The Golden Age of Flying: how it used to be in the 1950s and '60s!

Welcome aboard a time machine... a journey back to the nostalgic, opulent and glamorous days of Flying during the 1950s and 60's! This is the 2nd episode in our 4 part series looking at how we used to travel back in the day!
Join us as we unveil the allure of this bygone yesteryear, exploring what it was truly like onboard, during the Golden Days of Flying, on an a plane, both before and after the jet age. How airlines were battling the cruise lines for the well heeled traveller. The 1950s and '60s are often regarded as the Golden Age of airlines, offering luxurious seating, gourmet meals, and beaming flight attendants Famous at the time were Panam, TWA and BOAC, putting themselves against the Cruise lines, such as Cunard and their ships the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary.
This is a history documentary of air travel of Flying in the 50s and 60s
Links mentioned in the video:
Our Instagram:
/ ritzytravelguide
Part One of our Vintage Travel Series on KZbin, 'How Cruising Used to be':
• The Golden Age of Crui...
Up until the 1950s there was only one class, First Class, and smoking was only banned from the 1970s!
The 1970s saw the rise of national carriers flying jet aircraft like the Boeing 707 and the Jumbo 747. Most airlines that bought the Boeing 747 in the 70s fitted the upper deck not with seats but with an impressive lounge. We look at that.
The history of flight
Flight attendants
Air hostess We look at in flight catering, onboard lounges, and the way airlines advertised. The original, and magnificent Cunard liners, Including the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary.
Picture yourself stepping onto these magnificent vintage planes, where every detail was meticulously designed to offer the utmost comfort and style.
Our immersive journey will vividly paint the picture of life aboard these glamorous planes. In the 1950s, men were expected to wear a three piece suits for the whole flight and women heels and as many pearl necklaces as they could!
Join us as we uncover the reasons why airlines were partly responsible for the demise of the Ocean Liner.
This video promises an enriching experience for history enthusiasts, travel aficionados, and anyone intrigued by the evolution of luxury airline travel. Dive deep into the past and discover why this form of travelling holds a timeless charm that continues to captivate and inspire.
And of course there was smoking onboard, and lots of drinking at the bar. There was no devices, no screens, no iPads, no Netflix and no music. Passengers had to speak to other passengers, or write a postcard to family and friends about how 'great' the experience was.
Flight attendants, or air hostesses, were just as glam, picked for their looks, and had to keep to a strict weight limit!
Remember to subscribe, like, and share this video to spread the love for the golden age of cruising and to explore more fascinating historical content!
Hi, welcome to Ritzy Travel Guide, my name is Bill, we are here bringing you our latest travel reviews from around the globe! We'll be travelling right around the world on cruise ships, all inclusive resorts, tropical destinations... and the deals of the day.
In this video :
00:00 - Intro
01:25 - Flying in the 50s
05:02 - Dining in the 1950s
06:23 - You can't do this anymore!
08:32 - The Air Hostess
11:40 - Air Safety & Traffic Control
13:21 - The Onboard Lounge
14:25 - Far Flung Travel
16:56 - Adverts of the Day
18:57 - The 60s and 70s
20:48 - Will flying every be the same?
21:23 - What's next?
-------------------------------------------------
Contact us, and FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Email : [e-mail]
/ ritzytravelguide
ABOUT ME:
Hi, my name is Bill! Together with my family we have lived in 5 countries around the world, and spend our life travelling, in both a professional and recreational capacity. The aim of this channel is to give an honest, practical viewpoint, showing exactly what we found, and what tips we may be able to offer. We do not sell vacations, and the objective is to give a fully independent, and real picture. We hope you enjoy the reviews we post. Please do feel free to comment and share. Thank you

[@pilotrtc]

What I find the most fascinating is the lack of overweight people back then.

[@ritzytravelguide]

That's a very striking observation!

[@jeffearle8172]

Part of the reason is they all smoked.

[@angelwingz892]

This is planned filming. They chose not to film fat people.

[@pilotrtc]

@@ritzytravelguide Thank you! I've been noticing that in all videos of people before 1977.

[@pilotrtc]

@@jeffearle8172 ALL of them?

[@silvergirl7810]

You can see why all of us older people are complaining and saying ‘in my days’… because it really was better!

[@xriz1211]

Only certain things, this was one of them.

[@misterg1157]

They wouldn’t be saying it was better if the pilot had taken off as in 3:03! That’s not take-off, that’s a military manoeuvre.

[@JohnDoe-wl9tk]

@@misterg1157😂

[@user-vr5nu4xf4r]

Lmbo not everyone bud 😂

[@suppylarue220]

the past was better in the fog of your memories.

[@davidsandy5917]

I really miss those days. Today flying is not much more than riding a bus with wings.

[@mark3464]

You haven’t flown first class then

[@jennyc1542]

Yes you’re perfectly right. Absolutely nothing to look forward to and don’t talk about what scrap of a tiny cookie or 1oz bag of pretzel they ration out to you. Plus some trips to Belize can cost 400 to 1100 round trip. Yes $1100 and same drabble of a tiny snack!! Disgraceful!!

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

No reason to fly domestic first class. People from the cattle car come-up to first class to use the lav. International first class is definitely worth the extra expense, or just group charter a private jet. Share a small jet with 7-10 other people and the price begins to get close to reasonable. Private planes don’t have groping or stealing TSA employees, and there are NO low-brow, mouth-breathers on a chartered jet. I no longer fly commercial but I keep playing with the idea of buying a plane again, but IFR can really escalate the expense, and VFR greatly limits the days when I can fly. Still, I won’t get on a cattle car with wings. Done with that forever!

[@user-yl3mp7um6k]

@@jennyc1542 Air travel in the 1950s cost more than the average house.

[@MeadowDay]

It’s worse…you can get off a bus when you want.

[@garethpepin6167]

I was very fortunate to have travelled with my parents in the early-mid 60’s, and we would always dress smartly, suits and dresses… and it WAS special !

[@ritzytravelguide]

Very smart indeed!

[@myrawallace7417]

Yes, I remember flying TWA and BOAC dressed up and they fed you those compartment trays with your choice of meat, vegetables, dessert and drinks. You weren’t packed in like sardines in a can to fly and you were comfortable. I wish we could go back to those days, but now it’s called charter planes/private

[@myriam4789]

Lucky you are!😊 ❤❤

[@alicelopez389]

@@myrawallace7417

[@pamelasmith2625]

My husband and I travelled from Toronto, Canada to London, England in 1969. We flew on Wardair. I still have the menu from the flight. It has a copy of a famous painting on the cover. The menu consisted of Shrimp cocktail, Filet Mignon, Sherry trifle, champagne. It was the most amazing experience and the seats were very roomy and comfortable. Nothing like today where we are herded in like cattle and lucky if we get a sandwich. Great video. Thank you❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Pamela, what a great story! I love that you still have the menu, and what a nostalgic 60s meal on offer... love the sound of Shrimp cocktail, steak and sherry trifle!

