Nowadays many of us think of flying as second nature as stepping onto a bus or a train, but it hasn’t always been this way. Before budget airlines, flying was expensive and only the rich and famous (known then as the jet-set) were able to afford to take to the skies.
In 1960 around 67 million people flew worldwide. Security procedures were nonexistent, you didn’t have to show ID, and the price of all airfares was regulated. Contrast this with 2010, when 5 billion passengers flew worldwide, with 54% of travellers complaining about long queues at security. Airfares between different airlines are vastly different, so it’s worth comparing those flights to Cyprus, South Africa – or wherever, before committing.
Whilst luxurious Pan Am was the most popular airline in the 1960’s, we are now faced with cheap flight providers such as Ryanair with a very different attitude towards customer service. Pan Am focussed on providing a wonderful experience for their passengers, but Ryanair focus on upselling car hire, inflight shopping, and hotel rooms to recoup the cost of discounted seats.
People may turn their noses up at airline food, but Pan Am’s meals were nothing to sniff at: First Class travellers could expect to feast upon all inclusive tasty teatime treats like Lobster Thermidor, lamb curry, and stuffed duck. Ryanair travellers are less lucky, with the budget airline offering cheese toasties, Batchelors Cup a Soup, and Pringles: all at premium cost, of course.
In some ways we are lucky to have Ryanair. While Pan Am flew to 86 destinations, Ryanair currently flies to 165 (and rising). The advertised airfare in the 1960’s for Pan Am is equivalent to $1,100 in today’s money while Ryanair boasts flights at £8. Pan Am were no angels, with various sexist policies towards staff. Air stewardesses had to weigh less than 130 pounds and had to be single: married women and mothers need not apply.
It’s hard to say whether flying is better now or then. Years ago flying was a luxury, but now it is an every day occurrence. We may have to pay more for little extras such as food and snacks, but with such low airfares and a wide range of destinations, is that really such a bad thing?
*Written by Guest Writer James. Infographic:
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