I haven't flown in nine years. However, I keep hearing from people who have that their experiences have been like the final scene in the movie 'Halloween' when Jamie Lee Curtis aka Laurie Strode is in the bedroom closet screaming, as Michael Myers is breaking through the door with a butcher knife getting ready to kill her.
In other words, flying has turned HORRIFYING!
With the increases in ticket prices, delayed (or canceled) flights, lost luggage, and overall carelessness in customer service, it's easier (and faster) to ride a bicycle to your destination.
A guy who works at a place where I sometimes eat lunch booked a flight on Frontier Airlines from Philadelphia to Miami. What a fiasco he had to contend with. The flight was not only an hour late boarding. But the plane sat on the runway for FOUR hours, only to have the pilot announce on the intercom that the flight was canceled due to weather conditions in Florida. Frontier refunded his money, however, the hotel he booked in Miami for four days refused. I felt so bad for him.
So, needless to say, I've been thinking a lot about how flying used to be and missing those times. I'm not saying that flying was without glitches back then. However, over the past ten years, the glitches have gotten to be more "the norm". And what I find annoying is that we're expected to tolerate it.
Believe it or not, years ago I seriously considered applying to several airlines to be a part-time flight attendant. But after the insanity during and after COVID with all the crazy-ass passengers physically assaulting flight attendants at 35,000 ft in the air, I decided NO WAY.
The skies are no longer friendly.
And unless you fly a luxury airline like Emirates or Etihad Airways and pay a fortune, flying is for the birds.
Today I would like to share my memories of what it used to be like to fly. I have flown both domestically and internationally. The longest flight I ever took was to Japan (27 1/2 hours). Yes, it was a long flight. Yet, flying Korean Air was the best experience I ever had. And I was fortunate to have flown onboard a 747 before they were retired.
Last month, I watched several episodes of the television series Pan Am. I didn't think the series was anything great, but I did enjoy reliving how flying was back in the 60s.
Please enjoy the way we used to fly...
Ron, such an interesting and fun post! You really put so much energy into your posts. I can't imagine how long it takes you to prepare them.
ReplyDeleteYes, I too miss the good-old days when flying was something I looked forward to. Now however, I find myself dreading it. The last time I flew was almost a year ago and was not a good experience. They lost one of my bags, which I had to pay EXTRA for. They eventually mailed it to me two days later. But boy, was I pissed.
LOVE the Pan Am photos! I agree, they all looked so professional. Food? Who serves food anymore? The last time I ever got food was on a flight to Europe, which was 10 years ago.
God how I laughed at going BAREFOOT on a flight! That's just plain gross. I've taken my shoes off during a long flight, but never down to my bare feet. And most certainly not on the arm rest of the passenger in front of me.
Enjoyed this post! And so much so that I'm going to read it again. LOL!
Have a great week, Ron! x
How I miss those days! The first time I flew was in 1976, when our family was returning from a trip out west (we rode Amtrak on the way there). I remember my mom making us get dressed up, so I think I did wear a dress. Hard to even imagine that now! And the meals were exciting to receive. You are lucky to get pretzels now.
ReplyDeleteWe’ve personally only had one bad incident flying, where the first leg of a trip was cancelled due to ‘crew needs a break.’ That was the reason given. It was a 6 am flight. With a lot of headache and confusion, they booked us on another airline and we were only a few hours late to our final destination, but since our flight were last minute, we were flagged as terroirs because we were taken to the side at security and patted down (yes, even my young children) and all our luggage was rifled through. It really pissed me off.
That was way back in 2007 and now it’s commonplace for flights to be cancelled. My husband has refused to fly commercial since Covid because of the nightmare stories he hears from coworkers. People having to rent a car in NYC to get back home to Ohio because all return flights are cancelled. He has been lucky to fly on the corporate jet the few times he’s needed to go to places for work.
I could totally have seen you as a flight attendant! Airlines would have been soooo lucky to have you as would the travelers who enjoy good customer service. Thanks for the blast from the past photos. XO
Morning, Candice!