[@pamelasmith2625]

@@ritzytravelguide I emigrated to Canada from England with a friend at age 19, just meaning to stay for one year then return home. We sailed on The Corinthia (Cunard line) on September 5th, 1965 out of Liverpool. I met a young man, who was in the next cabin to ours, the first day on board and we spent the rest of our voyage together. The food was amazing on board, but it was a very bad crossing of the Atlantic and most of us were sick a lot of the way. We arrived in Montreal, Canada where we lost track of each other. He was immigrating with his family (Mom, Dad and sister) and neither of us had an address to go to. We met up again on the train going from Montreal to Toronto and lost track of each other again. 3 weeks later I went to visit the Immigration Office in Toronto, and he was getting off the elevator as I was getting on. We exchanged addresses. Finally heard from him a week later and we were married 4 months later. He sadly passed away in 2019 after 53 years of marriage. Such a fairytale romance, just meant to be! Just a note on the ship journey. Our cabin was very small with two sets of bunks and a small washroom and a porthole for a window. All the food and drinks were free. We danced every night. The weather was awful most of the way and some days there would be nobody in the dining room as most of us were seasick. A very memorable trip for me though as you can imagine. Thank you for bringing back such good memories.❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

[@ritzytravelguide]

@pamelasmith2625 Pamela, that is such a lovely heart warming story. It was obviously meant, from up high, that you were to meet each other again in Toronto. What were the odds! 53 years. How fabulous. So glad you shared it with us 😊

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

“… It had a copy of a famous painting on the cover. The menu consisted of Shrimp cocktail, Filet Mignon, Sherry trifle, champagne. It was the most amazing experience and the seats were very roomy and comfortable.” Not like today where a shrew is screaming, “NUTS” as you’re dodging a small bag of Planters aimed at your head.

[@xbman1]

Now a days, instant noodles if lucky😂

[@ceciliastepaniak9759]

Loved your video I was a “Stewardess” for United Airlines from 1968 to 2006. I’m so glad I saw some of those golden years of flying our society was so different back then.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Cecilia, lovely to hear from you, and thank you for writing in!

[@radicallyrethinkingrailwaysina]

It wasnt just aviation. Lots of aspects of society had more grace and class. No general panic about getting ahead and cutting everything to the bone to do it.

[@suefrench8721]

You've hit the nail on the head. At 82, I don't see class, good manners, caring people who "work" as a team on neighborly things. Any one my age understands what I'm talking about. I was in Vienna on business and the first thing I noticed was this: Vienna is the last bastion of civilization

[@12567NoYouCannot]

@@suefrench8721 Correct. But it was also a more homogenous Society, like One Race and a Lot LESS Violence. People are a LOT more Rude and Violent these days.

[@lilylittlemonster5]

@@12567NoYouCannot Love your based comment!

[@KayoEll]

No panic about getting ahead because these were the people who were already ahead of everyone else. Their only priority was making sure the riff raff stayed in their place.

[@thriveatworkwithWaqasMalik]

True

[@user-jp9cn9gv1g]

Even flying in the 1990’s was better than flying today.

[@lisalu910]

Yeah, I especially loved the part where there was ONE movie and you could watch it or not. Not like that IFEs we have today where you can watch any of a hundred movies and TV series - or play games on your devices. Yes, that was SO much better.

[@user-jp9cn9gv1g]

@@lisalu910 in the nineties you had more choices than just one movie, but I am not talking about entertainment I am talking about the overall experience of flying in the nineties.

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

Today they now offer a wide variety of entertainment; watch a movie, listen to music, or look up and see wrestling in the aisle, or someone trying to open the cabin door inflight.

[@natalianoe09]

@@lisalu910 hahaha yeah, I especially loved the part where they force all these "air hostess" to exercise to achieve a specific type of body or how these women were practically all white. Yes, that was SO much better.

[@E.K.2003]

@@natalianoe09 Flights weren't consistently canceled, luggage wasn't lost/stolen, food was decent, and included in the fare.

[@buffycat4641]

Worked for American in the 1960s, and always traveled first class. Stewardesses had to adhere to strict weight and grooming requirements. They dressed beautifully, and with class. The passengers also dressed appropriately, as if they were going to a first-class restaurant. No dragging your suitcases onboard either. Luggage was checked which made boarding and deboarding so much quicker and more pleasurable. American had a superb meal service in first-class called the Captain's Table on long-haul flights, it was a real treat. Wish we could go back to these days of true civility.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, thank you so much for those lovely anecdotes and stories. I would really loved to have witnessed the Captains Table. Sounds amazing!

[@davidsandy5917]

United Airlines used to have a really good menu and wine list as well. I used to travel business class "Conosur Class" as United put it. It was basically the same as First Class except the seats wouldn't fold fully flat for sleeping and we didn't have a carving station for dinner or sundaes for dessert.

[@davidsandy5917]

I have a friend who is a stewardess for United Airlines. I have never talked to her about what she was required to do for work, but every job has some specific requirements that we may object to. I know mine does. Nevertheless, she keeps telling me about the places she has been able to visit. Sometimes it is a matter of taking lemons and making lemonade.

[@ddespair]

Well, fortunately, today no one can police your looks for a job. Companies don’t police your looks for travel. We have women pilots and male stewards. We have people of all shapes, sizes and colors. The only people who believe that time was better than this time are white people who never experienced racism, sexism, or a society that placed them second. Today is a much better time to be alive. Plus you can fly to more places than ever. Airlines were late more back in those days and tickets cost more. There were more layovers. There was less leg room. Airline crashes have gone down by over 2,000 accidents a year since those fancy flight 60’s. It’s true, look it up. There was a smaller ratio of flight attendants to passengers in those days. They lost your luggage more. The slightest bad weather could ground everything. Don’t be fooled by publicity photos or that one time you flew as a kid when you couldn’t gauge what was really going on. Travel by plane could be better but it used to be worse.

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

Yes, in some ways it is to be worse, but, overall the experience was much much better.

[@Dave-ro3nj]

My grandmother still gets all dressed up to fly today... and wonders where her paper ticket is. 😄

[@ritzytravelguide]

That's great!

[@Reds3DPrinting]

@@ritzytravelguide well I mean up until like 2-3 year ago paper tickets were still pretty common

[@jessschafer1328]

Paper tickets ARE still available for dinosaurs who don’t have cell phones…

[@user-nb2sn6id4r]

​@@jessschafer1328 love to be a dinosaurus

[@skip031890]

I just took my first plane trip back in March, 2024 and I thought dressing up was the thing to do. I had on a whole suit with a vest and I was shocked when I saw most people walking around in house clothes to put it mildly.

[@louisel.sinniger2057]

For those making comments of over weight VS non-overweight people. I am 72 and I can assure you people were LESS overweight. There weren’t many FAST FOOD places years ago like there are now. Plus we are inundated with fast food commercials every day thru out the day enticing us to eat. And yes, people WERE more active. Only 3 TV stations, no cell phones no computers. Being inside the house was boring so people went out for their activities.

[@janesawyer3495]

Yep, and most families, if they could afford it, only had one car. People walked a lot more.

[@pearlsr1880]

Absolutely agree. Now everyone's on their phones, Facebook or Instagram. Useless generation

[@cynthiamorrow5145]

Add the fact that everything contains sugar now

[@AnneMB955]

And there’s added sugar and seed oils in most products today.

[@bastiaanstapelberg9018]

Mensen uit deze periode hadden nul overgewicht.

[@jamessuter551]

My mom was a stewardess from 1954 to 1959, the year she got married. Met dad on a DC-3. Had my 1st flight in 1961 from Idlewild airport in NYC to Kai Tak in Hong Kong. I was 4 months old. Spent my entire childhood traveling the world as my parents lived all over Asia.

[@ritzytravelguide]

What a fabulous childhood! And that landing into the old Kai Tak airport in Hong Kong was one of the World's best. A thrill seekers dream, swooping in over the rooftops!

