposite end would have a ramp to connect with the plane's passenger door. Interior was very comfortable having plush seats and carpeting. Travel time was about six to ten minutes between plane and terminal. These are now gone.
Actually, the mobile lounges are still very much in existence at IAD and serve Concourse D for international flights. For the ones that they have, they're thinking of converting into electric lounges.
Worked at KIAD for 32 years.. the airport manager once told me that the mobile lounges will never be retired due to there ability to contain and transport passengers . It only take 4 to 6 for a wide body ..
I haven't seen these in a while, Skycaps. Back in the day, you could show up outside the terminal and airline baggage handlers would be there to take your bags if you had a ticket. Now you have to typically go inside the terminal and check your bag in at a kiosk.
Instead of the Krishnas, we always seemed to run into the Moonies trying to give you a flower and get some money off you. So obnoxious! The thing I miss most is airplane seats that didn't have your knees up under your chin and your face pressed against the back of the seat in front of you! I swear it's like a can of sardines now.
They try to pack 'em as tight as possible to squeeze the last dime out of the cabin space! I would say at all airports avoid strangers approaching and trying to make small talk. Many hustlers around , especially controlled substance couriers.
@@mohabatkhanmalak1161 And now I'm afraid to fly because I'll have to be maskless eating shoulder to shoulder with another maskless eater. I've never eaten around another person since before Covid.
🎶 “Fly the friendly skies of United” 🎶”Northwest Orient”- (gong sound effect)-“The fan jet airline” Growing up in the 50’s and 60’s we always dressed up in public. My Dad finally stopped wearing a dress hat around 1964 figuring if Kennedy got away with it, he could too. Even as kids we wore dress pants and button down shirts, sis wore dresses. Jeans were reserved for doing chores or outside play in the neighborhood. “Roughhousing” as Dad called it. Now I see people at the grocery store in what looks like pajamas. We’ve lost our dignity. It was not uncommon for factory workers to change in to nice pants and a sport coat before leaving the plant
The first domestic flight attendants were actually called "Sky Girls." In 1930 Ellen Church convinced Boeing Air Transport or United Air Lines, (BAT, NAT, PAT and Varney Air) to hire single, female, registered nurses to attend to passengers and calm their fear of flying. There were initially eight hired, thus the term the "Original Eight" My Grandfather flew for United in the late 1920's until he and another Pilot were killed on take off in the mid 30's. On board was Sky Girl Cornelia Pederman , one of the "Eights" who survived with only an ankle fracture.
Flying internationally as a kid in the early to mid 70s, I remember BOAC (now just British Airways) and Qantas Airlines giving kids the chance to meet the pilots, giving us flight pins and recording the air miles in our little log books. I think Northwest Airlines and other domestic carriers had logbooks and pins for child flyers too. I wish I still had mine. I think I still have my Qantas pin from 1975.
Your reference to BOAC reminded me that it is now plain BA. A nasty of past years is the mania to shorten every name. Pan American Airways sounded so much grander than Pan Am.
I traveled by plane a lot in the 1980s. I had a habit of showing up at the gate only two or three minutes before departure...no waiting and usually all of the other passengers were seated so I was always able to get right to my seat.
I miss getting those timetable books when I was a kid. I loved to look at them and seeing where I could fly to when I was older and richer. Oh look! I can fly to Lima, Peru with just three plane changes and a total of five stops! How exciting! lol
I'm a Brit, and flying was not as common as it was in the States, but when I was 8 we moved from the country to a house very close to the new and growing Heathrow Airport. I was fascinated, and for every time when I was offered a treat, I opted to visit the airport, to either watch the planes or to have a snack in one of the many food stalls available. It always seemed so exotic. But then all travel was a bit more exotic in the 50s and 60s, I used to have to get myself dressed in my Sunday best even when getting on a train or a long distance bus to go on holiday. That's why I became a travel agent, for the thrill.
Talking about smoking in the Airport! I remember being able to smoke in a hospital! Except in certain areas! Or in certain rooms that was using oxygen!
Before the airlines learned how to make money, flying was a magical experience with great food and newspapers distributed to passengers and beautiful young stewardesses treating you as a VIP. Alcohol served practically without limitation was kind of a standard on intercontinental flights. Nobody cared too much about the excess luggage (an additional 5 kg was always kind of negotiable). I remember flying with Swiss Air - the service was just excellent and they served ice cream. Each airline tried to serve some national food to underline its origin and character (not like "chicken or pasta" nowadays). You could get all your cosmetics and drinks aboard and the security control was not a hassle. What I'm definitely not missing are the paper-based flight tickets that you had to reconfirm before each flight.
I remember traveling to Europe as a teen-ager on an exchange program and having gotten a few tips from a magazine article before packing. Back in the days when the weight limit was 75 pounds - filled that up and then stuffed a whole bunch more down the sleeves of a coat with a sweater inside with the wrists knotted. That coat weighed a ton and was miserable to carry but I got all the stuff I wanted to take on board!
My dad was an airline pilot, so as a kid I was immersed in all those things right from the start. Then in 1966 I became a pilot for United and had a 36 year career. The beginning of my career featured all those things mentioned. At the end flying was no longer special. Today, I want nothing to do with it. I won't go near an airport unless I absolutely have to. I hate it. If I can't get there in my RV or motorcycle, I'm not going!
Could you tell us what was the biggest change? The Government? Culture? or FAA regulations? Or just a general downfall of society? I'd sincerely like to know.
@@spottheborgcat6523 Oh Man! Now you got me started! Short answer, all of the above. Now, the long answer. Flying was special. People dressed in their Sunday go-to-meetins and put on their Sunday manners. It was dignified. The service even in coach was respectable. The meals not great, but adequate, and included in the price of a ticket. There was leg room even in coach. First class was a treat. On longer flights chateaubriand or something equally as special, fresh vegetables, and of course wine or your beverage of choice. That was when I was introduced to and developed a taste for prime rib. Then in 1978 came deregulation. Anyone who could afford to buy a beat up old DC-9 could start an airline. And they did. They crammed in more seats, paid cheap wages, and charged low fares. Flying became affordable for the general public. I said at the time we went after the Greyhound Bus crowd, and we got them! Naturally, the legacy carriers had to compete, so to do that service was cut and more seats stuffed in. Marketing soon discovered that people will book the cheapest fare every time. Then bitch about service and leg room. People who hadn't bathed started showing in sweats, baggy shorts, and flip flops. Then "security" became an issue. Even as a uniformed crew member, I had to pass security. At first, it was pretty much just "show your badge and walk around". Then came 9-11. Now I had to pass through metal detectors, get wanded by some goober. Every airliner cockpit has a stainless steel axe strapped to the bulkhead, but I could no longer carry a pocket knife. I could have my finger nail clippers taken away. Whereas before, anyone could walk into an airport and walk to any gate. It was normal to meet a flight at the gate with friends or family arriving. No longer. Every pilot carried a little brass key which would open the cockpit door of every airplane in the fleet. We could get up, go back to the head, ( blue room ) grab a cup of coffee, chat with the "stews" for a few minutes, then let ourselves back in. That went away. No more cockpit keys. Now, it you need a bathroom break, you have to call a flight attendant to the cockpit to guard the door and then let you back in. Used to be there were no locks on doors in the airport. Now, every door has a coded lock. Have you ever seen a pilot walk up to a door, take off his hat, look inside, then key in the code to open a door? That's because our "FOM" ( Flight Ops Manual ) had a page with the code for every door at every airport, so we would take that page and tape it to the inside of our hats. Now, pilots don't carry an actual flight bag with actual books in it. Everything is on computer, so I assume they have to depend on an agent to let them pass. But I still carried a flight bag when I retired, and one of the hazards was "tailgating". Tailgating was opening a door and holding it for a fellow crew member. That was outlawed. I could be flying with someone I had known for years, but I had to let myself through, then slam the door in his face and he had to enter the code to let himself through. There was always the possibility of some idiot from the FAA standing off to the side just drooling to catch someone tailgating. Then there was random drug testing. I was commuting from SEA to SFO, flying a London trip. I arrived back in SFO at noon and had to boogie from the international terminal to the domestic one to catch my ride home. Not this one time! I was flagged for a drug test! I was directed into a little room to be "tested". Think it did any good to tell the fool that I just came off an 11 hour flight and could have been fall down drunk when I started and be sober now? Not on your life, and it made me miss my ride home. Now to fly, you have to stand in a long security line, pass though metal detectors, hold up your arms, get wanded, have someone pawing through your carry-on, then get herded into a flying metal tube so tight you can barely wiggle, hope you remembered to pack a sandwich in a paper bag. Not for me. I remember when it was good and it makes me very sad.
