Lets Reminisce for a moment
May 9th, 2006, 04:55 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lets Reminisce for a moment
Flying just isn't the same anymore. First came 9-11, then came bankrupt airlines.
I remember flying from Miami to Paris on American Airlines just ten years ago in coach. I was offered free wine before dinner, he handed me another (free) wine for dinner. On the return flight, a basket of candy bars to choose from were offered. And the food wasn't bad, either.
Tell us how it used to be.
I remember flying from Miami to Paris on American Airlines just ten years ago in coach. I was offered free wine before dinner, he handed me another (free) wine for dinner. On the return flight, a basket of candy bars to choose from were offered. And the food wasn't bad, either.
Tell us how it used to be.
May 9th, 2006, 05:09 AM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 23,073
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Coach travel used to cost more, in today's dollars. A lot more.
The general public want cheap travel, and they get cheap travel.
Southwest Airline's "service" has basically remained the same in years, and they're successful.
And bankrupt and failed airlines is nothing new.
The general public want cheap travel, and they get cheap travel.
Southwest Airline's "service" has basically remained the same in years, and they're successful.
And bankrupt and failed airlines is nothing new.
May 9th, 2006, 05:17 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just commented to a friend the other day (when traveling from JFK to SXM) at how different security is these days in comparison to before 9/11. It takes so much more time and effort to get thru, and I recalled the good old days of being able to actually keep most of my clothes and shoes on, and zip right thru without much hassle. It was also nice when loved ones could go to the gate with you for a few last moments together. 
My traveling companion has it much worse these days since she is not in posession of a US passport. She used to get thru security fairly easily before 9/11 and now it takes her a good 20 minutes or more with the agents going thru every bit of her belongings, as well as a near strip search and her feeling like some sort of criminal.
I'm not complaining because I'd rather be safe in the long run (and so would she), but it really is very sad at what the whole issue has come to. Security issues have most definnitely changed since 9/11 in most airports in the the world and there are times I reminisce for the good old days.
My traveling companion has it much worse these days since she is not in posession of a US passport. She used to get thru security fairly easily before 9/11 and now it takes her a good 20 minutes or more with the agents going thru every bit of her belongings, as well as a near strip search and her feeling like some sort of criminal.
I'm not complaining because I'd rather be safe in the long run (and so would she), but it really is very sad at what the whole issue has come to. Security issues have most definnitely changed since 9/11 in most airports in the the world and there are times I reminisce for the good old days.
May 9th, 2006, 05:28 AM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 23,073
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No, even from the 70's in Asia. No table cloth, no seperate courses in coach. It's basically the same thing as what one gets on an Asian airline in coach these days.
No audio/video entertainment, for sure. And the amenities kit thing is kind of new as well, dated to around the mid-80's.
Towel service, sure. They even do that today on Continental's Asia service.
As a kid, I did get some things like plastic wing-shaped pins from some airlines, or playing cards from SQ.
---
Basically, what I'm saying is that in my 30+ year of flying, I don't think it's particularly bad these days. [Part of it because I'm short, so I can tolerate a 31" pitch while they used to be 33-34" years ago.] But now the seats are a little more ergonormic, there is A/V entertainment, there are more longhaul routes to cut down total travel time to Asia.
With the lower ticket prices in today's dollars, I don't mind some cut back in the food/drink service.
No audio/video entertainment, for sure. And the amenities kit thing is kind of new as well, dated to around the mid-80's.
Towel service, sure. They even do that today on Continental's Asia service.
As a kid, I did get some things like plastic wing-shaped pins from some airlines, or playing cards from SQ.
---
Basically, what I'm saying is that in my 30+ year of flying, I don't think it's particularly bad these days. [Part of it because I'm short, so I can tolerate a 31" pitch while they used to be 33-34" years ago.] But now the seats are a little more ergonormic, there is A/V entertainment, there are more longhaul routes to cut down total travel time to Asia.
With the lower ticket prices in today's dollars, I don't mind some cut back in the food/drink service.
