Flyers urged by Sean Duffy to ‘bring back the Golden Age of Travel’
Many travelers love to reminisce about the “golden age” of flying, and this week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy brought that nostalgia back into the spotlight. In a recent video, he encouraged passengers to dress up and show better manners — a nod to the glamorous world of 1958 air travel. But what was flying really like back then?
A Time When Flying Felt Like a Special Event
When Pan Am launched its first Boeing 707 jetliner on October 26, 1958, it wasn’t just a flight — it was a celebration. Passengers walked a red carpet to board, a marching band played, and everyone dressed as if they were heading to a formal event. Women wore heels and pearls, men wore suits and hats, and the overall experience felt exclusive and elegant.
Onboard, travelers enjoyed hot meals served on real china, often crafted by well-known restaurants. Even short flights included full service, newspapers, games like chess, and more space to stretch out.
Comfort That Today’s Travelers Can Only Dream Of
Back then, passengers were given wool blankets, large pillows, and padded eye masks — all complimentary. But by the mid-2000s, many airlines removed free blankets and pillows on domestic flights because cleaning costs were too high.
Aviation historian Shea Oakley explains it honestly: flying today is cheaper and more accessible, which is great, but the glamour of the Jet Age is long gone.
Airplanes Haven’t Changed Much — But the Experience Has
While planes got bigger in the 1970s with the arrival of the iconic Boeing 747, aviation experts say the basic aircraft layout hasn’t changed drastically. What has changed is the space inside the cabin. Seats are now packed tighter, legroom has shrunk to about 31 inches on many flights, and the once-luxurious experience is now focused on fitting in more travelers.
Regulation vs. Today’s Airline Industry
Before the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, everything — from ticket prices to routes to the meals served — was controlled by the Civil Aeronautics Board. Flying was so expensive that only business travelers and wealthy vacationers could afford it.
A one-way Pan Am ticket on its first jet flight cost the modern equivalent of $3,300 in economy and over $5,600 for a premium seat.
Because flights were so costly, planes often flew half-empty. But passengers enjoyed extra legroom, gourmet meals, and even lounges with drinks and social spaces. Some 1970s aircraft even had piano bars.
The Rise of Budget Airlines — And the Loss of Luxury
After deregulation, low-fare airlines like People Express appeared, offering flights as cheap as $19 in the 1980s. Many of these early budget carriers eventually faded out, and today the industry has consolidated into four major players: United, American, Delta, and Southwest. Together, they control 80% of the U.S. air travel market.
This consolidation has left passengers with fewer choices and more fees. The once-complimentary services — luggage, meals, check-ins — were “unbundled,” allowing airlines to charge for nearly everything.
A joke once circulated in the industry:
“If you want to make a small fortune, start with a large one and open an airline.”
But once airlines realized how much money they could make by charging extra fees, profits soared.
Today’s Reality: Affordable but Less Comfortable
Air travel today is significantly cheaper than in the 1960s, but passengers now get less for their money. Seats are smaller, amenities cost extra, and meals are rare on domestic flights.
As author Ganesh Sitaraman points out, comparing a flight from 1958 to a flight today is “not apples to apples.” The price may look better now, but the experience is completely different.
Duffy’s Push for a Return to ‘Decent Behavior’
With a record 31 million Americans expected to fly this Thanksgiving, Sean Duffy is urging people to skip pajamas and slippers at the airport. He wants a return to a more respectful atmosphere — even if the luxury of the past isn’t coming back.
For some, like historian Shea Oakley, dressing up is normal. He still wears a sports coat and slacks on every flight — jeans included.
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