@@billlawrence1899 Thank you for taking the time to answer so completely. I last flew in 99. However I do have friends who fly. Usually first class. ( what can i say, they're rich) But even in First, there are some amenities that have disappeared, sadly.
I feel that way in the US, flying in much of Asia still isn't too bad. I never fly a US carrier to come home and visit my family. Even the Chinese airlines, China Eastern and China Southern are better than US carriers.
I once flew to Berlin/West Germany with PanAm in 1980 and as I was still a little kid and the only kid on this flight, the stewardesses were SOOO nice to me. They handed me a little kid set that would keep me occupied during the flight with crayons, stickers, a coloring book and a plastic PanAm Junior Flyer pin with the wings, like the ones the staff wore, I still have 40 years later. 😁
I have similar memories! My whole family (2 adults and 4 kids!) would fly to France every other summer on Pan Am to visit my grandmother. I remember getting little packets with activities and little games.
I remember my parents dropping me off when I was maybe 10 years old to fly alone to CA. (Early 1970's) Once there I would meet my grandparents at the gate. The coolest thing about flying alone as a kid was that the stewardess would take me to the cockpit before takeoff, and I would get to meet the captain. He would usually give me some little wings to pin on my shirt. It made me feel really important...
Had a 12-year-old (I'm guessing) girl sitting next to me a few years ago. We had a thunderstorm delay and even though she brought something to read and cards and her music, I could tell she was bored. I never engaged her because of the fear of some kind of pedo accusation. Have always been sad about that as I'm sure she would have loved someone to talk to or play cards with.
Before deregulation in the '80''s it was easy to switch from one airline to another with the same ticket. This was great when flying military standby, getting whatever flight had an available seat. Now there are rarely any standby seats available due to overbooking.
I remember my Dad coming home from a business trip with decks of playing cards that he got free for the asking on the plane. Quite a treat for us kids.
If you happen to be at Haneda airport in Tokyo, Japan, there is still a observation deck! It’s a beautiful airport with numerous shops and floors that can be accessed by the public
In Europe, most low cost airlines still use portable stairs(or some planes have stairs built in) to keep costs down. But in America that’s not really a thing. But I do wish airlines would give out playing cards again. I have an old deck from eastern airlines from when my grandma worked there
I flew on a 727 back in the 90's. We got into an airport really late. For some reason the gates were closed. We exited via the rear stairwell. I felt just like D.B. Cooper.
In 1973 my Spanish class flew to London and then on to Madrid. We flew Pan Am on a beautiful and roomy plane with a huge middle section of seats. The stewardesses were beautiful and the food served was delicious. BOAC served a wonderful British breakfast. The seats were roomy and comfortable and the whole experience is one I'll always remember fondly. I wish Pan Am was still flying.
In 1979, I was sent to London by my company (a large oil company). My dad advised me to wear a jacket and tie because I was "an emissary of the company" and should look the part. I was flying on a Friday night, but to my dad, it was important that I (at age 23) project the proper image - no sweats and casual shoes.
Did you also wear a big company logo? How would anyone know what company you worked for. When I see people flying on overnight international flights wearing suits, I think that they are fools.
The first time I bought a plane ticket for myself I was 24 in 1987. I spent a week planning my outfit for the flight and dressed to the nines including heels.
In 1987 I convinced my husband to observe our 25th anniversary by flying to Hawaii. He had never flown and I had only a few times! We got first class tickets. Real luxury then! Filet mignon and free drinks! Even hot moist towels after that wonderful 6:30 dinner! LONG GONE!!
All of my company’s airplanes still have ashtrays in the cockpits. Even our newest airplanes, fresh off the Boeing production line, have cockpit ashtrays. It defies logic that they still install them to this day!
Airports were not crowded like today. No TSA lines. Times were less frantic and people more inclined to be nice to each other. Today, air travel is a nightmare unless you can afford the goodies that go with First Class at very high cost. Today, cabin crews lack the sophistication and bearing of old times.
I finally bit the bullet and started paying for first class on BA between San Diego and Johannesburg in the last couple of years before 2020. Two 10-11 hour flights each way - I finally couldn't take the misery of suffering that in (much degraded) economy anymore plus the long layover at Heathrow. Those first class tickets and first class lounge were worth every single penny. Glad I got to experience that before deciding International travel wasn't worth it anymore in early 2021.
The huge room between rows of seats you had on the plane .You were able to get up to go to the restrooms , and the person next to you didn't have to get up also to let you out.
I miss the observation deck with the coin operated binoculars. It was great fun to watch the airplanes. You could even call the air lines in advance to find out when certain types would arrive or depart. My brothers and I did that to see one of the earliest flights by a 747 at the old Greater Pittsburgh Airport in the early 70's. I still have beautiful color slides taken on one of these visits.
Loved the observation deck at Pittsburgh International back in the '60s! One day every summer my parents would take me to the airport because I loved the planes so much. It was such a great time!
@@Chilly_Billy Thanks for the info. I guess society has gotten worse in terms of violence and greed, as someone could have shot at a plane in the 1950s or 1960s too, especially with security more casual than it became after 9/11...and back then the space could've been used for (more) retail shops or eateries, too. I'm a Californian who has been to Japan 27 times and have seen observation decks there.
Even in the '80s, in Canada, you couldn’t get through security and meet anyone at the gate. I travelled alone when I was a teenager and my parents came to the baggage claim. There are still observation areas and a bank of pay phones at my nearby international airport. Noticed them when I picked someone up this week.
There was a thick green (?) closed curtain separating first class from coach - no business class existed - coach passengers could NOT go through the curtain to first class and first class passengers certainly didn't want to go into coach. There were magazines tucked in the back of each seatrest + a "Skyline" Magazine that sold gadgets and upscale items + gave info about the different parts of the U.S. - The announcement "Is there a doctor on board?"
Flying was actually fun in the 50's and 60's. My first flight was 1956 when I was just a kid. A flight from Cleveland to Miami on a old prop plane! No jets back then! It was fun!😀
Flying commercial in the late 70s and 80s was always a special event. Today the entire process is dehumanizing. I prefer to drive now, even if it adds a couple travel days to my schedule. Thanks for the pleasant memories in this video.
2:34 Stapleton Airport in Denver installed modernized sit-down payphone cubicles with low, noise canceling walls in them in sets of four in 1967. Remember exchanging "Hellos" with Jackie Gleason sitting in one of those when I was a kid.
I did a lot of flying between LAX and SFO in the 70s and I had it timed perfectly to arrive at the airport a few minutes before the flight, check in at the counter and grab my ticket, hustle to the gate and usually board the plane a minute or two before they closed the door to the plane and we took off! No muss, no fuss! I fly as infrequently as I possibly can these days. That means NEVER!
With PSA, I could arrive at the gate, as they were about to close the door. I would show my credit card, and they let me on the plane. Once in the air, a stewardess, would come with a credit card machine. The kind where it made an imprint of the card on carbon paper, and sell me a ticket. Did it several times.