[@NDWTI]

Loved landing at Kai Tak.

[@carson3448]

⁠Lived close to Kai Tak and miss the plane bellies, esp the rare Concorde speechless moments. Extremely fun for teenagers.

[@suefrench8721]

I flew into Kai Tak airport before the new airport was in service. Anyone who's flown in there knows why I'm talking about it. Came right between two high-rise buildings where I could tell what was for dinner; seemed we came in a very narrow flight path. Some people were waving out their windows at us. I agree that they needed a new airport. What an experience.!

[@madvriendt7131]

I had my first flight in 1958. You arrived at the airport 30 minutes before departure. You got the most delightful for a meal and drinks and several souvenirs.

[@johnmc3862]

And it was much more expensive and with limited routes. Chicago to Phoenix was $1100plus!

[@Electrodexify]

Funny how people glamorize air flying in the past, yet completely disregarding how expensive flights were back then. Pay a cheap ticket, expect a cheap experience. Airlines are not charity

[@timothy4557]

​@@johnmc3862It kept the riff-raff away.😊

[@SedB101]

@@timothy4557define riff raff

[@madvriendt7131]

It was expensive indeed. But very luxury. The same as travelling on cruiseships 50 years ago and nowadays

[@livingintheforest3963]

People were so polite and they were respectful and appreciated everything. Even people who did not have money worked hard did not expect to have anything that they didn’t deserve and were grateful for everything they had. Whether you were rich or poor, you could count on others being decent and respectful to you. it was such a different world. I was born in 1962.

[@user-yo3vt7ft1p]

So was I!

[@robinbown7060]

You are so right. I was born in 1950 and had lots of flights as a young child in large prop airplanes all the way up to the L1011 and 747’s. Passengers were always dressed up. Happy, calm, polite kind, open. I put another comment further up about the Stewardesses….thanks for your good comment!….Love from the Canadian Rockies!

[@Garethstruelove]

Respectful? Since 1980s? I don’t think so. That’s when it started, time being taken up by self. Then, as the years went by, more and more, nothing mattered, but their own gratification. Now look what we have their permanently stuck through their phones and if it’s not them, it’s legal invaders. They don’t respect anything.

[@Electrodexify]

What can I say elite highly educated very wealthy leads to this proper behavior

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

I believe my first flight was in a constellation. For over a week I was excited to get on the plane. As we started walking toward the plane it got bigger and bigger. We climbed the stairs, and the boarding stopped. Some kid (gee, I wonder who that was) had his arms and legs spread-eagle on the door, and my mom trying to push that poor kid through into the plane. Come to think of it, I was probably that screaming kid I always complain about.

[@patricianolan5053]

Oh my gosh how glamorous and magical not a plastic fork or tracksuit in sight loved it 😂❤

[@lesliehunter1823]

Everything was served on fine bone china with silverware, having made your order from the menu.

[@Electrodexify]

Don't expect bone China with today's cheap tickets

[@tamb7587]

Ha ! Track suit how about pajama pants!

[@patricianolan5053]

@@tamb7587oooh yes

[@harpgal9950]

Track suits cover the body, which is more than far too many people wear now. It's disgusting!

[@sharon9399]

I was a TWA Flight Attendant and it was wonderful to have real inflight service.

[@arsenioseslpodcast3143]

How racist were passengers back than versus today? Lmao

[@patrickgrove7716]

I worked weight/balance (Load Control), ra.mp level under gates C31-33 STL through the 80s. Ioved that job and the people I worked with. I know the ACMs/XCAPS had to wait. But thank y'all for your patience. If you were one of them, maybe you remember the young blonde headed kid.

[@clausstimpfig3803]

Remember our Royal Ambassador Service. Plus Ambassador was very good, too.

[@freelyfarmexploits8854]

I always dress smartly on aeroplane flights, a linen suit, fresh cotton shirt, cravat and brogues, I'm always courteous to cabin crew, on occasions I have been offered upgrades too. I always feel my flying experience is an enhanced one because of this positive mental attitude. Maybe im an oddball but I always feel good and comfortable.

[@CatMom-uw9jl]

I like to wear vintage and vintage-inspired dresses from the 60s (Mad Men rather than flower child), and dress up to fly too, though not as much as I could. Next time I should go for it and add a hat and gloves. Maybe we’ll cross paths in an airport, two people doing our best to “class up the joint.” People really do treat you differently when you dress nicely and are polite and kind.

[@carolFerguson-on5gx]

Oh yes the good ol' days‼️

[@sicplano]

My dad told me a story of how in the late ‘50s he was waiting for an outgoing flight to South America from New Orleans. He saw a woman very flustered and angry at the airport diner and he went over to see if she needed help. He paid for her cup of coffee and then proceeded to help her with her lost luggage issue. Dad said she was using some pretty colorful language for a woman of the day. He got her mess sorted through and she turned to him and asked him if he knew who she was. Dad said “no” and she replied back that she was “Elizabeth Taylor”. She was in NOLA for filming. Dad had been working abroad for many years and was out of the loop when it came to Hollywood’s latest films etc. In those days big stars and celebrities often flew in commercial jets with the rest of the public.

[@ritzytravelguide]

What a fabulous story! I can imagine her language may not have been in keeping with the day, Elizabeth Taylor was larger than life!

[@cesaralexis73]

Your dad was Joe Biden

[@user-hl1gb6bo8y]

After all was the mess was cleared, did you Father remember to click a Picture (now Selfie) with Elizabeth Taylor ?

[@conradgaarder2789]

She must have been filming “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”

[@thriveatworkwithWaqasMalik]

​@@cesaralexis73😂😂😂

[@PollyAlice2000]

I started flying in 1970, and it was really such a pleasant experience! People dressed nicely. The flight attendants (still called “stewardesses”), seemed happy to see you! (Can you imagine that?) Middle class people like me used to save money in order to fly. It was considered a luxury, and part of a vacation, in many cases. The food was delicious, and even dessert and coffee was 5 star! It was fun! Now, it’s a lot cheaper, but a lot more like going somewhere on an overcrowded city bus. Very stressful today.

[@DJ_Kruz]

My mom worked for TWA for many years as a hostess then chef/cook. Her & the cook crew where able to bring home any & all of the fantastic unused food leftover from the flights as the food was not transferred between planes. They would donate some to the homeless people that hung around the TWA kitchen building & of course we ate at home like kings/queens for years, the Petit Fours were abundant, boy do I miss those days !

[@ritzytravelguide]

Well done your Mom! I love that unused food was donated to homeless people. I wonder if the Airlines do that now?

[@barbaraadelman2391]

I'm an old bag who remembers fondly much of what the video portrays. Dressing up, good and plentiful food, lounges on long flights, and, yes, unfortunately, smoking. But it WAS glamorous (and fun!) to fly.

[@ritzytravelguide]

I'm sure you're not an old bag, you sound delightful!

[@mark3464]

Yeah and it cost a freakin fortune. Also no entertainment and very few direct flights

[@visax8550]

Why was smoking unfortunate? That’s great you could smoke!

[@tedoneilclark4710]

And expensive because very few people had the ready buck's back then 🤣

[@sunnyscott4876]

I'm 75 and I can remember when my mom would wear a tweed suit, pearls and heels on every flight ✈️. She would call the airline to ask what movie was going to be shown, what meals would be served and whether or not it would be a jet (707) or a noisy prop plane. She was a smart lady scientist and executive so she traveled a lot.