May 9th, 2006, 08:21 AM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 25,062
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The best thing about flying in today's world as compared to 10+ years ago can be summed up in 2 words--NO SMOKING!! Someone said once that having a smoking section on an airplane is like having a peeing section in a swimming pool.
May 9th, 2006, 10:16 AM
#7
<i>Tell us how it used to be.</i>
You were nearly deaf from the prop noise - 9 hrs from LA to NY, unless you stopped someplace enroute.
Your choice of entree was their choice of entree.
The smoke made the air hazy and stinky.
The food was just dreadful.
On domestic service, drinks (including wine) started off at $1.50, then moved to $3 for ages.
First class got you "free" drinks. Or champagne volcanoes if you flew to Hawaii on some airlines.
I saw my first movie on a plane in (I think) 1969. The headsets consisted of stethoscope earpieces that tried to meet in the middle of your brain.
Jet A was forty cents a gallon. The stews made minimum wage. Your bags got lost more often than they do now. The airlines were run by oligarchs in cahoots with the government, or, in the case of many foreign carriers, run by the government full stop. There were more crashes per million passenger miles - lots more. The price was higher, in both constant dollar terms and adjusted dollar terms.
I'm reminiscing about the spam-on-raisin bread sandwich I got for one in-flight meal. Mmmm... spam....
You were nearly deaf from the prop noise - 9 hrs from LA to NY, unless you stopped someplace enroute.
Your choice of entree was their choice of entree.
The smoke made the air hazy and stinky.
The food was just dreadful.
On domestic service, drinks (including wine) started off at $1.50, then moved to $3 for ages.
First class got you "free" drinks. Or champagne volcanoes if you flew to Hawaii on some airlines.
I saw my first movie on a plane in (I think) 1969. The headsets consisted of stethoscope earpieces that tried to meet in the middle of your brain.
Jet A was forty cents a gallon. The stews made minimum wage. Your bags got lost more often than they do now. The airlines were run by oligarchs in cahoots with the government, or, in the case of many foreign carriers, run by the government full stop. There were more crashes per million passenger miles - lots more. The price was higher, in both constant dollar terms and adjusted dollar terms.
I'm reminiscing about the spam-on-raisin bread sandwich I got for one in-flight meal. Mmmm... spam....
May 10th, 2006, 05:12 AM
#9
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,220
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm really showing my age, but.... I remember flying Eastern's Lockheed Connies with my family from Texas to New Orleans to catch overnight train to Chicago to visit relatives. We'd make this trip once or twice a year. Even on that short trip, we got hot meal service that was very good (certainly by today's standards).
I also recall flying to Miami on AA's DC-7s a few times to visit grandparents who spent winters there. Fairly certain we weren't in FC because we always sat in middle of the plane and I'm sure my folks didn't have the money for FC in those days. Nevertheless, I do remember very good food (such as steak, baked potato, veggie, salad and dessert) - and served on small tablecloths. As rkkwan says, even coach wasn't cheap in those days, but getting there was still half the fun (probably more so for a kid).
I also recall flying to Miami on AA's DC-7s a few times to visit grandparents who spent winters there. Fairly certain we weren't in FC because we always sat in middle of the plane and I'm sure my folks didn't have the money for FC in those days. Nevertheless, I do remember very good food (such as steak, baked potato, veggie, salad and dessert) - and served on small tablecloths. As rkkwan says, even coach wasn't cheap in those days, but getting there was still half the fun (probably more so for a kid).
May 10th, 2006, 08:30 AM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
50% Military-standby discount, and military were placed at top of the standby list.
But then, "full" price was consistent. What is 1/2 price today? Half of the $711, $525, $273, or $418 ticket that others near you paid for their seat?
But then, "full" price was consistent. What is 1/2 price today? Half of the $711, $525, $273, or $418 ticket that others near you paid for their seat?