@@edschulhof6303 I don't remember the type of plane...I think it was a jet. But it was quite inexpensive....we'd fly from SF to LA to attend TV show tapings. It was so much fun for a kid.
My first flight was on TWA at age 9, 1968. We really did put on our “Sunday best”. That day, I wore my Easter dress. My younger brother was 4 and his little suit had shorts (it was so cute). What remember most though was the food. It was a square piece of fried chicken (I was puzzled) but it was delicious. There was corn and mashed potatoes all excellent. I think there was a brownie or cookie for dessert. When we flew back I wanted that chicken again but it wasn’t offered. Whatever it was, was ok. Might have been meatloaf or a hamburger.
My father traveled quite a bit on business when we were kids. We loved going to the airport to wait for his plane to land and then greet him. I loved watching all the planes take off and land. I can remember getting excited as we watched him come down the stairs and walk across the tarmac. Sometimes he’d look up to see if he could find which window we were at. Good memories. After my older brother got married and had kids, he would go to the airport observation deck whenever he needed time to think. He doesn’t get to think much since 9/11.
Check out this video on Airports too
th-cam.com/video/eASsh6MvMOg/w-d-xo.html
In 1989 my father passed away a few days before Christmas. My sister and I had just a day or so to get home. The funeral home wanted to get everything done before Christmas. TWA had flights available and the best prices. It was also a direct flight from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO. They served lunch on the plane and everything was still classy back then. After 9/11 it all went downhill. I have always wanted to thank TWA for being there.
The decline in so many aspects of the U.S. was dramatic after 9/11 and now the decline post Pandemic is lowering standards even more, however this time it’s Universal not just limited to the U.S,A,
I miss TWA😢
I recall dressing nice for flights as recent as the late 1990s. That has totally changed.
@@alpaljl Same here. 9/11 ruined so much, and so has the rise of woke culture. We are in big trouble.
@@thadtuiol1717 FUCK THAT WOKE SHIT...ITS FAKE AND A LIE
Last week, I was on a flight where an elderly lady had to beg for water to take medication. They finally gave her a small plastic cup with about 4 tbsp of water. They were grievously annoyed that she didn't want to pay $3 for a 350ml bottle. Shameful.
It’s illegal for them to not provide water but you’d think they’d be more generous
Name the airline please.
It doesn't make sense to complain and not mention the airline.
So you fly Spirit Air, too?
@@willardroad I thought it was Frontier.
Unaccompanied Minors. In 1962, when I was 5, I flew from Philly to Milwaukee, WI all BY MYSELF, with a note pinned to me. The crew accepted responsibility, which was seen as completely normal. I got a tour of the cockpit, a toy plane, a set of pin-on wings, loads of attention from the stewardesses (no men doing this back then), and my own personal barf bag when we hit turbulence. Gramma & Grampa got me at the gate, and brought me back weeks later to do the same thing all over again (minus the barf bag this time). Good memories. Not sure they still do that these days.
I when with my mom to drop my brother off to fly to FL alone from NJ. My aunt & uncle would meet him. He was little too.
Because of legal issues, there are no more unaccompanied minors. Not sure what the legal age cut-off is. If you are big enough, and look old enough, you might get away with it, but they definitely won't let 5 year olds fly unaccompanied anymore.
@@kenkahre9262 Yeah, I would never do it. In fact, even though all of us went away to sleep over camp, not one of us sent our kids.
Great story. We've lost a lot of great things and experiences like this along the way. This type of thing was correctly seen as character building experience. The lack of character we see in many people today is the direct result of abandoning the manning-up process for young people. And instead making the growing up process being about churning out special snowflakes who think they should get a trophy for showing up.
Last time I recall seeing a minor with the note pinned on was in the early 2000’s. I fly 50+ times a year
You spoke about the insurance. Back in the mid 1970s I remembered a family who attended the same church as my family and the husband had bought insurance for his flight to and from his out of town job duties. On his way home from the airport he had a flat tire along a major highway. As he was changing his flat tire at the side of the road his car was rear ended by a drunk driver driving at a high rate of speed and it killed the husband of the family. Because he had bought the insurance and was on his way home from the airport the insurance company paid the family a substantial settlement for his untimely death. The amount of money helped the wife and her children survive until the mother got a good job to continue with life without her husband.
I would think that the driver's insurance would be liable as well.
No, it wasn't an _untimely death._ It was the _Appointed Time._
@@coloradostrong Appointed Time? Seriously? Bible quote? Please join us in the 21st century thank you.
@David Hutchinson I am in this century. You have an _appointment_ also. And you won't be 1 zeptosecond late. 🙋♂️
This confirms what we all know, life is uncertain, and as much as possible, we should prepare for the unexpected.
I miss the larger seats and space between rows of seats. Haven’t enjoyed flying since the 70’s
I know right
I'm surprised they haven't figured out a way to charge for the air you breathe.
There's no glamour in flying anymore.
@@pou618 I said that years ago. Were just cattle anymore to the airlines. Everything is about the airline is the problem. As a teen in 1983 flying on Braniff from Dallas to Kansas City I asked the stewardess if I could go to the back to have a quick smoke and she said yes of course
@@pou618 we don't need glamour, we need comfort and a way for disabled people to fly without having to give up their mobility devices.
Not being able to go to the gate really gave me the feels. I remember meeting many family members and friends over the years that way and it was always so exciting to see them in the distance, coming down the corridor, just waiting to give them a big hug. ❤
not allowed!
@@kelseymathias3881 No emotional feelings at all?!! You sound like you love the fact it's not allowed or could care less or both.
@@williamwilkins3084 No...I meant it as a sadness or complaint (as in the command "not allowed!") that it's no longer allowed...sorry if I didn't explain it well. I feel real sorry...I miss the old days (1960s for me). Best wishes.
@@kelseymathias3881 Okay, fine. I apologize for my misperception. But you do find many emotionless and thoughtless people these days. I was around during the sixties and miss those days, too. Best wishes to you.
@@williamwilkins3084 Hang in there...the pendulum will swing around again. And remember....all the little kids today are the future parents of the kids of the (next) 60s! 🧡
In the early 60's my dad traveled for his job. We would take him to the airport and walk to the gate. Once he boarded, my mom would take us kids to the observation deck to watch until his propeller plane took off. I always thought it was so much fun!
Some airports still have observation areas...of sorts, usually parking garages. Here in Houston car parks are usually open to spotters, though no amenities such as seating. Indeed, going to to the gate, seeing family and friends off was a treat as a kid.
I lived a couple of miles from Hobby. Right under a landing pattern. Those Braiffs were so colorful. I loved the roof deck of Hobby.
@Can't fix Stupid Yes, Toll House Chocolate Chip, please...
@CantFixStupid1 I just miss, the REAL times, when boys, were REALLY boys, and girls were REALLY girls, and there was no confusion, or mental illness, when it came to using public bathrooms
Right on ,Newark NJ
Things you may have missed: video arcades in airports, free airline pins, free headphones, polite well mannered travelers, in-flight movies and video monitors, more space between seats, an actual empty seat, and on-time flights.
I specifically remember the airline pins. On my first flight as a kid I went on American Airlines with my grandparents. I remember getting a pin and thought it was the coolest thing ever.
The in-flight movie was such a luxury. Only expensive, long distance flights offered them.
What? I saw kids being handed airline pins on a flight, only a few months ago. They also still give out free earbuds to passengers who forgot there’s, even though they might be cheaply made and I don’t know how well they work, since I always travel with my headphones.
As for well mannered passengers, most of my flights had them. The worst are when young kids are constantly being nosy or crying, but in reality, young kids have too much energy and parents sometimes forget to let their kids run around the airport before boarding the long fight. Every blue-moon you’ll have a difficult adult passenger who keep causing trouble, but I haven’t encounter one on of my flights and I travel by plane at least twice or more annually, except during the pandemic.
