13 Things Airlines Did in the ’70s That Are Now Unthinkable
Flying in the 1970s was a completely different experience compared to today. Airlines focused on comfort and luxury and were all about making air travel more glamorous. The airplane journey was like a high-end lounge in the sky rather than a stressful necessity. What really made it stand out were the spacious seats and a number of complimentary perks. Let’s learn more about the top things airlines did back in the day that would be unimaginable today.
Restaurant-Style Dining
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Airplane food in the ‘70s was something to look forward to. First-class passengers were served steak, lobster, and caviar on real china with silverware. Even economy meals were freshly prepared. Some airlines hired celebrity chefs to design menus that were far from the microwaved trays we get today.
Onboard Cocktail Lounges
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Long-haul flights were social events in the ‘70s. And if you were flying on jumbo jets like the Boeing 747, this would be a whole new experience. Some airlines had dedicated lounge spaces with sofas, bars, and even piano music. Passengers could mingle over cocktails mid-flight—something that’s now only found on a handful of ultra-luxury airlines.
Economy Class With Extra Legroom
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Flying coach didn’t mean feeling like a sardine. Seat pitch—the distance between rows—was often around 36 inches. The passengers had enough space to stretch out. By comparison, modern economy seats can be as tight as 28 inches. The ‘70s were truly the golden age of legroom.
Designer Flight Attendant Uniforms
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Flight attendants were thoroughly trained for safety—but they were also expected to look like fashion models. Airlines partnered with top designers like Emilio Pucci and Jean Louis to create attractive uniforms. Some outfits even changed mid-flight to match the destination.
Free Cigarettes and In-Flight Smoking
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Lighting up at 30,000 feet sounds shocking today, but back then, smoking on airplanes was allowed. Airlines handed out complimentary cigarette packs, and planes had designated smoking sections. Eventually, growing health concerns and air quality issues led to a full ban by the 1990s.
Unlimited Free Alcohol
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Ordering a drink didn’t require a credit card. Many airlines offered free beer, wine, and cocktails to all passengers. Some flights even had pre-departure champagne service. Today, unless you’re flying first class, you’ll likely be paying for every sip.
No Boarding Pass Scanners or Long Security Lines
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Passengers walked straight to the gate with paper tickets—no barcodes, IDs, or TSA checkpoints. Security was minimal, and families could accompany loved ones right up to the boarding door. Post-9/11 changes have made this level of trust and convenience a thing of the past.
First-Class Cabins With Private Spaces
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First-class passengers had semi-private cabins with curtains and seats that reclined into actual beds. Airline luxury in the ‘70s meant real privacy. While some modern airlines still offer premium suites, they come with a sky-high price tag.
Pre-Flight Cocktails at the Gate
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Before takeoff, premium passengers could enjoy complimentary cocktails at the gate lounge. Some airlines even had mobile bars rolled up to the boarding area. Now, if you want a pre-flight drink, you’re heading to the airport bar—and paying airport prices.
Mid-Flight Cockpit Tours
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Passengers—especially kids—could visit the cockpit during the flight, chat with the pilots, and even take pictures. It was a thrilling experience for aviation fans. Later, security measures made cockpit visits completely off-limits.
Double-Decker Planes With Social Spaces
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Many Boeing 747s had an upper deck dedicated to first-class lounges. Airlines like Pan Am and Lufthansa turned these spaces into cocktail bars or dining areas. The airplanes today have that extra space almost always filled with more seats instead.
No Middle Seats in Some Economy Sections
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Some airlines configured their economy seating with wider aisles and fewer middle seats. Passengers enjoyed a more open and spacious layout that made the flight much more comfortable. Now, most airlines prioritize fitting as many people as possible. This leaves passengers fighting for armrest space.
Fine China and Silverware for Every Passenger
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Even economy passengers dined with real plates, metal cutlery, and glassware. It added some elegance to the overall flying experience. With time, airlines have swapped out fine dining for disposable trays and plastic forks in the name of cost-cutting.
Complimentary Chauffeur Services
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Some airlines didn’t just take care of passengers in the air—they also helped them get to and from the airport. First-class travelers on certain airlines were provided with complimentary limousine or shuttle services. Now, unless you’re flying in a luxury suite, you’re likely booking your own ride.
Built-In Stopovers for International Flights
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Instead of rushing to a connection, some international flights included scheduled stopovers in cities like Honolulu or Anchorage, which gave passengers time to explore. Airlines now focus on efficiency, and extended stopovers are mostly a thing of the past—unless you’re willing to pay extra.
Children Given Flight Logbooks Signed by Pilots
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Kids flying in the 1970s often received flight logbooks signed by pilots themselves. These little booklets tracked every trip, listing details like flight number, aircraft type, and miles flown. Pilots sometimes even wrote personal notes or let kids visit the cockpit mid-flight. However, with tight security and limited cockpit access today, getting a signed souvenir from the captain is a thing of the past.
Seat Selection Without Additional Fees
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Choosing your seat used to be simple and free. In the 1970s, passengers could request a window or aisle seat at no extra cost when booking. Families could sit together without worrying about shelling out more money. As of 2025, unless you are willing to pay an additional fee, you might be crammed into a middle seat far from your travel companions.