May 11th, 2006, 07:05 AM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,491
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One thing I really miss from the pre-hijacking days iss hellos and good-byes right at the gate. Similarly, it was nice to have a friend in a layover city be able to come out to the airport for a drink between flights.
And for the really old fogeys here -- remember flying student stand-by and student-discount? I got all over the place on student stand-by, and went to Europe twice on student-charters for about $200. Colleges could get airlines like TWA to offer blocks of seats on certain flights to their student/alumni association.
That was back when airlines hadn't reduced the number of flights to result in universal over-booking (not to mention the changeover to hostility toward PAX as a profit-making strategy).
And for the really old fogeys here -- remember flying student stand-by and student-discount? I got all over the place on student stand-by, and went to Europe twice on student-charters for about $200. Colleges could get airlines like TWA to offer blocks of seats on certain flights to their student/alumni association.
That was back when airlines hadn't reduced the number of flights to result in universal over-booking (not to mention the changeover to hostility toward PAX as a profit-making strategy).
May 11th, 2006, 08:24 PM
#12
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hellos or Goodbyes at the gate..that is what I miss! I understand why nonticketed people can no longer go to the gates but I sure miss having loved one with me until it was time to board, or being with them until they boarded the plane. And when arriving and departing the plane, seeing those you had missed standing there smiling as they waited to hug you. Or waiting with anticipation for your loved one to deplane, searching each passenger with the hope it was who you were waiting for. And than finally..there they were!! Those were the days my friends..guess they days are gone forever.
8-)
May 11th, 2006, 10:41 PM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,885
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Once again I completely agree with <b>rkkwan</b> and can't understand how <b>wally34949</b> can compare the 2?
In 1970 a coach ticket to Europe was somewhere between $500-$750 in 1970 money. If you compare what the value of today's dollar is when compared to 1970, depending on different sources and studies it varies between $2000-$3000.
I'm sure if <b>wally</b> was willing to pay ~$2500 for economy ticket, the airlines would be happy to serve him dinner and give him free wines.
or another way to look at it. It's not very hard to find discounted business class tickets to Europe today for $2000-$2500. Why not buy that ticket and besides getting a very nice tablecloth service, including a full choice menu, a selection of great wines and all the free liquor one can drink, an access to airline lounges, so more free drinking, free internet, nice seats , free showers, etc, <b>wally</b> can enjoy a very spacious seat. So <b>dollar for dollar</b>, today's flying could be just as, if not more enjoyable than the "good old days" if <b>wally</b> was only willing to spend the same amount(comperatively speaking) of money.
Taking an afternoon break from Tokyo sightseeing.
In 1970 a coach ticket to Europe was somewhere between $500-$750 in 1970 money. If you compare what the value of today's dollar is when compared to 1970, depending on different sources and studies it varies between $2000-$3000.
I'm sure if <b>wally</b> was willing to pay ~$2500 for economy ticket, the airlines would be happy to serve him dinner and give him free wines.
or another way to look at it. It's not very hard to find discounted business class tickets to Europe today for $2000-$2500. Why not buy that ticket and besides getting a very nice tablecloth service, including a full choice menu, a selection of great wines and all the free liquor one can drink, an access to airline lounges, so more free drinking, free internet, nice seats , free showers, etc, <b>wally</b> can enjoy a very spacious seat. So <b>dollar for dollar</b>, today's flying could be just as, if not more enjoyable than the "good old days" if <b>wally</b> was only willing to spend the same amount(comperatively speaking) of money.
Taking an afternoon break from Tokyo sightseeing.
May 12th, 2006, 11:17 AM
#16
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My first trip to Europe was DFW to LGW in 1981. The cost for the RT ticket with taxes was approximately $400. We received a menu that listed our dining choices. Drinks were complimentary - even alcohol. We had one movie - shown on one screen in coach and those horrible headphones (like a stethoscope). We received no frequent flyer miles because there were no programs at that time (March 1981).