[@h5mind373]

Even as late as the 1990s I still enjoyed flying. I usually flew AA for work, and as my region was from Mexico all the way to Argentina and Chile, I was on a lot of long flights. Everyone from the gate staff to the crew knew me by name. I flew a million miles on AA alone, and with the flyer miles was able to gift my Dad a huge multi-country trip all over Asia and the Far East. Now flights are more like the movie 'Con Air'.

[@ritzytravelguide]

What a fabulous gift to your Dad!

[@BamaCyn]

That's true and most dress like those pics you see "people of Walmart.

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

Haha so true about the Con Air reference!

[@banibatbout]

My mom took her first flight from Morocco to Paris in 78 and she dressed her best and enjoyed every bit of it. She still to this date advise me to look better on flights days 😊❤

[@ritzytravelguide]

Well done Mom!

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

Dang! I’m getting so old I remember when the passengers were skinny and the chairs were fat!

[@ritzytravelguide]

🤣 Your comments are hysterical!

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

🤣🤣Thanks! As I go through my day I try to spread a little joy by remembering the clowns’ creed; “A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer, Down your pants!”

[@6360carolyn]

I have a photo of my mother, my brother and myself arriving at the airport after an overseas flight from Scotland to Toronto back in 1950. My mother has her hat on and is high heels. I was six at the time. I remember we were deaf at the time because of the roaring of the plane and that lasted for days.

[@ritzytravelguide]

I can just imagine your mother, immaculately dressed! The roar of those engines back in the day, you forget about how loud they were in comparison to today!

[@TheFULLMETALCHEF]

My dad was in management for National Airlines and used to travel several times a year growing up. It WAS kind of elegant to fly and absolutely nothing like today. The food was fantastic and booze flowed freely. I never witnessed a passenger misbehaving, even if their baggage was missing after landing, it would get to them usually within 8-12 hours. Things started to fall apart after deregulation and bigger planes and cheaper seats, but up to about 20 years ago people behaved themselves with a few exceptions. Now people think it’s a right, not a privilege.

[@siphotheguy1870]

They let kids drink booz on the flight?

[@ritzytravelguide]

@siphotheguy1870 I don't believe so. Certainly I never recall seeing it

[@youknow1514]

The narrators voice on this video from the 60's is so interesting full of emotion that it makes you want to hear what he says the entire video not like my teachers who put me to sleep as soon as they started talking.

[@ritzytravelguide]

😂

[@williamj.dovejr.8613]

Good God, I was born too late for all of this...we need an airline like this now!

[@carolFerguson-on5gx]

Fly DELTA was my good experience ❣️

[@coashddjj294]

I took my first flight in 1974, and I can tell you that what I got in Economy back then is more than I get today in First Class.

[@michaelmeyers3664]

Flying is like getting on a Greyhound bus in slum city Chicago!!!

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

“… Flying is like getting on a Greyhound bus in slum city Chicago!!!” …but without the class & style. 🤣

[@michaelmeyers3664]

@@maxwellspeedwell2585 That is correct!

[@blackbeardsdaughter2613]

Greyhound bus travel was MUCH better in the day. My Dad was a Greyhound bus driver in the 1960s. The drivers wore proper uniforms and had pride in their work.

[@hewitc]

Yes but if you were around in the 1960's you would not have flown at all. You would have taken the Greyhound bus, or train.

[@roytee3127]

That's because you won't pay for a first-class ticket. The people have spoken - they prefer low fares over good service, and the airlines oblige.

[@user-rf5ig5bx2q]

The peaceful days of flying. No strip searches and no shoe bombers

[@averagebodybuilder]

You mean no government interference or government deception

[@cokesquirrel]

During the 50s and 60s You can still carry a loaded pistol onto the plane. I remember my dad telling me that A lot of times if he and his friends were going to a pistol match they would just bring their pistols on board Rather than worry about them getting lost or damaged

[@jenniferdunn3560]

My father and I flew to London from Dublin in 1960. I was so excited. The air hostesses were glamorous and we were served a lovely meal during the flight.

[@BosaBogans]

In my former life I was a Pan Am Stewardess. I LOVE your video! I truly am in the wrong time era! I wish they would run a flight but have it all like it was in the 1950s. I would love it! ❤❤

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, great to hear from you and that you were a former Pan Am Stewardess. Were there still comportment classes for your training, or were you much after that? Did you get a 'Mr Tipsy' on your flights?!

[@johnkeating362]

I was fortunate enough to catch the tail end of luxurious travel in 1971. In 1970, my folks gave me a choice, we could have an in ground swimming pool installed, or spend the summer in California. My grade school friends were disappointed when I chose the trip. Of course they were hoping for summer long pool parties at my house, I wanted to see my mother’s sister and my 5 cousins who had moved to California a few years before. When my parents went to their travel agent to plan our trip, I begged them to find out if we could fly on a new 747. I was disappointed when they returned telling me the airport in SanDiego was too small and we’d be flying an AA 707 to California with a stop in Chicago. I was more than excited for my first flight. The last day of school in 1971 came quickly and I was released early that day to drive to DTW and start our summer. I arrived home at lunch time, all of our luggage, 100 some pieces (just kidding) was already waiting at the front door. My mother was smoking nervously. My dad was waiting for my grandpa who was driving us to MetroAirport. My mom had lunch waiting for me, and soon after my grandpa’s Lincoln pulled up to our house. I’d only been to the airport once and arriving as a passenger was exciting. My dad bought me a vinyl American Airlines shoulder bag for my comic books when we checked in. Soon enough we were boarding, grandpa stayed at the gate to wave goodbye. It seemed like forever until we took off, as we lifted off, it happened…………. I barfed in the little bag my mom showed me as we sat down. After that I don’t remember too much of the flight, except when they were serving dinner and I thought I’d barf again. I fell asleep and soon, my mother was waking me to say we were almost there. I could see San Diego all lit up as we landed. As we left the plane, I was surprised to walk out onto stairs. The aroma of jet fuel was heavy in the air. My aunt and uncle were waiting at the gate, I was so happy to see them, it had been a few years. I fell asleep on the ride back to their home. In the morning I remember all 5 of my cousins sneaking into where I was sleeping to look at me. The summer was one sight after another to see. Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, Tijuana, we were always on the go. The beginning of August, my dad’s vacation time was ending, and he flew home alone to start work again. My mom and I stayed until it was almost September. It seemed like she was sending non stop boxes back home of everything we bought while in California. She had even started shopping for back to school clothes for me. It was time for our vacation to end and my mom packed our luggage. I was sad to leave my cousins, but anxious to get back home. The day came and my uncle packed all our luggage into his car and drove us to the airport. He took a few “short cuts” and we almost missed our flight. My mom was so nervous because instead of Chicago, we were changing planes at LAX. We were taken to our gate by an American Airlines golf cart. We checked in and were ushered out the door. The stairs were being driven back to the plane. The door opened and we rushed onboard. The flight was full and we couldn’t sit together. 20 minutes later we were landing at LAX. My mom was nervous as we made our way through the terminal. We found our gate, then found the rest rooms. My mom checked in at the counter and we waited for our flight to arrive. As we sat, she told me she and my dad had a surprise for me. I was curious what it was, she told me she’d tell me in a few minutes. We were facing the windows, suddenly a shiny AA 747 turned into our gate. I looked at her in disbelief, she asked if I was surprised. I couldn’t answer because of shock. She told me after dad arrived back home, he had their travel agent work out the details. Of course it cost more money. It was time to board. I recall there were different color ramps for first class, tourist and economy. We found our seats and I thought “this thing is never going to get off the ground”. It did, a stewardess came by with an AA Richie Rich comic book and plastic wings for me. My mom asked if I could see the upper deck. Sorry, but it’s for first class only. She told us there was a lounge in the rear of the plane for us if we wanted to see that. After lunch, I had to use the rest room. I walked back what seemed like a mile, I went through a partition and couldn’t believe what I saw. The same lounge shown on this video at 14:24 with the caption “You Won’t Believe You’re On An Airplane” was there. The same club chairs and chrome lamps, and a bartender standing at the bar making drinks. I rushed back to my mom to tell her. She didn’t believe me until I made her come back with me. She was just as surprised. The bartender invited us to sit and asked what we’d like to drink. My mom and I sat for a Coke and a cocktail, looking out the window at the Grand Canyon. When we landed, my dad was at the gate waiting. He was smiling so big, asking me “well! How was it?”. I told him it was the best part of the whole trip. He answered, “you mean I could have saved all that money this summer and just paid for the flight?” It was a wonderful summer, the best trip my folks and I ever went on.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi John, what a fascinating insight to your flying in 1971. Thank you so much for sharing that summer trip you took. I can fully imagine how you felt