ReplyDeleteThank you :) I only post once a week now, so I can take my time constructing a post. There was a time when I would post THREE times a week, plus working a full-time job. I still very much enjoy blogging, but I've cut back on how much I blog.
" The last time I flew was almost a year ago and was not a good experience. They lost one of my bags, which I had to pay EXTRA for. They eventually mailed it to me two days later. But boy, was I pissed."
OMG, that happened to me once too, when I flew from Florida to NYC. However, when they contacted me to tell me the airlines found it, I took a cab (and paid $30.00) back to the airport and picked it up myself.
On my long trip to Japan, I too took my shoes off during the flight. But like you, I did not take off my socks OR did I place them on the arm rest of the passenger in front of me.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice. Have a fantabulous Wednesday!
X
I miss those days too!!!...
ReplyDelete"I remember my mom making us get dressed up, so I think I did wear a dress. Hard to even imagine that now! And the meals were exciting to receive."
The first time I flew was in the mid-60s. We flew from PA to Miami on National Airlines. It was so exciting. I'll never forget that first time!
"...but since our rebooking was last minute, we were flagged as potential terrorists and taken to the side at security and patted down (yes, even my children) and all our luggage was rifled through. It really pissed me off."
OMG, what a horror story!!!! I can't even imagine what that must have been like. I too would have been pissed. And ROYAL!
" My husband has refused to fly commercial since Covid because of the nightmare stories he hears from coworkers. People having to rent a car in NYC to get back home to Ohio because all return flights are cancelled."
You see! That's what I mean! I keep hearing nightmare stories about all drama going on when it comes to flying. And I don't blame your husband one bit. I'm at a point where I no longer want to get on a commercial airplane. I even considered taking Amtrak to Florida when I go to visit my brother. Yes, it would take longer, but I enjoy train travel so I wouldn't mind it.
A lot of my clients at work are flight attendants, who keep telling me to apply because they think I would be ideal for the job. However, between all the crap going on inflight with unruly passengers, and the fact that the airlines DO NOT pay for your training, I decided no. Delta Airlines requires an EIGHT week (two months) training in Atlanta WITHOUT pay.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!
X
Ron, I am trying to comprehend this -- "Adjusted for inflation, $298 in 1960 is equal to $3,008 in 2023." -- WOW, how we forget the difference in prices in comparison to time. That was a lot of money back in the 60s. Hell, that's a lot of money now.
ReplyDeleteI laughed my ass off at your reference to the movie Halloween. As well as the photo you shared of the bare feet. The expression on that woman's face is hysterical!
I can empathize with what happened to the guy whose Frontier Airlines flight was cancelled because the same thing happened to me. And they overbook their flights. Yes, they are cheaper than other airlines, but that's what you get...CHEAP. Spirit Airlines is very similar.
I so wish I was older so that I could have experienced flying in the past because it looked so classy. Now, whenever I fly, I find myself dreading it.
And you're right, the seat are soooooooooooooo small with no leg room.
Love those Pan Am interior photographs, Ron!
Morning, Daniel!
ReplyDeleteI know, that was a lot of money back then. And even now! When I flew to Japan in the mid-90s, our flight (which the company paid for) was priced at a little over $2,000.
Isn't the expression on that woman's face hilarious?!
I hear nothing but negative feedback about Frontier Airlines, such as delayed/canceled flights. And yes, overbooking. I don't know much about Spirit Airlines, but I know it's similar to Frontier in its "no frills" flights.
"I so wish I was older so that I could have experienced flying in the past because it looked so classy. Now, whenever I fly, I find myself dreading it."
You would have LOVED it. Flying back then was a "special" experience. Now, it's something I don't want to do. I'd rather walk. LOL!
I'm a short person 5' 7". And even for me, the seats are so damn small and narrow. And if someone is in the seat next to you, their arms end up falling over into your seat space.