That was one of my earliest memories of the airport in Freeport, Grand Bahama. They had a Donkey Kong machine in the domestic departure lounge. First video game I ever played. I was going hard on that machine before someone told me I had to put a quarter in it for the game to work.
A regional thing he missed was hula girls giving travelers leas upon arrival
THEN: Luxury airliners with amenities.
NOW: Greyhound buses with wings.
Absolutely correct!!!
Greyhound busses have more legroom.
@user-um5fo4lo4z Not even close--Greyhound buses are a lot more comfortable!
@@kenmohler4081: True enough; point taken! But, I was referring more to a comparison of ambiance between the two modes of travel, rather than their relative "comfort." Either way is no joy ride. Cheers!
True! But flying was much more expensive, regulated, and for many unaffordable. In the 1950 to fly from London to Australia was the price of a suburban home.
I remember the TV seats, I loved those, thank you for the memories. 🥰
Lockers! When I had long layovers, I could put my carry-on and coat in a locker and didn't have to lug them around. I also used them if I wanted to go off the airport property to go shopping or what not.
They were also useful for people traveling from the North to Miami in the winter. Put your winter boots, coats, gloves in the locker and fly light to Miami with more room for souvenirs when you return. I used the locker in March, 2001 to put my suitcase in when leaving the airport on a layover. After 9/11, they were all taken out of public places.
Yes (sorry, I posted one about it before reading yours). Good call
Each, I really wish for lockers, especially if I had to haul luggage around for hours before I could catch a flight or layover.
You can thank terrorists for no more lockers. They’re a great place to put a bomb, apparently
I really miss the flight departure board that would cascade the flight info with each departing flight. That sounds brings back so many memories.
Ah, the last flight departure board found in Singapore's Changi Airport was dismantled in 2020
There is still one in Zaventem
There was one of those in the Amtrak 30th Street Station up to the mid-1990s. By then it was over 20 years old, and no replacement parts available.
You can still find them in train stations in Europe
come to frankfurt airport in germany. there are still some of those in the check-in area in terminal 1.
Just for fun, as teens in the late 60s, we would go to O'hare Airport and people watch, have a bite to eat, go out and observe the planes taking off from the observation deck. It was so relaxing and we often met people from other countries.
My friends and I did this as teens in the mid 80s
We did this too in the late 70’s, as young teens… also at O’Hare 😁
@@cjhoward409 I just missed ya by a couple of years. 😀
@@glennalmayer6563 I just miss, the REAL times, when boys, were REALLY boys, and girls were REALLY girls, and there was no confusion, or mental illness, when it came to using public bathrooms
@@saminaneen everyone uses the same restroom on a plane.
The last time I flew was in the mid 70's ---- It was nice. Real food, served on real dishes with real cutlery. cocktails were free, wine included with the meals.
Want to know what didn't happen?
You didn't have loud, vulgar, ill mannered thugs getting drunk and brawling in the aisles or in the airport itself. People actually had self control and respected themselves and those around them.
I miss that. Civility.
yea people cared about mannors appearance, and civility alot more before the turn of the millenium, now people cant even be bothered to dress up at least a little for christmas or church most times, at least around here, and modesty of appearnce and language is out the door.
I miss leg room
Amen. Our career Politicians have ruined our precious America.
I'd like to solve the puzzle Pat..
@@glennalmayer6563 You miss looking at fat guys legs, Babyboy
I so miss my parents dressing so well. Dad in his handmade Wingtip shoes, a pair of Chinos and a casual shirt, he was so dapper. Mom dressed up for grocery shopping at Publix, dress, heels & matching purse. Those day remain so mellow in my mind.
Joann H Miss those days as well. I remember my Dad making me get a haircut before reporting to the USAFA in 1970 because my hair just barely touched my ears. Did not matter to him that they were going to buzz cut it. Thanks for the memory.
Remember my mom dressing up like that to go to the post office once when she had to send a Certified Letter to my Great Uncle's Railroad Union Pension office to let them know he had a new address, lol. It's not every day you deal with Certified Mail!
You live in south Florida.
@@billolsen4360 😊
A dress and heels just for the market. Now there are so many pictures all over the place of how people dress at Walmart that it's a running joke--the Walmart outfit. What I wouldn't give to go back in time just for a day!!
I remember flying by myself in 1968 on Piedmont Airlines from Richmond, VA to northern Kentucky. My mother made me wear a tie and slacks. People were dressed up and it seemed like a big deal. I was about 12 at the time and for a kid, they made me feel special.
Boy I do remember Piedmont Airlines - I lived in AZ back then but now in NC - they was a name for Piedmont but I just can’t remember - might have been Pathetic Airlines🤭🤭🤭.
During that era, people dressed up to go Downtown too...
Actually:
Adults attired well to be seen anywhere in public (other than the beaches)!
They had more self- respect, (and respect of others), than to slovenly parade around in torn underwear (expensive or not!)
@@rmp7400 Also, back then...if people were inappropriately dressed for the place or occasion, stares or even statements from others would set them straight. These days you don't dare say anything to anybody...they may have a gun or just attack you.
That's because people had pride to look decent and had respect for others by not looking like a slob. Today people have terrible attitudes.
Several airports that I frequented actually had upscale restaurants serving excellent food. In one city, local businessmen would take clients to the airport restaurant for a meal.
We had that too. Really good food and the view was all windows in the restaurant facing the tarmacs.
We have a hospital that had food like that for lunch until the manufactured crisis ruined it. Now it's just another mediocre cafeteria. Can't have nuttin nice when Democrats are around.
Taco Bell?
...at ORD, the Six Continents Restaurant and Conference Center was located on the second and third floors of the Concourse G rotunda (owned and operated by the restaurants division of the CarsonPirieScott department store of Chicago); people used to go to the airport for fine dining with a view of the airplanes on the ramp; a Cubs themed restaurant is there now (airside.)
Newark had The Newarker which was glamorous.
Idlewild had The Golden Door.
Great video! I grew up in an airline family so remember all of this fondly ! So sad what travel has become. The golden age peaked with the arrival of the 747. It’s been downhill ever since.
You missed the flight deck tour that kids would get once the plane leveled off. And when kids boarded , they had “wings” pinned to their shirt by the flight attendant or the captain himself.
Mom took me any my brother to Pittsburgh international for a guided tour. Seemed odd to go to the airport when we were not meeting dad at the gate or flying somewhere (in our Sunday best) . We saw how the airport operated. Had a lunch there, watched planes in the observation deck. And went home with a swag bag.
I was at Ohare in the 60s when I was in the Navy and had to take off from there. I went to the observation area and enjoyed watching the planes takeoff and land while I was waiting for my flight.
My wife and I were traveling with another couple on a KLM flight from Amsterdam to JFK in 1984. My wife and our friend wanted to see the cockpit and the flight attendant gladly obliged. They were taken to the cockpit where our friend took a photo of her antique Jack Tar teddy bear in the pilot's seat.
I was just saying that. They really made flying fun for kids back then!
Still have my wings and certificate from my first American Airlines flight in 1963. Had a captain’s hat but lost it. Going into the cockpit during flight was awesome. Even today when I get the chance to fly on our corporate jet I enjoy going up front to talk with the pilots.
@@kjquinn7856 Jack Tar teddy bear, hopefully all RACISTS, like you, will never fly again
I remember back in 1991 going to Tampa international airport and I remember rushing around while waiting for my mom's flight to come in to get a bunch of quarters so I could watch the Minnesota twins during the world series and I also wanted to see if I could see my mom and stepdad on tv. The airport had tvs like the ones in the video in the terminal. Like someone said earlier I miss being able to either greet them at the gate or say good bye there.
1991 was the last time I was on a plane.
TIA is one of the very best US airports in spite of the degenerating services in air travel. At one time you could walk down to gate areas to see family off: today, from arrival to gate is a process. TIA has the best bunch of TSA people I have come across in the US.