[@truejaneysue8269]

You should write a book 😁❤

[@MackLee23]

You are a talented writer! As I was reading, I could picture everything you described. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@Signs9]

Great story! I loved it! My first time flying was in 1967 with my family from Philadelphia to Miami. The second was going with a a friend (I was in high school then) in 1970 flying to visit another friend who had moved to Memphis. We had such a fun time!

[@coburgkid]

Wow! Great story! I avoid reading long comments but your words reeled me in immediately. I thoroughly enjoyed reading every word of your story! You should become an author.

[@amtg5604]

I remember flying international in the late ‘70’s as a child and my mom dressing me in my Sunday best dresses. Also, the free stuff we got as kids late70’s and early 80’s in the plane, coloring books, puzzles, stuffies and candies and special kids meals.

[@user-bp4dz5fx8u]

I travelled in Air India in 90’s even back then the Food was so awesome with the Fine China and silverware . The menu was designed by Five Star Hotel Chefs and was served beautifully. Even surprise Gift packs small choclates and Amenites were distributed to Passengers so elegantly ..miss those early days

[@ritzytravelguide]

Sounds fabulous

[@AshleySpeaks09]

It’s because of your Golden Age cruise video I splurged on some nice clothes for my first cruise in Nov. it’s not the fanciest cruise line but I still want to look my best. I feel like it elevates the experience and when you look good you feel good.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Ashley, you are so right about dressing up and feeling good! Love that attitude! Apologies if I asked you before, but remind me where you are cruising in November?

[@susankara7520]

Ashley, bon voyage. You will probably be best dressed cruiser on board! I believe that if you show respect for the venue, gracious customer service usually follows ⚓️

[@webwhisper2701]

yes, agree - it elevates one’s experience when you feel good about your public appearance … showing some self-respect and consideration for both males and females … also, when attending the opera or a show … I always dress for the occasion because it’s a special event - not in shorts, flops or jeans! - so low of people … sorry to say

[@skip031890]

​@@webwhisper2701 I agree.

[@michellelogreco3351]

Love this!! I always dress for flights, I get lots of compliments! Most people have in pajamas and “ cleaning out the garage “ clothes, sadly!

[@ritzytravelguide]

'Cleaning out the garage clothes'. 😂'

[@dangitjacques5133]

Honestly with how gross the airport and planes are (at least feel) I wouldn’t want to wear my nice clothes. Couple of times I’ve had to sleep in the airport and was glad to be wearing comfortable clothes

[@marywebb9127]

​@@dangitjacques5133🤦🏽‍♀️

[@CatMom-uw9jl]

So do I! I wear vintage a lot, and love spotting other people in the wild bucking the athleisure trend.

[@Emcedric64]

I'm sixty years old and I have very good memories of flying as a kid. My dad worked 23 years for Aeromexico (former Aeronaves de Mexico). I have vague memories of flying in a DC-6, they stopped working in 1968. As a kid and living in Merida Yucatan, I remember my dad talking somebody on the phone (I was in his office) and let them know that the Aeronaves de Mexico would be changed to Aeromexico. My dream job was becoming a flight attendant but I never made it. Mexico has a lot of corruption and even though my dad helped me all the could it didn't happened. I remember flying from Merida to Miami in Pan Am 707, me and my brother got metal wings and it was very beautiful experience. When I moved from Mexico to Toronto, Canada where I live since 1998, Canadian Airlines (it doesn't exist anymore) still served breakfast with the choice of fruit or eggs. Those were the good all days.

[@Northernmike100]

CP was an awesome carrier. I was quite saddened, when it merged into AC! 😢

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

My dad was in the Navy after the war. He was stationed in Japan, and would put me in the handlebar basket on his moped, and we would go watch the planes takeoff. I guess it started early with me. Even though I used to teach subsonic, aerodynamics, and knew how planes flew, I’m still fascinated to watch them fly. How can something so big, and so heavy, become airborne? I have the answers, but I can still stand for hours and watch them take-off.

[@engegiger]

I've flown a lot between Zürich, Switzerland and Toronto, Canada, starting in '57. I understand the science behind flying but it still amazes me too how something so huge and heavy can fly. My favorite part of flying is take-offs and landings! The power, WoW! 🥰

[@peterlbaldwin511]

In October of 1956, as a six year old child, I flew with my late mother and eleven year old sister from London to Central Africa, on a B.O.A.C. Lockheed Constellation...Dad was already in Africa, then. I remember my late mother shopping for a " Travelling Outfit". Two piece navy blue suit(jacket and skirt), blue polka dot blouse on white. White straw hat with navy band, white gloves, of course. White handbag and navy and white shoes with a "sensible" heel. Now, even in First Class, some noveau riche wear trainers, torn jeans and stained T shirts...A sad testament to the passing of the "Age of Elegance"...!! ...

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Peter. How lovely you remember all the details from that time, right down to your mother's polka dot blouse and white gloves. What a great story. Travelling to Central Africa in the 50s is absolutely what you would term an 'adventure.' No wonder the memory is still vivid in your mind.

[@peterhines453]

😮😮

[@ariarhart3605]

Wow! Everything seemed so elegant from the Air Hostesses to the posh menus and nice-looking passengers.

[@Crazy-Clown-In-Town]

That’s cuz flying was very expensive then and only the rich could afford it.

[@lisalu910]

Why? Because we weren't PC. Now you can't require anyone to maintain a certain weight like the flight attendants back then. And we don't price out the riff-raff as they did back then, now ANYONE can take a $57 flight on Spirit and people in that socio-economic stratus don't tend to have a whole lot of class and they dress and act accordingly.

[@louise7552]

Ahh, glamour, champagne and after dinner cigarette. Love it.❤❤

[@ritzytravelguide]

It sounds like you're right there!!

[@louise7552]

@@ritzytravelguide Have just subscribed to your channel. Love your content. Thankyou. Louise Australia 🇦🇺

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much, great to have you with us 😊

[@ShevillMathers]

Flew from the UK to Australia in 1968 on a Boeing 707. I still have the superb menus a finely printed work of art with fine artwork describing Australian flora etc. Quite large and probably cost a fortune to print. Flying to Australia back then was a real adventure. Now an octogenarian and having spent the years mainly in Tasmania, it was a wise choice as I see the state my place of birth has become-so sad to see. Greetings from Tasmania Australia 👍😁🇦🇺🦘 I would gladly go back to that era of politeness, respect, women had a waist and looked like a different sex, lack of tattoos and chunks of metal embedded in various places. Lack of unrest and violence on the streets. I guess folks had had enough of the life during and after the war years.

