Has Travel Really Gotten Worse?

There’s been a lot of discussion lately about whether air travel really has gotten worse over the years, or whether it’s just a matter of romanticizing the past. I recently read this article on the subject, then heard famed travel writer Paul Theroux discussing the question on one of my favorite podcasts, and have thought it over myself, usually while waiting in a painfully long airport security line.

The most obvious changes are the smallest and most recent, like the fact that things like checked bags and in-flight meals used to be free. FREE! Imagine! But those changes are nothing compared to the luxury of air travel in its early years. Check out this video created by Pan Am in 1958. Tray-passed hors d’ oeuvres served in the lounge, anyone? (Though the flight attendant lighting one man’s cigarette is a reminder that some of the changes are for the best.)

Before airline deregulation, a plane ticket was good on any airline, so if you missed your flight on Pan Am, you could easily hop the next one on American. Security was virtually non-existent – actress Molly Shannon recalls jumping on a plane to New York with a friend when they were 12… They had no tickets or ID, and were wearing ballet leotards. Many of the security procedures we take for granted were only introduced in the 70’s, in response to a sharp increase in hijackings and terrorist activities in the air. (Check out this infographic of the history of airport security.) Air travel was also far more expensive, believe it or not, which made it harder for most people to travel long distances, but it also made for less crowded airports.

While we can all agree that security and lower prices (at least compared to 50 years ago) are good for travelers, it sure would be nice to bring back some of the luxury and romance of the old days. Probably the best we can do is indulge in some old airline commercials and take the perks where we can get them.

Maybe Mad Men will have the Drapers will hop a flight next season? We can only hope.

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