In 1956 it cost $140.00 RT to fly coast to coast
Jun 17th, 2003, 11:59 AM
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In 1956 it cost $140.00 RT to fly coast to coast
On a recent rainy day, I was looking at old newspapers from the year I was born (1956) and saw an interesting advertisement for TWA (Trans World Airlines). They were promoting a airfare from New York to San Francisco, for $140.00 RT. My first thought was it was not that expensive, but later I determined that in 1956, most households had one breadwinner and the typical salary was $3,000.00 a year (before taxes). So the airfare alone was almost a months pay!
We are so lucky today to be able to fly from coast to coast for a little over $200.00 RT, (if we use Priceline, Hotwire, Jet Blue or SW Airlines.)
Anyone have memories of what travel was like in the good old days?
We are so lucky today to be able to fly from coast to coast for a little over $200.00 RT, (if we use Priceline, Hotwire, Jet Blue or SW Airlines.)
Anyone have memories of what travel was like in the good old days?
Jun 17th, 2003, 12:57 PM
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It may have cost $140, but that was probably the price for every seat.
If TWA used today's yield management, they would sell them for $30 with a 21-day notice to $250 at the last minute!
(I paid $1,500 for NY to LA not that long ago, so I'm not sure fares have changed that much. You can just get a better LEISURE deal now!)
If TWA used today's yield management, they would sell them for $30 with a 21-day notice to $250 at the last minute!
(I paid $1,500 for NY to LA not that long ago, so I'm not sure fares have changed that much. You can just get a better LEISURE deal now!)
Jun 17th, 2003, 12:59 PM
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I agree - I can remember as a kid, growing up here in southern Calif, a Dairy Queen large (huge) cone was $.25. I bought a large one (medium sized) yesterday and paid $2.11. Travel and electronic technology are about the only things I can think of that are as cheap or cheaper in inflation adjusted dollars.
Jun 17th, 2003, 01:47 PM
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My company recently purchased for me a ticket round trip on US Airways from Philadelphia to San Francisco for $2466 (coach!!!!). Unbelievable. Leisure fares are cheap, but they kill you on last minute tickets.
Jun 17th, 2003, 01:57 PM
#10
Have a look at this thread from the airlines forum:
http://fodors.com/forums/pgMessages....es=41&start=08
The late Western Airlines initiated SFO-LAX service in the 60s for $14 one way, which was copied by UAL and others (anyone remember Bonanza Airlines?) A startup called Air California then bought a couple of clapped out Electras and started serving Orange County (then called Santa Ana airport, hence its current code, SNA) from SFO for $18 as I recall. The Eastern Shuttle started about the same time. The race was on.
http://fodors.com/forums/pgMessages....es=41&start=08
The late Western Airlines initiated SFO-LAX service in the 60s for $14 one way, which was copied by UAL and others (anyone remember Bonanza Airlines?) A startup called Air California then bought a couple of clapped out Electras and started serving Orange County (then called Santa Ana airport, hence its current code, SNA) from SFO for $18 as I recall. The Eastern Shuttle started about the same time. The race was on.
Jun 17th, 2003, 02:02 PM
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mixd
Your company needs a new TravelManager.There are consolidators out there who work on last minute trips with only a few nights stay.You could also fly into Oakland for less than half that AND taken a car service into SFO!
Your company needs a new TravelManager.There are consolidators out there who work on last minute trips with only a few nights stay.You could also fly into Oakland for less than half that AND taken a car service into SFO!
Jun 17th, 2003, 03:41 PM
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Heartburn,
A cost-of-living calculator says that $350 in 1976 is the equivalent of about $1,127.50 today. I'm pretty sure I could find a Ft. Lauderdale-Fairbanks ticket for that.
Now if you're talking about a $350 ticket today, no, you're right about that.
A cost-of-living calculator says that $350 in 1976 is the equivalent of about $1,127.50 today. I'm pretty sure I could find a Ft. Lauderdale-Fairbanks ticket for that.
Now if you're talking about a $350 ticket today, no, you're right about that.
Jun 17th, 2003, 04:54 PM
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I recall flying first class on Pan American as a child quite a few years ago. The men wore coats and ties, the women nice dresses. Dinner was served on china, starting with caviar and champagne, follwed by a freshly tossed salad, then filet of beef from a carving station. Today as I look at my chicken, beef or pasta selection in coach I always have to laugh, since I didn't think those meals were anything special at the time, just waiting for my ice cream.
