Revisit The Glory Days Of Flying
Remember the days when air travel was a glamorous adventure? In the golden age of flying, every journey was steeped in elegance, personalized service, and delightful surprises. Today’s streamlined flights may offer efficiency, but they often lack the charm and indulgence of yesteryear. Here are 22 forgotten perks that made flying a luxurious experience in the past—and might just inspire you to seek out a little vintage magic on your next trip.
1. Elegant In-Flight Dining
There was a time when air travel meant indulging in gourmet cuisine, not just getting from point A to point B. Instead of today’s pre-packaged trays, passengers dined on multi-course meals prepared by top-tier chefs, served on fine china with real silverware. Flight attendants carefully plated dishes, ensuring presentation matched the high-end flavors. Freshly baked bread, perfectly cooked steaks, and decadent desserts were the norm, with menus often curated to reflect the airline’s country of origin. Paired with premium wines and impeccable service, dining in the sky felt like eating at a five-star restaurant—just with a better view.
2. Complimentary Fine Wines and Spirits
In the golden age of air travel, ordering a drink wasn’t about choosing between a tiny bottle of house red or a basic cocktail—it was an experience. Airlines took pride in offering an extensive selection of fine wines, aged whiskeys, and premium champagnes, all included in the price of your ticket. Attendants served drinks in real glassware, sometimes even crafting classic cocktails tableside. Whether sipping a velvety Bordeaux at sunset or toasting with a glass of bubbly before landing, passengers enjoyed a level of sophistication in the air that’s nearly unheard of today.
3. Personalized Service
Flying wasn’t just about transportation—it was about being treated like royalty from the moment you arrived at the airport. Flight attendants didn’t just take meal orders; they knew passengers by name, remembered their drink preferences, and ensured every need was met with warmth and attention to detail. Frequent travelers could expect a truly bespoke experience, with crew members recalling past flights and personalizing every interaction. Whether it was a preferred seat, a special request, or just a warm greeting, the service felt exclusive, elevating air travel to an art form.
4. Generous Legroom and Spacious Seating
Forget cramped economy rows and limited recline—airplanes used to be designed for comfort, not just efficiency. Even in coach, seats were roomier, with ample legroom that allowed passengers to stretch out and relax. Business and first-class travelers enjoyed even more space, with reclining seats that felt more like armchairs than airplane seating. Some flights even featured lounge areas where passengers could socialize, enjoy a cocktail, or simply unwind. It was an era when air travel wasn’t just about getting there—it was about enjoying the journey.
5. Lavish Airport Lounges
Before even stepping on the plane, travelers could unwind in luxurious airport lounges designed to feel like high-end clubs. These weren’t just spaces to grab a quick snack—lounges featured plush seating, gourmet buffets, full-service bars, and even live entertainment in some cases. Some offered personal concierge services, spa treatments, and private rooms for relaxation. Whether you needed a quiet place to catch up on work or a stylish space to sip a pre-flight cocktail, airport lounges were an essential part of the VIP travel experience.
6. Cigar Lounges
For the elite traveler, flying in style sometimes included a fine cigar at 30,000 feet. Some airlines featured dedicated cigar lounges, complete with plush leather chairs and a curated selection of premium cigars. These spaces were designed for quiet relaxation and refined conversation, offering an atmosphere reminiscent of exclusive gentlemen’s clubs. While in-flight smoking is now a thing of the past, these lounges were once a symbol of luxury travel, where passengers could indulge in life’s finer pleasures while cruising above the clouds.
7. Luxurious Amenity Kits
Today’s airline amenity kits often contain a basic eye mask and a mini tube of lotion, but in the golden era of air travel, they were true luxury gifts. High-end airlines provided passengers with kits filled with designer-brand toiletries, silk eye masks, plush socks, and sometimes even pajamas made of fine cotton or silk. Some airlines went even further, offering full-size perfumes, premium skincare products, and travel essentials that felt like a first-class experience before the flight even began.
8. Handwritten Welcome Notes
A personal touch goes a long way, and in the past, airlines understood the value of making passengers feel truly special. Flight attendants often left handwritten welcome notes for VIP travelers or frequent flyers, sometimes accompanied by a small treat or a warm towel. This thoughtful detail added an air of exclusivity, reminding passengers that they were valued guests, not just ticket holders.
9. Gourmet In-Flight Snacks
Mid-flight hunger wasn’t met with a bag of pretzels or a tiny granola bar. Airlines once treated passengers to gourmet snack selections, including freshly baked pastries, canapés, and charcuterie plates. Whether it was a silver tray of assorted hors d’oeuvres or a personal cheese board paired with a glass of wine, even the in-between meal offerings were crafted with care and quality.
10. Exclusive In-Flight Magazines
Airline magazines weren’t just ads for duty-free shopping—they were beautifully curated publications filled with high-fashion photography, travel journalism, and exclusive interviews with cultural icons. Some airlines even partnered with renowned designers and editors to craft magazines that felt more like collectible coffee-table books than standard in-flight reading material.
11. Impeccable Cabin Décor
Airplane cabins weren’t just about function—they exuded style. From elegant wood paneling and plush carpeting to mood lighting and thoughtfully designed seating, the interiors of aircraft felt more like luxury lounges than sterile metal tubes. Airlines took pride in creating a sophisticated ambiance, complete with stylish uniforms for flight attendants that complemented the refined aesthetic.