[@BLOXKAFELLARECORDS]

I flew in 1968 in the All Blxk Only section

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hello in lovely Tasmania! Fantastic that you still have menus to this day. I'm sure it was an epic adventure in those days, with those multiple stops to Australia.

[@ShevillMathers]

@@BLOXKAFELLARECORDS That is hard to imagine such was the case back then. I thought we had grown up after the war and colour was not an issue.

[@BLOXKAFELLARECORDS]

@@ShevillMathers I was actually born in 1994. 😂 i was just being funny. But your generation was much more strong and resilient. 💪🏽

[@valeriegood8427]

​@@BLOXKAFELLARECORDSthat's bloody disgusting. I cannot get my head around that attitude of segregation. They were so well dressed with hats and suits men & women yet somehow there was no equality bcos of skin colour. It's plain stupidity that so called intelligent & educated authorities were so blantly stupid about race. 😢

[@RiverDanube]

What a fantastic video. You have made a great presentation. In the early 80s, as tourists to the USA, we were able to purchase a flight package with American Airlines. It cost us about $450 for virtually unlimited travel over two months. What a way to see America. In those days Domestic travel was comfortable with decent sized seats. There was a full meal service equivalent to what you get on international flights. Probably the biggest difference was that not one of our 30 plus flights were either delayed or cancelled. Those were the days.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there. Many thanks for your comments. Wasn't that a great deal for $450. Those were indeed the days!

[@norberteng9496]

Thanks Bill for another entertaining video. I remember I was in suit and tie flying in the early 70’s, and we had real silverware for lunch and dinner.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Fantastic memories!

[@PhetogoNoore]

I used to be a flight attendant and the crew back then looked so stylish and joyful. So beautiful ❤

[@Jpkjr52]

Flying from Chicago to Miami in the early sixties was extremely pleasant.Now just like a a Greyhound bus

[@davidsandy5917]

You are right.

[@mark3464]

Fly first class then

[@Jpkjr52]

I do

[@ocsrc]

The airlines used to own their planes, 2 seats with wide seats and plenty of leg room. No security, very quick and on time. Excellent food included. And they made lots of money. Now, 3/4 of flights are " delayed " aka cancelled. I still remember walking in the airport with 4 bags, and buying a ticket at the counter. They checked the bags, no extra costs. And I walked right out the door up to the plane and up the stairs and no security. I could get there 5 minutes before the flight and they got me on. Flying now is a bus packed in with the maximum number of people. They fly over 100% weight on most flights I stopped flying 10 years ago and I will never fly again

[@user-yl3mp7um6k]

Tickets cost more than the average house.

[@jonathanbaxter2895]

Excellent I remember dressing up to fly back in the 60s

[@ritzytravelguide]

Great memories!

[@mark3464]

You can still dress up to fly today if you want

[@sunnyscott4876]

I still dress nicely to fly. Why not?

[@Ulsadfqwernvic2]

dressing up is not comfortable, especially in the airplane.

[@sunnyscott4876]

@Ulsadfqwernvic2 You can look nice and still be comfortable. You don't have to look like you just rolled out of bed. It's not that hard. I was on a flight a couple of days ago, and I will be flying back in two days. I will be dressed appropriately and comfortably.

[@jeffearle8172]

I flew first class with my mom to Hawaii in 1970 to visit my sister who lived there. We flew Continental airlines over and Pam Am back in the new 747s. As I remember it was a fantastic experience and I did enjoy the upstairs lounge both times.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Please do post any photos you have of your experience in the lounge from the 70s. Would be fascinating to see!

[@rongendron8705]

I worked at JFK in 1970, filling the galleys with food, when one of the first 747 came in at night! When I first saw it, I couldn't believe that this behemoth could get into the air! A month later, on my honeymoon, I took my first flight, to Miami, on a 707! It wasn't as luxurious & wished it could have been on the 747!

[@ritzytravelguide]

@rongendron8705 Great memories! You're absolutely right, the 747 looked huge on first sight!

[@jeffearle8172]

@@ritzytravelguide unfortunately there are no photos of that experience as we didn’t take pictures in those days as readily as we do today. I do remember sitting in the lounge with an older man who introduced himself as retired general Isaac Davis White. He had fought with George Patton‘s Third Army in Europe. I was 11 years old and a World War II buff. It was quite an experience. My mother, on the other hand, was more interested in visiting with the famed vocalist Kay Starr, who sang with the big bands back in the 40s and 50s. What a rarefied world I was lucky to witness as a young man!

[@ritzytravelguide]

@jeffearle8172 What a way to make an 11 year old boys day... chatting to a General who was with Patton in the army!

[@kurtdanielson993]

Longing for the days of more airline accidents and seemingly no turbulence. I started flying a lot in the mid 80's. Had a few flights where I was so happy to get back down to the ground after being shook up pretty bad in bumpy air.

[@joshuabrown9903]

Nice! I was fascinated to see how traveling was in the 1950s and 1960s. Very different than today.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Very different!

[@user-yl3mp7um6k]

@@ritzytravelguide Ticket cost motor than the average house.

[@noblenotes27]

I enjoy your videos immensely. And I might add I flew in the 1960's in my Air force uniform and received so much respect and politeness from people and the people of the air lines.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Larry, great to hear from you!

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

"A sense of occasion" is sadly lacking in most things today. People don't dress, they barely wash and they rarely interact. I used to love travelling, now it is simply something to be endured, a penance to be paid on the way to where you are going. It's not so long ago that you got gifts, candy, moist towels, newspapers or magazines. They served drinks, snacks, a meal, more drinks and sometimes another round of snacks. Children were inevitably given a set of toys or colouring books and as recently as the early 2000s one airline used to run a raffle on board, collect your prize when you land. I still use the teapot I won as well as a fetching set of table mats and napkin rings. I remember ashtrays in the armrests but you weren't allowed to use them; smokers would walk to the back of the aircraft where the laboratory grade air recirculation filters were located and your smoke didn't travel to the rest of the plane. Honestly I wonder if the business model would still work. What if an airline decided to pamper its passengers again, just a little bit? Would it be doomed to fail?

[@jetteramsey9292]

I do remember that time so much more pleasant!

[@tracypattin3746]

LOVE YOUR CHANNEL! My mom was an "Air Hostess" in 1951-54 for TWA. So many great stories! I love your old school TV as a screen! Very creative. And YOU are a wonderful host.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Tracy, thank you so much! You might almost have seen your Mom in the footage!

[@ruthiemay423]

In the early 1970s, I was in the Army and flew often. The 747 was so smooth and quiet! I never felt the takeoff or landing. In the late 1980s, in the Navy, I flew often, but times were changing. Not as much fun... 😊😊😊

[@carolinaespaillat96]

This is something i wish we bring back, quality service & commodity on airplane ✈️ ❤❤

[@robinbown7060]

Yes! “ We”are still out here. My sister flew with Western Airlines out of California. She was present, polished and completely professional in her Uniform, hairdo, weight,height and …pillbox hat. Perfect, as were the rules for a Stewardess! Coffee and Tea were served in polished silver urns. Dinner always had a choice of entree. .Flying was simply so relaxing….no movie screens just a good book to read and beautiful scenery. Turbulence….what was that -compared to today’s news of such things! Thank you Ritzy Travel Guide for bringing this subject back into view. Love from the Canadian Rockies!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Canadian Rockies!