My last trip to Europe was from DFW to LGW with a return from LHR to DFW via JFK. The RT cost was $199 w/o taxes. We departed from DFW's new terminal D and enjoyed our brief visit to the Admirals Club where we had free wines, snacks, computer access, and clean restrooms. Our outbound flight from DFW to LGW was on a 767; we had the emergency exit row. There were two movies shown and various shorter attractions. We watched DVDs on our personal players with our noise-cancelling headphones and used AA's power ports. No menus were circulated for dinner but we did receive a choice for dinner; only non-alcoholic drinks were complimentary. The flight home was on a 777; we had the coveted seats of 31A and 31B (elite status has its privileges). Four movies were available, as well as a variety of programs, on our in-seat videos. We had two choices for lunch. Our pre-arrival snack was one of AA's snack boxes. At JFK, we enjoyed complimentary use of the Admirals Club and more free drinks. We were upgraded to first class from JFK to DFW using stickers. The flight was on a 757. We had our choice of dinner and all the alcohol that we wanted (perhaps that is why I cannot recall what I ate). We also each received over 20,000 AAdvantage miles for the flight plus four more upgrade stickers.
This was probably my 75th transatlantic flight since 1981. I really do miss being able to upgrade using miles from anyfare on AA and noy having to pay the $250 each way co-pay. I really miss showing my AA Gold card (before there was Platinum or Executive Platinum)and being upgraded on international flights just because. I really miss the shrimp and artichoke hearts that were served in salads. I miss the glass salt and pepper shakers (but I have a nice collection at home). I miss the hot fudge sundaes that almost always served in first class (I know they are back on some flights). I even miss bistro bags, pretzels, and peanuts.
My last trip to Europe was from DFW to LGW with a return from LHR to DFW via JFK. The RT cost was $199 w/o taxes. We departed from DFW's new terminal D and enjoyed our brief visit to the Admirals Club where we had free wines, snacks, computer access, and clean restrooms. Our outbound flight from DFW to LGW was on a 767; we had the emergency exit row. There were two movies shown and various shorter attractions. We watched DVDs on our personal players with our noise-cancelling headphones and used AA's power ports. No menus were circulated for dinner but we did receive a choice for dinner; only non-alcoholic drinks were complimentary. The flight home was on a 777; we had the coveted seats of 31A and 31B (elite status has its privileges). Four movies were available, as well as a variety of programs, on our in-seat videos. We had two choices for lunch. Our pre-arrival snack was one of AA's snack boxes. At JFK, we enjoyed complimentary use of the Admirals Club and more free drinks. We were upgraded to first class from JFK to DFW using stickers. The flight was on a 757. We had our choice of dinner and all the alcohol that we wanted (perhaps that is why I cannot recall what I ate). We also each received over 20,000 AAdvantage miles for the flight plus four more upgrade stickers.
This was probably my 75th transatlantic flight since 1981. I really do miss being able to upgrade using miles from anyfare on AA and noy having to pay the $250 each way co-pay. I really miss showing my AA Gold card (before there was Platinum or Executive Platinum)and being upgraded on international flights just because. I really miss the shrimp and artichoke hearts that were served in salads. I miss the glass salt and pepper shakers (but I have a nice collection at home). I miss the hot fudge sundaes that almost always served in first class (I know they are back on some flights). I even miss bistro bags, pretzels, and peanuts.
May 29th, 2006, 06:13 PM
#17
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ahhh, the good old days!!
I just felt treated with more respect. Flight attendants...not all...but some are quick, get it over with attitude, and impersonable. I've noticed they are a lot older too...not complaining about that, but I notice. Are youth not interested in these jobs? Do you blame them with all the recent problems?
Skimpy food...was alway skimpy...but now it is worse.
I don't mind not having peanuts...the allergies to peanuts can be deadly...just even to the peanut dust!!
But, cats...Mmm, I love and adore animals. One of my best friends is very allergic to cats. If you can put one under your seat, how dangerous is that to other passengers? Wouldn't have even thought twice about that until I saw her itch and have swollen, huge welts that made her look like someone beat her up! What a way to arrive to your destination?
