It amazes me that we take travel for granted and also have lost out way in service.
Back in the day Pan Am, already an innovator in passenger aviation, was the undisputed doyenne of American carriers when it began this unique worldwide service. Flight 001, originating in San Francisco, winged westward over the Pacific Ocean. A passenger boarding 001 at San Francisco Municipal Airport (it didn’t become San Francisco International until 1955) and making the entire journey would touch down in Honolulu, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Delhi, Beirut, Istanbul, Frankfurt, London and finally New York.
On these planes the economy amenities were enormous and a chat with your stewardess could have you end up in the dog house with your wife. I loath plane travel now because I feel Airlines have lost sight, except for a few of course. We are not a bunch of cows being taken from point A to point B, we are humans wanting to be comfortable. Yet we are at the mercy of airlines and their wicked ways. I try to fly business class as often as I can on long haul flights because economy just does not cut it.
When I flew to Europe back in the 70’s my economy seat was as large as today’s continental business class seats. They really need to bring back lounges on board and people should interact again.
Have a cocktail, have a chat and get slapped by your wife.