12. Concierge-Level Assistance
Flying first class wasn’t just about the seat—it was about an end-to-end experience. Some airlines offered concierge-level assistance, ensuring that travelers had everything from hotel bookings to ground transportation taken care of. Whether arranging for a chauffeur at the arrival gate or securing last-minute dinner reservations, premium service extended far beyond the aircraft.
13. Premium Baggage Allowances
Traveling light wasn’t a requirement in the past. Business and first-class passengers often enjoyed generous baggage allowances, with multiple checked bags included in the ticket price. There was no stress over extra fees or weight restrictions—just the ease of traveling with everything you needed, hassle-free.
14. Quiet, Private Cabins
Flying once meant enjoying a true sense of privacy, especially in first class, where enclosed cabins or curtained-off suites created a peaceful retreat. Passengers could stretch out, relax, or conduct business discussions without interruption. Some airlines even offered upper-deck lounges or private compartments with full doors, transforming the flight into a quiet, luxurious experience. The noise of the cabin was minimal, and attentive flight attendants ensured that passengers were undisturbed. While a few premium airlines still offer ultra-private suites, many modern flights prioritize efficiency over exclusivity, making these serene, personalized spaces a rare luxury in today’s air travel.
15. Refined Check-In Experience
Long before self-service kiosks and digital boarding passes, check-in was a polished affair. First-class and business travelers were greeted by well-dressed airline staff who handled everything with white-glove precision. Passengers didn’t juggle bags or scramble for ID—they were guided through a seamless process with luggage tags personally affixed, boarding passes hand-delivered, and travel details confirmed by staff who actually remembered them. At premium counters, passengers were often offered a pre-flight drink or refreshment, making check-in feel more like an elite hotel experience than the stressful start to a trip.
16. Vintage Cocktails at 30,000 Feet
Imagine sipping a perfectly crafted Old Fashioned while soaring above the clouds, prepared by a flight attendant who doubles as a skilled mixologist. That was the reality for passengers in aviation’s golden age. Airlines prided themselves on offering full cocktail menus, often featuring classic drinks like Martinis, Manhattans, and Gin Fizzes. Some airlines even had rolling cocktail carts, where drinks were mixed right at your seat. Served in real glassware, complete with garnishes, these drinks weren’t just refreshments—they were a stylish way to unwind in the sky.
17. Live Entertainment
Long-haul flights were more than just a way to reach your destination—they were an event. Some airlines treated passengers to live entertainment, from jazz pianists in the lounge to small cabaret-style performances mid-flight. On select routes, certain airlines even booked big-name musicians to perform. Imagine stepping into the aisle to stretch your legs and finding yourself enjoying a live saxophone solo or an acoustic set from an up-and-coming artist. It was a time when flying wasn’t just transportation—it was part of the experience.
18. Personalized In-Flight Entertainment
Before seatback screens and Wi-Fi streaming, airlines still found ways to make in-flight entertainment a premium experience. Elite travelers could request customized movie reels, personally selected for them before the flight. Some airlines offered curated playlists of music based on passenger preferences, delivered via cassette or even vinyl players embedded into the seat. First-class cabins sometimes had private screening areas where small groups could enjoy films together, mimicking the feel of an exclusive cinema in the sky.
19. Exclusive Membership Programs
Today’s frequent flyer programs focus on miles and upgrades, but early airline membership programs were about prestige and personal service. Being part of an airline’s elite club didn’t just mean faster boarding—it meant being treated like royalty. Members were assigned personal travel coordinators who managed all aspects of their trips, ensuring preferred seating, special meal requests, and seamless transitions between flights. Invitations to private airline events, access to ultra-exclusive lounges, and luxury gifts were all part of the experience. Some airlines even sent personalized holiday cards and small presents to their most valued travelers.
20. Elegant Boarding and Disembarking
Boarding wasn’t a chaotic free-for-all—it was a well-choreographed experience. Passengers were greeted at the gate with grace, often escorted down jet bridges by airline staff. Some first-class travelers enjoyed separate boarding areas and were taken to the plane via private car, avoiding crowded waiting zones entirely. Once onboard, they were personally welcomed with a drink, a fresh towel, and sometimes even a handwritten note from the crew. Disembarking was equally refined, with priority passengers exiting first, often greeted by a personal assistant to guide them through the airport.
21. Onboard Chauffeur Services
For ultra-premium travelers, the first-class experience didn’t stop at landing. Some airlines provided private chauffeur services to take passengers from the airport straight to their final destination. Luxury car brands like Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, and Cadillac were often used, ensuring a seamless and comfortable transition from the air to the road. Whether heading to a business meeting or a five-star hotel, elite travelers didn’t have to think about taxis or rental cars—everything was handled for them.
22. A Sense of Glamour and Nostalgia
Perhaps the most significant thing that’s been lost in modern air travel is the overall sense of glamour. Flying used to be an event worth dressing up for, and passengers often wore their best suits or dresses for the occasion. Flight attendants weren’t just crew members—they were style icons, wearing chic uniforms designed by top fashion houses. Cabins featured mood lighting, sophisticated design elements, and impeccable service that made every flight feel special. It was a time when air travel wasn’t just about getting somewhere—it was about the joy of the journey itself.