What is all the air rage that you hear about anymore? This was never an issue in the good old days?
What is the world coming to?
I just felt treated with more respect. Flight attendants...not all...but some are quick, get it over with attitude, and impersonable. I've noticed they are a lot older too...not complaining about that, but I notice. Are youth not interested in these jobs? Do you blame them with all the recent problems?
Skimpy food...was alway skimpy...but now it is worse.
I don't mind not having peanuts...the allergies to peanuts can be deadly...just even to the peanut dust!!
But, cats...Mmm, I love and adore animals. One of my best friends is very allergic to cats. If you can put one under your seat, how dangerous is that to other passengers? Wouldn't have even thought twice about that until I saw her itch and have swollen, huge welts that made her look like someone beat her up! What a way to arrive to your destination?
What is all the air rage that you hear about anymore? This was never an issue in the good old days?
What is the world coming to?
May 29th, 2006, 07:01 PM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
" Flight attendants...not all...but some are quick, get it over with attitude, and impersonable. I've noticed they are a lot older too...not complaining about that, but I notice. Are youth not interested in these jobs?"
Seniority rules. Last to get hired are the first to get laid off, and with most airlines making major cutbacks, lots of younger FA's are gone and not coming back.
Seniority rules. Last to get hired are the first to get laid off, and with most airlines making major cutbacks, lots of younger FA's are gone and not coming back.
May 30th, 2006, 02:48 AM
#19
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,391
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't miss the days of sophomoric ad campaigns - e.g., the infamous 'Fly Me' ads. It took the passage of anti-harrassment legislation before airline company executives acknowledged the distinction between promoting their employees' sexual attractiveness and promoting the latter's alleged sexual availability. For the company (without, needless to say, the endorsement of their staff) to promote the latter was to compromise the dignity, autonomy and possibly the safety of their employees and even that of their passengers. Yup, them's were the days, all right, and I'm glad they're over.
Speaking of attitude and the conduct of flight attendants, an acquaintance once attributed to 'attitude' an FA's refusal to serve a second drink on the grounds that the commencement of meal service was imminent (they were in economy.)
But, I wondered, is it a sign of attitude to make a judgement call that doesn't go in the favour of a particular passenger, but could conceivably benefit the group as a whole? While I can't dispute the desirability of custom, personal service, I can also see how such service would entail numerous trips back-and-forth down a narrow aisle that, even with tiny carts, only permits one lane of traffic at a time. Given these obstacles, and combined with the challenge to serve a large group of people food that must (according to health regulations) be served within a fairly narrow temperature range, I can understand the FA's 'attitude.' So perhaps it is not always a matter of declining service on the part of employees, but declining tolerance on the part of passengers.
Speaking of attitude and the conduct of flight attendants, an acquaintance once attributed to 'attitude' an FA's refusal to serve a second drink on the grounds that the commencement of meal service was imminent (they were in economy.)
But, I wondered, is it a sign of attitude to make a judgement call that doesn't go in the favour of a particular passenger, but could conceivably benefit the group as a whole? While I can't dispute the desirability of custom, personal service, I can also see how such service would entail numerous trips back-and-forth down a narrow aisle that, even with tiny carts, only permits one lane of traffic at a time. Given these obstacles, and combined with the challenge to serve a large group of people food that must (according to health regulations) be served within a fairly narrow temperature range, I can understand the FA's 'attitude.' So perhaps it is not always a matter of declining service on the part of employees, but declining tolerance on the part of passengers.
May 31st, 2006, 08:11 AM
#20
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As a kid, my dad worked for United. We frequently got bumped up to first class- because that's what was most empty. (pre-frequent flyers) I remember flying to San Francisco and they had a wine and cheese buffet at the front of the plane. My dad used to bring home real silverware and china with the logo on it. We also used to get to go to an "open house" party at O'hare and get all the free ice cream and pineapples we could carry. Not to mention I used to drive his car on the air field because it had a sticker in the windshield. That impressed the boyfriends!