In the 1960s and 1970s pilots would often allow children into the cockpit before departure and sometimes even while in flight. That was so exciting for me as a child! Those days are long gone.
But dog that had consequences - like plane crashes. It’s well known these happened - thank heavens infrequently - but it did happen.
It still happened in the 80s and 90s...
Did you get asked if you liked movies about gladiators?
@@grayrabbit2211 yeah I guess that was pre 9/11
@@samuelattas3864 My experience was, but some non-US airlines will still let kids see the cockpits.
As a kid in the 70s, I loved to go to the airport to meet arriving family members. I would try to visit each airline ticket counter to pick up their paperback flight schedules. I would read through them for hours dreaming of all the different destinations to visit.
Great video! Thank you for the memories 😊
I did the same thing!
Mid-Seventies, it Was a BIG DEAL when my Grand-Parents went BACK to Italy for the FIRST Time since they emigrated to America. The ENTIRE Family went to see them off and I KNOW that BOTH my Grand-Father and Grand-Mother were Dressed Up.
Thanks for your AMAZING Videos... Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays.
Great video! I also remember as a kid you could get playing cards, plastic pilot wings, slippers and magazines on the plane. The movies were actually shown using projectors in the ceiling onto 3 or 4 screens. There would also be times when flights were stacked up over larger cities (like NY) where you had to circle around and wait for a landing slot. Thankfully, that doesn't happen much, if at all anymore.
I remember the slippers. Wow.
I loved being able to sit with them before they had to get on the plane and then watch it take off.
Was quite insistent on my family meeting me at the gate on arrival and have fun memories of seeing off family and friends.
We can still do that in Australia and be at the gate when they arrive (domestic only). Of course you have to go through the same security checks at the start at the airside pier. But it’s not just restricted to passengers.
@@xr6lad I just miss, the REAL times, when boys, were REALLY boys, and girls were REALLY girls, and there was no confusion, or mental illness, when it came to using public bathrooms
I used to love when I would fly home from college for Thanksgiving and my mom and dad would be meeting me at the gate. Even though my mom embarrassed me with her loud yell , I still remember this fondly. LOL
I just go get a gate pass from the airline, and I am able to sit with my loved ones before they get on the airplane.
Recently saw a group of flight attendants for Emirates Airlines - they were stunning in their outfits!
Simply put flying use to be fun. Now it's so stressful.
I feel like passengers are treated like cattle now.
That's what fly private now. Much more civilised. Just about the same cost for many trips.
I couldn't agree with you more. That's why I have TSA precheck.
I feel the same way, flying used to be a treat. They served proper food on airplanes and usually offered free alcohol and planes were more spacious. Mind you, some of the excitement was the novelty but flying now is a drudgery
@@RICHM7BV7 Private > Global Entry > TSA Precheck
As a child in the late 60's, our class took a field trip to the airport. Not only did they let us all get onto a passenger jet, they had us buckle up & the pilot started up the engine and taxied us around the entire airport before returning us to the gate!
What year was it, what airport and what airline?
To bad they did not charter a quick flight
What happened to the shoe shine stands? Every airport used to have them.
They’re still around.
Went out of business - nobody shines sneakers, crocs, or fuzzy slippers.
I SAW ONE LAST YEAR IN LAS VEGAS
@@HariSeldon913 I had my favorites at a few local airports. Cowboy Young in Hollywood and Leo in Oakland. Wax shines are the best. I still wear and respect all leather shoes.
Gone the way of flight insurance vending machines, arcades & duty-free shops.
One thing I haven't seen in a while at airports are those 25c lockers. You'd put your belongings in the locker so you didn't have to carry them around with you while you were shopping or eating there, insert a quarter and turn & pull out the key. When you were done, you simply went back to your locker, insert and turn the key and retrieve your belongings.
no longer allowed...bomb danger 😥😮
These lockers still exist at train stations. They are much more expensive than 25 cents though (converted around 5 $). Some work without keys (paid with a credit card, open with an App and QR code)
Flying used to be fun...those days are long gone.
I remember taking my Mother to Dulles airport in 80s & early 90s. She would fly to Germany every year.
We would have a great sitdown lunch in a nice restaurant, we could see the planes taking off at a window seat. I was able to say goodbye right at the boarding gate. Could even ride that bumpy shuttle over to the boarding areas with her. It was always a pleasant experience. Glad we had those times together.
Now its say goodbye at the checkin counter & maybe grab a cinnabon!
To be honest, I miss all of those things (esp smoking when it was safe to do so after take off because I was a nervous flyer) but what I REALLY REALLY miss is how polite people were. Whether you were working the flight or you were a passenger, most people kept their anger, bad manners and over entitled attitudes at home. The only jerks you had to watch out for were the drunks. Oh and also getting your wings after visiting the cockpit and seeing out the front window - now that was a beautiful sight.
I can honestly say that I have never had problems with staff or other passengers anytime I have flown. Maybe I am the exception but I have flown all over the world.
Poor Charles, I feel sorry for you. How do you stand anyone else at all?
Your drug addiction forced others to breathe that disgusting smoke. Hope you're proud of yourself.
@@marksuddjian4570 That's one of the goof things about these days.
@@DNSKansas I used to smoke and spent 13 hours on monthly flights to Hong Kong from Seattle. The business class smoking section of 747s was isolated and we had a great time. We used to laugh at the miserable people in the other sections. But that was 35 years ago and smoking sections on planes was the norm. The disgusting thing is applying today's morals to historical activities and beliefs. You sound like one of the miserable people who were seated in the other sections.
I flew UNITED, LA to Denver in 2000 and the attendants walked the aisles and spoke to each passenger.....very nice.
If you were a kid, you used to be able to go into the cockpit and the pilots would show you all the gadgets and gauges. The cockpit doors would also be left open. Not anymore.
My friend's kid has been to cockpit of Air France planes few times in the last decade. They have a close friend as a flight attendant, who would call a captain (if she knows him) in advance, and then they will be invited to the cockpit during the flight. Including on long international flight, Airbus A380, etc.
Yes I got to go up a couple times as a kid! Super Big Deal 😊
yh but not anymore thanx to 9/11
@@luisx000dontfindme Don't blame 9/11...rather the knee-jerk response.
@@grayrabbit2211 Nothing knee jerk about it. The only reason it hasn't happened again is because of security measures like locked cockpit doors.
In the mid 60's, living in NM I took my daughter to see an eye specialist in Phoenix. The plane was a small prop jet with no air pressure control, so we were given chewing gum and paper cups to deal with the ear pain.
In 1974, traveling from St. Joe, MO to El Paso, the airline lost record of the last leg of my reservation so I arrived in Dallas without a way to get further. A handsome agent complete with the uniform and hat was standing at a podium in the terminal watching for bewildered passengers like me. I don't have a reservation anymore, I told him. He clicked a few keys, handed me a ticket and with a benevolent smile said, well you do now. That's service!
So happy you mentioned how people were dressed. Today, there are some who are almost indecent.
Loved the video. Flying was not only a special occasion, but relatively expensive.
Spot the Borg Cat I am old enough to remember men wearing suits and women wearing dresses on flights being the norm. I have flown on flights with people wearing a sleeveless t-shirt, shorts, and flip flops. Who needs their sweaty a$$ skin touching the seat.
What if we can change all that for the better?
@@reneastle8447 We can. I dress better than I normally would when I fly. I was told you have a better chance at being bumped up a class is you dress the part. Only happened once so far. But do notice I get treated wish a little more respect.
I don't mind sweatshirt and jeans
But sorry peeps I don't want to see your back cheeks or your girls And men those sleeveless t shirts . It would not hurt to put on a shirt . My my five cents.
@@2009cochinos That's good to know, modesty is a virtue.
