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Air travel has changed drastically throughout the decades.
From the very first flight in the early 1900s to seat-side, hand-carved hams in the 1950s, to today's touch screen entertainment system, air travel has come a long way.
Keep scrolling to see what air travel looked like in every decade.
The 1920s was the first era where aircraft existed that were designed exclusively for passengers. Planes during this time usually held fewer than 20 passengers, reached a cruising altitude of 3,000 feet or less, and were slower than traveling by train because they were flying at speeds of around 100 mph, had to stop to refuel often, and could only travel by day.
Flying in the 1920s was also an uncomfortable experience for passengers because it was super loud and cold, as planes were made of un-insulated sheets of metal that shook loudly in the wind. The cabins were also completely unpressurized. Nonetheless, air travel continued to gain popularity.
In the 1930s, female flight attendants, called stewardesses, were first introduced to make flying more comfortable. Their roles were similar to current-day flight attendants.
Not only was the service better, but airplanes themselves had become more comfortable. They were soundproofed, heated, and the seats were padded and upholstered. The planes could also fly much higher, reaching an altitude of around 20,000 feet, which reduced turbulence and made travel by aircraft a lot faster (around 200 mph). The first pressurized commercial transport aircraft was introduced in 1938.
Cabins were also roomier, and seating was more creative with couches, reclining chairs, and swiveling seats.
Air travel significantly changed during the second Wold War, as aircraft were being developed for the purpose of war, rather than commercial flight.
However, once the war ended the US and Europe were left with a lot of planes, as well as large airbases with long runways, which they repurposed for commercial flight. New airports were built closer to Europe's main cities, like today's London Heathrow Airport, which was finished in 1946, and transatlantic flight, like between New York and London, became a daily occurrence.
Despite being known as the golden age of travel, flying in the 50s was not cheap. In fact, a round trip flight from Chicago to Phoenix could cost today's equivalent of $1,168 when adjusted for inflation. A one-way flight to Europe could cost more than $3,000 in today's dollars.
Passengers got what they paid for though. Flying was extremely glamorous: people dressed up, booze was served in fancy glassware, and meals consisted of dishes like roast beef, lobster, and prime rib.
As it became more and more mundane, flying was more relaxed in the 1960s. Passengers didn't dress up as much as before, though still looked nicer than we do today.
Passengers flying in the 1960s could also fly without any form of ID. That meant that they could just show up to the airport half an hour before departure and walk straight up to the gate. Even loved ones could walk all the way to the gate without a ticket to send people on their way.
Security screenings didn't become mandatory until 1973, and even those were highly relaxed compared to the airport security we go through today.
1970 was the start of the "Jumbo Jet," which opened up the skies for millions of travelers who previously couldn't afford it, as airlines being able to fly large amounts of passengers meant being able to sell tickets at a more reasonable price. Still, there was plenty of legroom and flight attendants catering to passengers' every need.
In the early 1980s, flying was pretty fun. You could smoke, meals were included, and you could check as many bags as you wanted.
Continental Airlines (now United Airlines) even tested out a "Pub" configuration complete with a bar stocked with alcohol and circular tables surrounded by swivel chairs.
Passengers could also make a visit to the cockpit during the flight where children were given a commemorative wing pin to remember the experience.
Air travel in the 90s meant that all passengers of age, economy class included, could indulge in free liquor on international and domestic flights. Meals, though bad, were also included, seats were outfitted with phones (this was the pre cellphone era, remember), and in-flight entertainment was in its nascent stages.
After 9/11 in 2001, air travel changed drastically.
Before the attacks, the TSA didn't even exist. Travelers could go through security with items including liquids, small pocket knives, and large jackets. Passengers could also keep their shoes on.
All that changed after the attacks, and airport security became what it is today. Cockpits doors also started becoming reinforced and locked, and only ticketed travelers were allowed at airline gate areas.
Today, flying is all about having the same conveniences we are used to on the ground — from touchscreen TVs to USB chargers in every seat.
While there may no longer be free alcohol, or even meals, if passengers are looking for the five-star treatment of yesteryear, a first-class ticket today may be more glamorous than ever.
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