[@patricialivingston5349]

I remember traveling when I was 12 years old. Flying to Spain from the UK, and it was elegance, lovely polite people, and air stewardesses. China plates, silverware, eating lovely meals. Crystal glasses for one's soda or beverage, and all the drinks looked like champaign. They handed out little sweets on little silver trays for when your ears popped at high altitudes and coming down to land. It was civilized. That was the time to travel. I accompanied my grandmother, and it was a wonderful, graceful experience. People dressed properly. No one looked like an unmade bed, everyone was neat, tidy and courteous!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Yes, remember those little sweets!

[@trueloveingod2691]

Homogeneous culture makes life simpler with less conflict. Flying in the 50’s was an elegant, lofty experience. Great video, thank you.

[@janemoore4395]

7:48 Breakfast in Bed! Wow! I missed out on the good days of flying!

[@ritzytravelguide]

🤣

[@vaslav030547]

The airport and the flight were a really enjoyable part of the holiday. Not the stressful nightmare it is today.

[@ritzytravelguide]

That is often the case, yes!

[@thriveatworkwithWaqasMalik]

I enjoyed it a lot. People in the past were always smiling. That was the richness

[@PeterCombs]

Today it's a cattle car...in the late 50's we flew on a turbo prop to Jamaica with smaller dining tables and seating that was like being in a Diner Booth..the food was great.

[@NDWTI]

Loved flying on 747-200,300 & 400 as a flight attendant.

[@arsenioseslpodcast3143]

How many people were killed on 747s?

[@NDWTI]

@@arsenioseslpodcast3143 This is not the 777's of today

[@wb8ert]

Thanks for the look back. My mother and I flew for the first time in 1979. I was 22 (going on a job interview), and she was 52. We flew first class on an American Airlines Boeing 727 from Columbus, Ohio, to Dallas Fort Worth.

[@bradart7289]

My first flight was in 1959. It was awesome! Today it is similar to riding the subway! Now I drive or take Amtrak!!

[@tedoneilclark4710]

I was taken a back when I saw the hostess tucking the passenger in. Nowadays you would more likely be seen as difficult.🤣

[@ritzytravelguide]

Yes, absolutely right... I'm not sure you are allowed to tuck in passengers anymore!

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

I think they are now duct-taped in.

[@nickytorres662]

It's called harassment or assault, depending how she feels that day 😂

[@nickytorres662]

I call it sexual Harassment 😂

[@purefreedom282]

In 2007 & 2010 I passed through the small airport of Aitutaki island in the cook islands (south Pacific) where i stayed for some time(amazingly beautiful place btw) and there were no security checks and they didn't even see my Id..it was a domestic flight. I said my name , had my passport in hand ready then the guy gave me my boarding pass written by hand and told me here you go. I asked if he wanted to see your passport and he said " no need you told your name and I checked and your name is there I don't think there is another passenger flying with your same last name today" ..I love these airports and this attitude. That's how the world should always be

[@ritzytravelguide]

I love cute little airports like that! About 20 years ago I remember going through Koh Samui in Thailand, where the immigration was a Tiki hut 😊

[@suefrench8721]

The problem is that there are so many liars now that we've learned not to trust people.

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

I used to go to India for work during the 2000s, it was their golden age with a number of private airlines competing for passengers. Fares were low, services were fantastic. One airline sold a coupon book. Say you bought 10 coupons -that meant 10 of you could go on one flight or you could go on 10 flights. It didn't last, they modified it to the person who's name was in the book had to be the one to fly but it was still ridiculously cheap and you could still just show up and board almost any flight if there were seats. Any photo ID would do. I once forgot to bring anything official so I showed them my gym card and that was fine.

[@ritzytravelguide]

@RasheedKhan-he6xx Wow, a coupon book for flights! Why not!

[@joepromedio]

When I was 5 years old it was 1959. We flew from LAX to Chicago. I remember walking out on the tarmac and couldn't take my eyes off the plane. So big and beautiful. I couldn't believe this huge thing was going to fly.

[@davidsandy5917]

I have flown the equivalent of six times around the world. That was during the latter part of the 20th century. These days, I don't want to fly. There doesn't seem to be a good alternative to flying but I no longer fly short routes. If I am not traveling more than 1,000 miles, I don't even consider flying.

[@joanwebster6378]

My first trip to London, pilot announces 7 hr flight time. Guy next to me says, "That's a 7 martini flight." And he made it one!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Ha! Love that story!

[@jennyc1542]

Those people back in the day experienced luxury at its highest level. What a life why can’t an airline today offer that same experience to some of us who’d be willing to pay for it. You would be surprised how many people would. It’d be like a mini airline vacation in the sky. I would jump at the chance! All the older generations who’s got their savings hidden away tucked under their mattresses would say what the heck let me go and enjoy the life as it used to be before I go 8ft under.

[@ritzytravelguide]

I love that attitude! A mini vacation in the sky, paid for by raiding the money under the mattress! Whilst at it, sell off the family silver, the kids and grand kids won't want it anyway... silver is 'so antique, so old fashioned.'

[@tobagobum]

On some airlines now it's called first class in sleeper compartments. You can still get luxury but at a price... 😎

[@jennyc1542]

@@tobagobum Oh thanks for bringing me up to speed I did not know I will check into it nice to be pampered at least a couple times in your life.

[@chopsticksforlegs]

You can. It's called first class

[@stevencasteel6799]

I was lucky enough to get a taste of flying in the late 1960s and early 70s it was so much more enjoyable back then.

[@user-zx6oj7uz8w]

I flew a 747 to Hawaii in 75 and that was the end of a very enjoyable flight. The upper deck was the bar then, at least on United. I flew British Airlines 747 for the last time in 1996 from Heathrow to Africa and went to an empty cold upper deck. I’ve referred to flying now as bus travel in the air, only buses have more leg room and seats are more comfortable!

[@tsf5-productions]

My very first flight was on May 31, 1964. I was a few months from turning 15 years old. My air trip was with one of my uncles to Atlanta from Indianapolis. Eastern Airlines L-188 turbo prop was the plane and we flew "first class". That was, of course, exciting and impressive to me as a young teen! The services for the hour and-a-half flight was neat. The stewardess were beautiful and well trained. Too bad Eastern as well as turbo prop planes aren't used but mostly on the European continent. I loved the sound of them.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Great story, thank you!

[@jamesroberts2115]

In 1959 I flew to England with my mother and brother. He was 13 and I was 6. I remember it well. My mother had on a dress, a hat, white gloves and high heels. My brother was dressed in slacks, a sport coat, a tie and black oxfords, (highly shined, of course). I had on the same rig as my brother but with a bow tie. That's how you and every other passenger dressed to fly in 1959. A Sabena Airlines 707 from NYC's Idlewild airport, now JFK, to Manchester, U.K. Btw, the stewardesses were flat out beautiful.

[@ritzytravelguide]

What a great story, I can really visualise the white gloves, high heels, bow tie, and highly shined Oxfords!

[@TheMrFarkle]

As a wee child, I have vague memories of flying from NYC to London on a TWA Lockheed Constellation that looked sleek and beautiful to me . 1945. We returned in 1949 or 1950 via a cruise ship.