If only we could walk through this video back in time
Great vlog! There are two things I remember. Shoe shine stands and the pageing of people to pick up red curtesy phone and press 9. lol!
I remember all this...but I'm 76. I remember having to wait about 2 days for the heater to warm up the water bed mattress when you first filled it up. If not it was like sleeping on a block of ice. Then for the first couple of weeks you had to "burp" the bed to get the air out so it would not slosh when turning over in bed. To burp it you took all the sleets off the bed, then you opened the filler cap located on one upper corner of the water bed mattress. Now you took a broom and placed the handle sideways across the top of the mattress and slowly pushed the air bubble(s) from the foot of the bed toward the filler cap spout quickly closing the cap when the air bubbles we expelled. About ever 6 months you had to add an algaecide to the water and you made sure you bought the emergency mattress liner that would catch the water in case you sprung a leak. Fun times!
I'd need a nap after all that bed maintenance!
Years ago I took a flight from Houston to Panama as in Central America Panama. Not only could you smoke but there were live chickens mostly in cages on that flight. Yes live chickens in with the passengers. Some got loose and it made for an interesting trip.
Very well done. Reminded the mechanical flip-clock like flight boards As flight information was updated you would hear the clicking and clacking of the numbers as they changed. I loved those!
I remember 1980's and 90's flying overseas while in the Army, and the Stewardess would offer you a hot towel to kinda cover your face and neck ... Man that was such a great feeling after several hour on a flight
Weight savings and labor savings is why no blankets, pillows, magazines and hot towel service on aircraft. Most don't realize how much weight savings eliminating that can save.
They still do this on many international flights.
@@kennixox262 Now you just put what you want in your backpack and carry on and neither gets weighed.
on Asian airlines when I flew in SE Asia you still got meals. You got the warm towel and a newspaper. The flight crew were young attractive women dressed nice, I found Asian Airlines had much better service not so much like a bus that are US airlines.
What I miss most is people dressing up to travel. But hey, be the change you wish to see.
Be the one to dress up if others won’t. Perhaps others will feel inspired to do the same.
Seeing this made me think of all the great airlines that I would fly with my parents before they all went belly up after deregulation. Eastern, AirCal, TWA, and PSA all had marvelous service and were fun to fly!
And of course, PanAm.
You forgot Mohawk, braniff, piedmont, and Pan-American. In 85 I flew on empire from Syracuse to Baltimore in a metro. We had to walk out to the ✈, and climb in. The ground crew made sure that you got on the right ✈.
Didn’t PSA become Southwest? We used to fly unaccompanied to visit Granny on PSA when we were 4 or 5 years
@@karenvonbargen4472 PSA was purchased by USAir, which merged with America West, which eventually became part of American Airlines.
@@MaxPower-11 you forgot piedmont. With that they got Charlotte as a hub. In 1972 Allegany bought Mohawk. Became us air in 1978.
I remember flying in the late 70's. Being a kid and getting to go up to the cockpit and getting little wings to pin on my coat. I once got a miniature captains hat. I loved it!
Dulles Airport opened in late 1962. For boarding, mobile lounges were used to transport passengers between the terminal to their respective planes. A mobile lounge was a type of bus with two doors, one at each end. The drivers has two sets of controls including two steering wheels inside two booths. The driver would operate the lounge from the booth that faced the direction of movement. One end would line up with the terminal port specialty designed for their parking and the opposite end would have a ramp to connect with the plane's passenger door. Interior was very comfortable having plush seats and carpeting. Travel time was about six to ten minutes between plane and terminal. These are now gone.
Actually, the mobile lounges are still very much in existence at IAD and serve Concourse D for international flights. For the ones that they have, they're thinking of converting into electric lounges.
Worked at KIAD for 32 years.. the airport manager once told me that the mobile lounges will never be retired due to there ability to contain and transport passengers . It only take 4 to 6 for a wide body ..
Flew Pan Am in the 60's and got a free blue travel bag with PanAM on it.
This would be a sought after collectors item now!
I haven't seen these in a while, Skycaps. Back in the day, you could show up outside the terminal and airline baggage handlers would be there to take your bags if you had a ticket. Now you have to typically go inside the terminal and check your bag in at a kiosk.
Instead of the Krishnas, we always seemed to run into the Moonies trying to give you a flower and get some money off you. So obnoxious! The thing I miss most is airplane seats that didn't have your knees up under your chin and your face pressed against the back of the seat in front of you! I swear it's like a can of sardines now.
They try to pack 'em as tight as possible to squeeze the last dime out of the cabin space!
I would say at all airports avoid strangers approaching and trying to make small talk. Many hustlers around , especially controlled substance couriers.
Yes. The moonies! Rev Sung Young Moon. Those were the ones I ran into most.
I told the Moonies that I was a devil worshiper and they would scatter. I'm not,but it worked beautifully.
@@mohabatkhanmalak1161 And now I'm afraid to fly because I'll have to be maskless eating shoulder to shoulder with another maskless eater. I've never eaten around another person since before Covid.
@@jananderson672 😂😂😂
🎶 “Fly the friendly skies of United”
🎶”Northwest Orient”- (gong sound effect)-“The fan jet airline”
Growing up in the 50’s and 60’s we always dressed up in public. My Dad finally stopped wearing a dress hat around 1964 figuring if Kennedy got away with it, he could too.
Even as kids we wore dress pants and button down shirts, sis wore dresses. Jeans were reserved for doing chores or outside play in the neighborhood. “Roughhousing” as Dad called it.
Now I see people at the grocery store in what looks like pajamas. We’ve lost our dignity. It was not uncommon for factory workers to change in to nice pants and a sport coat before leaving the plant
The first domestic flight attendants were actually called "Sky Girls." In 1930 Ellen Church convinced Boeing Air Transport or United Air Lines, (BAT, NAT, PAT and Varney Air) to hire single, female, registered nurses to attend to passengers and calm their fear of flying. There were initially eight hired, thus the term the "Original Eight" My Grandfather flew for United in the late 1920's until he and another Pilot were killed on take off in the mid 30's. On board was Sky Girl Cornelia Pederman , one of the "Eights" who survived with only an ankle fracture.
The cabins weren't even pressurized in the 1930s. No wonder they wanted nurses, people were possibly getting airsick.
@@John_Fugazzi They were getting sick, from COVID-61, back in the day, grow a brain
Sounds like flying call girls
@@hounddog946 Wasn't yo grandmom, a Highway Hooker, or a Pavement Princess?
@@hounddog946 In 1971 National Airlines ad campaign featured a young stewardess saying, "I'm Cheryl, fly me."
Flying internationally as a kid in the early to mid 70s, I remember BOAC (now just British Airways) and Qantas Airlines giving kids the chance to meet the pilots, giving us flight pins and recording the air miles in our little log books. I think Northwest Airlines and other domestic carriers had logbooks and pins for child flyers too. I wish I still had mine. I think I still have my Qantas pin from 1975.
Your reference to BOAC reminded me that it is now plain BA. A nasty of past years is the mania to shorten every name. Pan American Airways sounded so much grander than Pan Am.
I was on one of the last Pan Am flights. Very sad.
I traveled by plane a lot in the 1980s. I had a habit of showing up at the gate only two or three minutes before departure...no waiting and usually all of the other passengers were seated so I was always able to get right to my seat.
I miss getting those timetable books when I was a kid. I loved to look at them and seeing where I could fly to when I was older and richer.
Oh look! I can fly to Lima, Peru with just three plane changes and a total of five stops! How exciting! lol
Thank you for sharing this video. And I am a Former Purser Flight Attendant and I have loved life of traveling to see the world.
I'm a Brit, and flying was not as common as it was in the States, but when I was 8 we moved from the country to a house very close to the new and growing Heathrow Airport. I was fascinated, and for every time when I was offered a treat, I opted to visit the airport, to either watch the planes or to have a snack in one of the many food stalls available. It always seemed so exotic. But then all travel was a bit more exotic in the 50s and 60s, I used to have to get myself dressed in my Sunday best even when getting on a train or a long
distance bus to go on holiday. That's why I became a travel agent, for the thrill.