Aren't those photos stellar? They are a recreation of Pan Am back in the 60s.
Always great to see you, Daniel. Have a terrific week!
X
27 1l2 hours?!?!?!? Holy moly Ron, how in the world did you do it? Did you have layovers? I didn't realize flying to Japan took that long.
ReplyDeleteBeing that you and I are from the same generation, seeing these images made me miss the days when flying was something you looked forward to. I never flew Pan Am, but I have flown Eastern, National, and Continental Airlines. I also flew Braniff Airways to Europe. I flew in a 747 too. Wasn't that something?
"Farm animals have more decorum..." --- LOL! so true!
You're right, seeing the flight crew looking so professional gave the passengers more confidence about flying, I agree! And god, how special was it to be served a meal with silverware?
Do you know what I always thought would be wonderful? Flying via the Concorde. Only 3 1/2 hours from NY to London!
I always wanted to be a flight attendant too. Back then it was a honor.
LOVED this post, dear Ron! And so did my hubby. Have a great rest of your week. And stay cool! xox
Hey there, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteYes, we did have layovers. TWO. One in Los Angeles. And one in South Korea. However, the flights to Japan now take approx. 16 hours. Still long, but not 27 1/2 hours!!!
OMG, I can't believe you mentioned Braniff Airways because I took that airline once from Philadelphia to Florida back in the 70s. Such a GREAT experience! And the first airlines I ever flew was NATIONAL!!!! Do you remember how they used to name their planes female names? That was so neat! I also flew Eastern as well. Never flew Continental.
"And god, how special was it to be served a meal with silverware?'
I know!!!!!
"Do you know what I always thought would be wonderful? Flying via the Concorde. Only 3 1/2 hours from NY to London!"
Me as well! They retired in 2003 :(
Throughout my life, I applied at various airlines. When I was still living in Florida, I applied at Eastern Airlines and actually made it through three interviews but was not selected. I also applied at Delta, Alaska Airlines, and American. They were very interested in possibly hiring me, however, when I found out they didn't pay for your training (6-8 weeks), I declined.
Thanks for stopping by, my friend! Have a great rest of your week too. And stay cool as well!
X
Ron, my parents have talked about the same thing. About how different it was to fly back in the 50s, 60s, and even the 70s.
ReplyDeleteI don't fly much because it scares the hell out of me. Always has. And then after 9/11, I was even more scared. The last time I flew was 8 years ago (I flew to Chicago for work). I can't imagine being a flight that took 27 1/2 hours. Yikes! And now with all the scary stuff going on with unruly passengers, I say, NO THANK YOU. LOL! Did you read about that guy who had to be duct-taped to seat after assaulting flight attendants? And I believe that was Frontier Airlines.
Do you know when they started hiring male flight attendants?
Hi Abby!
ReplyDelete9/11 also scared me about flying as well. However, I don't like being afraid of things, so I forced myself to get back on a plane a few years after 9/11.
I don't fly much either. And it's not about fear. It's about how painful the whole process of flying has become. It's just NOT a pleasant experience anymore. That is, unless, you fly internationally because those are longer flights, so they seem to be more customer service oriented.
" Did you read about that guy who had to be duct-taped to seat after assaulting flight attendants? And I believe that was Frontier Airlines"
Yes, I did hear about that incident. But I don't think I remembered it being Frontier Airlines.
"Do you know when they started hiring male flight attendants?"
I googled that before I responded to your question because I wasn't sure. I read that they started hiring male flight attendants sometime in the 70's. Great question!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Abby! Have a fantastic rest of your week!
X
Ron, I love the way you describe things. Your commentary is so funny!
ReplyDeleteRight before Covid, I had a different job and flew quite a bit. I've had good experiences and really BAD experiences. Let's just put it this way, I do not miss flying.
I so wish I could have experienced flying back in day when it had a bit of "glamour" to it. I also watched Pan Am when it first aired. And I agree with you. It was not anything great. But I did enjoy the whole visual aspect.
