Nostalgia for the ‘golden age’ of air travel, marked by luxury, dining etiquette, and formal attire, has sparked online discussions as users compare past and present experiences. Reddit users and travel experts reflect on how flying was once a prestigious, high-cost form of entertainment, with airlines offering fine dining, spacious seating, and well-groomed flight attendants treated like celebrities. Today, air travel is seen as more about efficiency, with cost-cutting measures and fewer amenities dominating the experience.
One such discussion on Reddit in the ‘r/aviation’ forum began when a user asked, ‘So were the airlines of the ‘golden ages’ operating at a massive loss?’ The user pointed out that Pan Am, for example, operated for 64 years (1927-1991), offering comfortable seating, cutlery, and fine dining—amenities that now seem like relics of a bygone era. These services, however, required substantial investment, contributing to the high cost of tickets during that era. Today, with an emphasis on cost-cutting and corporate efficiency, the level of service has dramatically declined.
Travel experts and former flight attendants have voiced their opinions on the transformation. Jacqueline Whitmore, a former flight attendant and Florida-based etiquette expert, recalled how flying in the past was a luxury experience, with passengers dressed in their Sunday best and flight attendants serving real food on real plates. She contrasted this with the current state of air travel, where flying is seen as a necessity rather than a luxury. According to her, many passengers today lack civility and common courtesy, often treating cabin crew as service providers rather than professionals.
Other users on Reddit have shared their experiences of flying in the past. One recalled his first flight at the age of six in 1970, where tickets cost $500 (equivalent to around $2,500 today). He and his family would buy special ‘airplane clothes,’ equivalent to church attire for the occasion. He also reminisced about the steak dinners served on the plane, a practice that is now rare. Another Redditor noted that airlines in the 1950s and 1970s would offer themed flights, with menus matching the occasion and even full ham carved in front of passengers—a highlight of the experience.
Some users attributed the decline in quality and service to aviation regulations and deregulation. One user claimed that the airline deregulation act of the 1970s made travel more accessible but also led to a reduction in the quality of service. Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel expert and author of the blog ‘View From the Wing,’ acknowledged that many people look back on the past through a ‘rose-colored glasses’ lens, but he pointed out that flying is now safer, with long-haul business class offering features like flat beds and privacy doors. He also highlighted modern amenities like in-seat entertainment options, which were not available in the past.
Despite the nostalgia, there is also recognition that air travel has evolved to better suit modern needs. The emphasis today is on efficiency, with budget-conscious travelers prioritizing affordability over luxury. While the golden age of air travel offered a unique blend of service and ambiance, today’s airline industry aims to balance cost-effectiveness with customer satisfaction. As the debate over the best era of air travel continues, the contrast between the past and present serves as a reminder of how far the industry has come—and how far it has changed.