Talking about smoking in the Airport! I remember being able to smoke in a hospital! Except in certain areas! Or in certain rooms that was using oxygen!
Thanks! Great video.
These are all cool. Im 53 and have never flown on a big plane . Kinda wish id had.
Boy that was a blast from the past!
Before the airlines learned how to make money, flying was a magical experience with great food and newspapers distributed to passengers and beautiful young stewardesses treating you as a VIP. Alcohol served practically without limitation was kind of a standard on intercontinental flights. Nobody cared too much about the excess luggage (an additional 5 kg was always kind of negotiable). I remember flying with Swiss Air - the service was just excellent and they served ice cream. Each airline tried to serve some national food to underline its origin and character (not like "chicken or pasta" nowadays). You could get all your cosmetics and drinks aboard and the security control was not a hassle.
What I'm definitely not missing are the paper-based flight tickets that you had to reconfirm before each flight.
I remember traveling to Europe as a teen-ager on an exchange program and having gotten a few tips from a magazine article before packing. Back in the days when the weight limit was 75 pounds - filled that up and then stuffed a whole bunch more down the sleeves of a coat with a sweater inside with the wrists knotted. That coat weighed a ton and was miserable to carry but I got all the stuff I wanted to take on board!
My dad was an airline pilot, so as a kid I was immersed in all those things right from the start. Then in 1966 I became a pilot for United and had a 36 year career. The beginning of my career featured all those things mentioned. At the end flying was no longer special. Today, I want nothing to do with it. I won't go near an airport unless I absolutely have to. I hate it. If I can't get there in my RV or motorcycle, I'm not going!
Could you tell us what was the biggest change? The Government? Culture? or FAA regulations? Or just a general downfall of society? I'd sincerely like to know.
@@spottheborgcat6523 Oh Man! Now you got me started! Short answer, all of the above. Now, the long answer. Flying was special. People dressed in their Sunday go-to-meetins and put on their Sunday manners. It was dignified. The service even in coach was respectable. The meals not great, but adequate, and included in the price of a ticket. There was leg room even in coach. First class was a treat. On longer flights chateaubriand or something equally as special, fresh vegetables, and of course wine or your beverage of choice. That was when I was introduced to and developed a taste for prime rib. Then in 1978 came deregulation. Anyone who could afford to buy a beat up old DC-9 could start an airline. And they did. They crammed in more seats, paid cheap wages, and charged low fares. Flying became affordable for the general public. I said at the time we went after the Greyhound Bus crowd, and we got them! Naturally, the legacy carriers had to compete, so to do that service was cut and more seats stuffed in. Marketing soon discovered that people will book the cheapest fare every time. Then bitch about service and leg room. People who hadn't bathed started showing in sweats, baggy shorts, and flip flops. Then "security" became an issue. Even as a uniformed crew member, I had to pass security. At first, it was pretty much just "show your badge and walk around". Then came 9-11. Now I had to pass through metal detectors, get wanded by some goober. Every airliner cockpit has a stainless steel axe strapped to the bulkhead, but I could no longer carry a pocket knife. I could have my finger nail clippers taken away. Whereas before, anyone could walk into an airport and walk to any gate. It was normal to meet a flight at the gate with friends or family arriving. No longer. Every pilot carried a little brass key which would open the cockpit door of every airplane in the fleet. We could get up, go back to the head, ( blue room ) grab a cup of coffee, chat with the "stews" for a few minutes, then let ourselves back in. That went away. No more cockpit keys. Now, it you need a bathroom break, you have to call a flight attendant to the cockpit to guard the door and then let you back in. Used to be there were no locks on doors in the airport. Now, every door has a coded lock. Have you ever seen a pilot walk up to a door, take off his hat, look inside, then key in the code to open a door? That's because our "FOM" ( Flight Ops Manual ) had a page with the code for every door at every airport, so we would take that page and tape it to the inside of our hats. Now, pilots don't carry an actual flight bag with actual books in it. Everything is on computer, so I assume they have to depend on an agent to let them pass. But I still carried a flight bag when I retired, and one of the hazards was "tailgating". Tailgating was opening a door and holding it for a fellow crew member. That was outlawed. I could be flying with someone I had known for years, but I had to let myself through, then slam the door in his face and he had to enter the code to let himself through. There was always the possibility of some idiot from the FAA standing off to the side just drooling to catch someone tailgating. Then there was random drug testing. I was commuting from SEA to SFO, flying a London trip. I arrived back in SFO at noon and had to boogie from the international terminal to the domestic one to catch my ride home. Not this one time! I was flagged for a drug test! I was directed into a little room to be "tested". Think it did any good to tell the fool that I just came off an 11 hour flight and could have been fall down drunk when I started and be sober now? Not on your life, and it made me miss my ride home. Now to fly, you have to stand in a long security line, pass though metal detectors, hold up your arms, get wanded, have someone pawing through your carry-on, then get herded into a flying metal tube so tight you can barely wiggle, hope you remembered to pack a sandwich in a paper bag. Not for me. I remember when it was good and it makes me very sad.
@@billlawrence1899 Thank you for taking the time to answer so completely. I last flew in 99. However I do have friends who fly. Usually first class. ( what can i say, they're rich) But even in First, there are some amenities that have disappeared, sadly.
I feel that way in the US, flying in much of Asia still isn't too bad. I never fly a US carrier to come home and visit my family. Even the Chinese airlines, China Eastern and China Southern are better than US carriers.
@@billlawrence1899 wow...Looks like the grand plan to divide and conquer (everyone's a potential enemy) is working...The Great Reset.
I remember the tv chairs! Loved them.
I once flew to Berlin/West Germany with PanAm in 1980 and as I was still a little kid and the only kid on this flight, the stewardesses were SOOO nice to me. They handed me a little kid set that would keep me occupied during the flight with crayons, stickers, a coloring book and a plastic PanAm Junior Flyer pin with the wings, like the ones the staff wore, I still have 40 years later. 😁
I have similar memories! My whole family (2 adults and 4 kids!) would fly to France every other summer on Pan Am to visit my grandmother. I remember getting little packets with activities and little games.
i remember those colorful envelopes in which i use to receive tickets. i was so upmarket
I remember my parents dropping me off when I was maybe 10 years old to fly alone to CA. (Early 1970's) Once there I would meet my grandparents at the gate. The coolest thing about flying alone as a kid was that the stewardess would take me to the cockpit before takeoff, and I would get to meet the captain. He would usually give me some little wings to pin on my shirt. It made me feel really important...
Yes right! They still take great care of little kids flying alone, but it’s not the same ha.
Had a 12-year-old (I'm guessing) girl sitting next to me a few years ago. We had a thunderstorm delay and even though she brought something to read and cards and her music, I could tell she was bored. I never engaged her because of the fear of some kind of pedo accusation. Have always been sad about that as I'm sure she would have loved someone to talk to or play cards with.
@@robertd9850 Normal interactions amongst all people is difficult nowadays.
Im not from America nor have ever been, but I still find the history facinating. Its the little everyday things like this that interest me the most.
And us. Nostalgia I suppose. Where do you live?
I'm from America, and I don't recognize it anymore.
Before deregulation in the '80''s it was easy to switch from one airline to another with the same ticket. This was great when flying military standby, getting whatever flight had an available seat. Now there are rarely any standby seats available due to overbooking.
And (mainly) much more sophisticated yield management computer systems.
I remember my Dad coming home from a business trip with decks of playing cards that he got free for the asking on the plane. Quite a treat for us kids.
