The 1950 and 1960s have become known as the "Golden Age" of flying. It was a time of glamorous air hostesses and gourmet meals, and of great leg room for all.
While it might have become known as the Golden Age of flying, taking to the air in the 1950s and 1960s had its downsides. For a start it was much more dangerous, and far more expensive. Then there was the smoke from all those cigars, cigarettes and pipes. And, once you’d looked out of the window there was not a lot to do but twiddle your thumbs. But there were upsides to flying back then too – like ever-flowing drinks and a party atmosphere.
These old photos will give you a glimpse into the air travel during this era.
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| PanAm Boeing 747 |
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| A view from the control tower of the Greater Cincinnati Airport |
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| American Airlines |
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| Boeing 707 and 720 |
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| Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Columbia, SC |
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| Continental 747 Ponape Lounge, Airline Attendant |
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| Continental Airlines |
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| Continental Airlines |
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| DC-6 Mainliner United Airlines 48 |
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| Delta Airlines Convair 880 |
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| Delta Airlines |
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| Eastern Airlines Falcon Lounge |
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| Houston International Airport |
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| Moisant International Airport, New Orleans |
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| Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) Electra Jet |
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| Pan Am Airlines |
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| United Air Lines DC-6 and DC-6B Mainliners |
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| United Airlines DC6 Airplane Meal Service Club Car Section |
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| United Airlines Red Carpet Service |
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| United Airlines |
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| United Airlines |
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| Western Airlines |