[@ritzytravelguide]

What a fantastic trip. Constellation in one direction, and cruise ship back!

[@paulHx415]

I remember flying from LA to Sydney in 2000 in business class. They served real meals on china with silverware. Then dessert was a selection of cheeses and a bottle of port. That was a good flight.

[@nattashakole6518]

The flight attendant lite up a cigarette for the passenger. So classic

[@ritzytravelguide]

Very 50s!

[@marksuddjian4570]

Nobody lights up my cigarette today. Instead, they fine me for smoking!

[@rishih5121]

What a great video! I’m old enough to remember main screen entertainment & smoking on the jumbo jets. Good times 😉

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks!

[@lnyenhuis3765]

My aunt was a stewardess in the 70's and 80s for Continental Airlines. It was much different back then.

[@ritzytravelguide]

It was indeed!

[@TheHollywood10]

Really superb music scoring/sound design, Bill! The care you’ve put into this video underscores some core midcentury values. Only 90 seconds in, and already in awe of your Ritzy-ness!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much, really kind of you to say. I love that phrases, Ritzy-ness!

[@emmanuelmakolo2888]

Flying was an exciting experience.

[@juanitahardy8583]

I loved flying on Wardair in the 60s.....very classy and great service.

[@ritzytravelguide]

I didn't try Wardair, but would have enjoyed trying it to Canada 🍁

[@gayleford8277]

Loved Wardair- flew it a lot back in the day........also flew so many now defunct airlines....Freddy Laker - CP Air......NordAir......TWA........the memories!

[@jimcollins8097]

My first flight 1957 when i was 7. Southern airways dc3 tail dragger. Dad and i wore coat and tie, lunch was salad, meat and veggies, and desert, real plates, cups, glasses, linnen napkins, About halfway thru the stewardess took me up thru the curtains into the cockpit to meet the pilot and copilot. Back when our country was decent, moral, and relatively safe. The good ole' days indeed.

[@salimalama7506]

I grew up on Pan American flights from Beirut around the world. My first flight with them was when I was three months old. Always excited to fly and I still am. Thank you for the video.

[@ritzytravelguide]

You're welcome 🙂

[@susannahfox7188]

My first flight was in 1960, I was 7 and with my father, mother and 2 brothers, aged 3 and 9 months old. We flew from Detroit to Los Angeles, my father had a new job and we were moving. My baby brother was crying most of the way, but the stewardesses were always smiling and helpful. They even gave my 3 year old brother a pin with a set of wings on it. He was thrilled.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, I'm sure it was so exciting for you as a 7 year old!

[@susannahfox7188]

@@ritzytravelguide I remember my predominant feeling was sadness.....I was leaving my beloved grandmother in Michigan.......😪

[@ritzytravelguide]

@@susannahfox7188 I understand, poor you

[@felixniederhauser7799]

Indeed the experience has changed over time. My first flight was from Zurich to London in the late 60's. Working for an Airline at that time made it possible, as we had a certain number of "free" flights, and others at 10% of the full cost. Upgrade to first class, has been nearly standard, due to my connections. Swissair had a nice advertisement: "Fly First Class, otherwise your inherit will do." Ha, ha, ha. NB: Meanwhile I am 74, and have traveled to 120+ countries. What an experience.

[@ritzytravelguide]

I love thay Swiss Airlines quote!!!

[@engegiger]

@@ritzytravelguide I believe the Swiss used that quote for other things too. 🥰

[@jrtstrategicapital560]

Ahhhh yes! Bringing back fond memories of flying PAN AM routinely from Hong Kong and other south east asia countries for business starting in 1966 ...the stewardesses were all runway models and we were all dressed up ..food was excellent and the seats comfortable like my lazy boy recliner...we could smoke and drink as we flew..sometimes playing poker up front! being a boomer was great!

[@ritzytravelguide]

I'm assuming you weren't the pilot when you wrote... we could 'drink as we flew the plane?! 🥃

[@patriciahenderson5898]

Oh WOW!! Why couldn't they let well enough alone!! Housing in the 50s was great! The kitchen especially!! I believe that every aspect of life during the 50s was way better than it is now!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@HR-wd6cw]

It's actually a bit interesting when you look at flying back in say the 70's and 80's to now. Fore example, economy wasn't as cramped as it is today, BUT flying back then was somewhat prohibitively expensive whereas these days you can fly from Chicago to say Las Vegas for $50 on some airlines (if you don't mind the very basic economy class experience). That same trip may have cost you a few hundred dollars back 40 years ago, but you may have had a wider seat and more leg room (so basically economy back 40 years ago is more like enhanced economy is today which you usually have to pay extra for, but is probably still cheaper -- when adjusted for inflation -- than it used to be 40 years ago).

[@richardkilgore8922]

WOW last time I flew a flight attendant through a bag of peanuts at me! !😃!

[@tabaxikhajit4541]

The narrator is so cheerful! He reminds me of my grandfather, and that makes me feel like I'm a child travelling with him across country again. Very happy memories! That was the Eighties, but the nostalgia is the same.

[@janicehopwood9528]

I remember my aunt and uncle coming into Heathrow from Canada back in the mid 60's. We all dressed up in our best outfits to welcome them. We lived close to London Airport and I fondly recall trips with my big brother plane spotting off The Queens Building where arriving and departing flights were announced by an awfully nice lady. It started a fascination with flying which remains to this day. As a child I knew all the airlines, their insignia and aircraft types.

[@ritzytravelguide]

The memories come flooding back when you call it London Airport 🙂. Heathrow just doesn't sound nice at all!

[@craftingcat536]

It was expensive to fly and most people couldn’t afford it

[@hewitc]

The average person didn't travel much. Too expensive and little vacation time, if any. Long distances were by train, if you could afford it, otherwise bus. The "golden age" of flying is all about rich people. If you are rich any time is the "golden age".

[@ritzytravelguide]

If you enjoyed this video, please drop a comment in the box!. You can watch Part One of this Series, 'How Cruising Used to Be' here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ2ZfmyqZ5amh7s

[@democracyforall]

Thank you for your vidoes they are amazing, now a days it is wilderbeast experience from going to the airport to board on the plane and to get off ha ha ha.

[@ritzytravelguide]

@democracyforall Glad you enjoy them!

[@annsowers4591]

I was blessed to be a child and a wife of a US Soldier. My dad was stationed in Germany several time as well as my 1st husband. My mom took my sister and me to Germany by ship the first time. I should say we arrived aboard the SS Rotterdam in Amsterdam. My dad was waiting on us. I didn't realize until now, we were on the return side of the maiden voyage of the Grande Dame. I was 9 months old so I have no memory of our trip. After our first voyage we flew all the other times. My mom made sure we had fresh haircuts along with a new dress and shoes. We flew to and from on several different Charters which were bare bones flights. You were lucky if you got a bag of chips with your sandwhich. When I married I flew on Lufthansa to Germany and returned on PanAm. Wow, thanks for the memories. I subscribed and am heading to the first in your series.

[@ritzytravelguide]

@annsowers4591 Hi Ann, lovely to get the message from you, and hear your childhood stories 😊

[@victoriacorcoran1258]

Love, love, love this vid. I was a Travel Agent in the 70's, oh the glory days on the beautiful 747's, upgrades to First Class with all the glam. Looking forward to more from your channel.

[@jblkcns]

We had PanAm and BWIA. I always looked forward to wearing the travel suit my grandmother created along with my frilly ankle socks and gloves. Such an experience.