If you happen to be at Haneda airport in Tokyo, Japan, there is still a observation deck! It’s a beautiful airport with numerous shops and floors that can be accessed by the public
In Europe, most low cost airlines still use portable stairs(or some planes have stairs built in) to keep costs down. But in America that’s not really a thing. But I do wish airlines would give out playing cards again. I have an old deck from eastern airlines from when my grandma worked there
Small airports in the US still use stairs.
Just got off a plane in Burbank CA using the Back stairs.
I flew on a 727 back in the 90's. We got into an airport really late. For some reason the gates were closed. We exited via the rear stairwell. I felt just like D.B. Cooper.
🤣
Grew up just east of LA. My parents would sometimes take us to LAX for lunch at the restaurant in the now defunct tower. Such fun times!
Recollection Road is the GOAT
In 1973 my Spanish class flew to London and then on to Madrid. We flew Pan Am on a beautiful and roomy plane with a huge middle section of seats. The stewardesses were beautiful and the food served was delicious. BOAC served a wonderful British breakfast. The seats were roomy and comfortable and the whole experience is one I'll always remember fondly. I wish Pan Am was still flying.
I flew Pan Am to Hawaii with my parents in the 60s; beautiful flight!
In 1979, I was sent to London by my company (a large oil company). My dad advised me to wear a jacket and tie because I was "an emissary of the company" and should look the part. I was flying on a Friday night, but to my dad, it was important that I (at age 23) project the proper image - no sweats and casual shoes.
Did you also wear a big company logo? How would anyone know what company you worked for. When I see people flying on overnight international flights wearing suits, I think that they are fools.
The first time I bought a plane ticket for myself I was 24 in 1987. I spent a week planning my outfit for the flight and dressed to the nines including heels.
I have to admit this one made me cry a little
Yes, mad me a bit angry. We've gone down, down, down.
True. I enjoyed those events as an adult, and they are gone.
In 1987 I convinced my husband to observe our 25th anniversary by flying to Hawaii. He had never flown and I had only a few times! We got first class tickets. Real luxury then! Filet mignon and free drinks! Even hot moist towels after that wonderful 6:30 dinner! LONG GONE!!
All of my company’s airplanes still have ashtrays in the cockpits. Even our newest airplanes, fresh off the Boeing production line, have cockpit ashtrays. It defies logic that they still install them to this day!
Airports were not crowded like today. No TSA lines. Times were less frantic and people more inclined to be nice to each other. Today, air travel is a nightmare unless you can afford the goodies that go with First Class at very high cost. Today, cabin crews lack the sophistication and bearing of old times.
I finally bit the bullet and started paying for first class on BA between San Diego and Johannesburg in the last couple of years before 2020. Two 10-11 hour flights each way - I finally couldn't take the misery of suffering that in (much degraded) economy anymore plus the long layover at Heathrow. Those first class tickets and first class lounge were worth every single penny. Glad I got to experience that before deciding International travel wasn't worth it anymore in early 2021.
I was very young at the time but as for plane flying ,I remember airlines used to give out tiny travel sized bottles of alcohol for passengers
The huge room between rows of seats you had on the plane .You were able to get up to go to the restrooms , and the person next to you didn't have to get up also to let you out.
If you're near NYC Kennedy Airport, do yourself a favor and go to the TWA hotel and bar . Old time service , sights and sounds 👌 and it's beautiful
@@sandi8596 nice !
I miss the observation deck with the coin operated binoculars. It was great fun to watch the airplanes. You could even call the air lines in advance to find out when certain types would arrive or depart. My brothers and I did that to see one of the earliest flights by a 747 at the old Greater Pittsburgh Airport in the early 70's. I still have beautiful color slides taken on one of these visits.
Loved the observation deck at Pittsburgh International back in the '60s! One day every summer my parents would take me to the airport because I loved the planes so much. It was such a great time!
The video didn't say why those cool observation decks disappeared.
@@bobdavis4848, a combination of security concerns and space that could be used for retail shops or eateries.
@@Chilly_Billy Thanks for the info. I guess society has gotten worse in terms of violence and greed, as someone could have shot at a plane in the 1950s or 1960s too, especially with security more casual than it became after 9/11...and back then the space could've been used for (more) retail shops or eateries, too. I'm a Californian who has been to Japan 27 times and have seen observation decks there.
@Bob Davis, it definitely is a different country from the one in which I grew up. Not for the better, I might add.
Even in the '80s, in Canada, you couldn’t get through security and meet anyone at the gate. I travelled alone when I was a teenager and my parents came to the baggage claim.
There are still observation areas and a bank of pay phones at my nearby international airport. Noticed them when I picked someone up this week.
There was a thick green (?) closed curtain separating first class from coach - no business class existed - coach passengers could NOT go through the curtain to first class and first class passengers certainly didn't want to go into coach. There were magazines tucked in the back of each seatrest + a "Skyline" Magazine that sold gadgets and upscale items + gave info about the different parts of the U.S. - The announcement "Is there a doctor on board?"
Flying was actually fun in the 50's and 60's. My first flight was 1956 when I was just a kid. A flight from Cleveland to Miami on a old prop plane! No jets back then! It was fun!😀
Flying commercial in the late 70s and 80s was always a special event. Today the entire process is dehumanizing. I prefer to drive now, even if it adds a couple travel days to my schedule. Thanks for the pleasant memories in this video.
2:34 Stapleton Airport in Denver installed modernized sit-down payphone cubicles with low, noise canceling walls in them in sets of four in 1967. Remember exchanging "Hellos" with Jackie Gleason sitting in one of those when I was a kid.
I haven't flown since before 9/11. I've never been fond of heights. This was great and I appreciate you sharing times gone by!
Then don’t look up.
@@johnp139 Get lost!
It was so nice when passengers dressed nicely. I was a little girl, but I still remember
I did a lot of flying between LAX and SFO in the 70s and I had it timed perfectly to arrive at the airport a few minutes before the flight, check in at the counter and grab my ticket, hustle to the gate and usually board the plane a minute or two before they closed the door to the plane and we took off! No muss, no fuss! I fly as infrequently as I possibly can these days. That means NEVER!
With PSA, I could arrive at the gate, as they were about to close the door. I would show my credit card, and they let me on the plane. Once in the air, a stewardess, would come with a credit card machine. The kind where it made an imprint of the card on carbon paper, and sell me a ticket. Did it several times.
@@edschulhof6303 I loved PSA's big black nose and smile....and $13 fee SF to LA.
@@kelseymathias3881 Yes, loved the smile! $13 was for a turboprop, Lockheed Electra? And $19 for a 727. I always flew on a 727.
@@edschulhof6303 I don't remember the type of plane...I think it was a jet. But it was quite inexpensive....we'd fly from SF to LA to attend TV show tapings. It was so much fun for a kid.
Yeah, the TSA, all of that 9 11 garbage put a big dent and added hundreds of flies.
My first flight was on TWA at age 9, 1968. We really did put on our “Sunday best”. That day, I wore my Easter dress. My younger brother was 4 and his little suit had shorts (it was so cute). What remember most though was the food. It was a square piece of fried chicken (I was puzzled) but it was delicious. There was corn and mashed potatoes all excellent. I think there was a brownie or cookie for dessert. When we flew back I wanted that chicken again but it wasn’t offered. Whatever it was, was ok. Might have been meatloaf or a hamburger.
I smoked on all my flights until 1992. Thank God we grew up when we did. Life was fun, life was easier. Enjoy this pussified new world green scene...
In the 50's I spent many a Sunday afternoon watching the planes come and go with my grand dad.
My father traveled quite a bit on business when we were kids. We loved going to the airport to wait for his plane to land and then greet him. I loved watching all the planes take off and land. I can remember getting excited as we watched him come down the stairs and walk across the tarmac. Sometimes he’d look up to see if he could find which window we were at. Good memories.
After my older brother got married and had kids, he would go to the airport observation deck whenever he needed time to think. He doesn’t get to think much since 9/11.