Barefoot on a flight? NOT! That's just plain gross.
Even just knowing you from reading your blog, I bet you'd make a very good (and entertaining) flight attendant.
Hey there, Clair!
ReplyDeleteI'm crazy, aren't I? LOL!
God, I can't imagine flying a lot for work. And then during COVID, everything changed drastically. Yes, I'm sure you don't miss flying.
Glamour is a good word because that's what it felt like....glamourous. Now, flying feelings like you're being shoved into a tight cattle car. It's just not pleasant experience.
"Barefoot on a flight? NOT! That's just plain gross."
My sentiments exactly!
There was time when I really, really wanted to be flight attendant. Unfortunately, between the unfriendly skies and the lack of not paying for your training, I decided...no.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your flying experience, Clair! Have a superb rest of your week!
X
Ron, they DON'T pay for your training? That's insane? Who could live without pay?
ReplyDeleteI know. Can you believe that? The last time I applied was to American Airlines and when I went on their website to apply there was a notice saying that your room and board were paid during training, however, your training was unpaid. And not only that, but if you go through your training and are hired, the first year you work for them is on "stand-by." Delta requires eight weeks of training and they don't pay either. Not unless you were living at home with your parents could anyone go unpaid for that long.
ReplyDeleteMy mom always mentions how they used to dress up to fly anywhere. I'll have to forward this to her. She'll love it.
ReplyDeleteOn Etsy, I believe you can purchase Pan Am bags that flight attendants used to carry. I might have to get you that as a holiday gift...❤️
I enjoyed this post so much, my friend! Thank you for making me laugh and smile! 😘❤️
With the fear of sounding like an "old fogey," let me just give you a huge round of applause for this great post, Ron! Ah, the good ole days! When flying was special (and both passengers and crew dressed up for it), when the food was worth writing home about, when other passengers weren't tasteless and crass.
ReplyDeleteMercy, it's hard to believe how things have changed, isn't it? If all this has happened just during our lifetime, can you imagine how hard it must be to be 100 and see these changes?
The mom of one of my childhood friends was a "stewardess" before she got married, and the airlines used to outdo themselves picking the prettiest, classiest women for those jobs. It was a great gig for those who didn't want to be a schoolteacher or a nurse (this was before women could be anything they wanted, even doctors and astronauts!)
My last time flying was in 2013 (golly, a decade ago!), and while some of it was annoying, at least we didn't have people running around barefoot or beating up on the crew! xx
Hi Kari!
ReplyDeleteYup, that was the thing back then. You dressed up to fly. Flying back then was prestigious, so you felt honored to fly.
Thanks for letting me know about the Pan Am bags on Esty! I will most definitely check it out by doing a search.
Always great to read your comments, my friend. Hope you're having a fantabulous week!
X
You're not an "old fogey" Debbie. You just remember a time when traveling by air was very special and you miss it. So do I. For all the wonderful advanced technology we've learned over the years, something is lacking.
ReplyDelete"Ah, the good ole days! When flying was special (and both passengers and crew dressed up for it), when the food was worth writing home about, when other passengers weren't tasteless and crass."
Yesiree! You got that right!
"the airlines used to outdo themselves picking the prettiest, classiest women for those jobs. It was a great gig for those who didn't want to be a schoolteacher or a nurse (this was before women could be anything they wanted, even doctors and astronauts!)"
You're so right!!!! In fact, I just recently watched a documentary on the life of a stewardess (which is what they were called at first), and it was so interesting to see just how selective they were in choosing who got the job. It was such an honor to get chosen.
I last flew in 2012, so it's been nine years for me. I flew that year to Florida to visit my family and then back again when my mother passed away.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings about how it used to be to fly, my friend. Those were the good ol' days!
Have a great rest of your week!
X
You're right, Ron...unless you lived at home with your parents could anyone go unpaid for two months. I didn't realize airlines worked that way. Even though traveling would be a HUGE asset to being a flight attendant, I guess they think anyone would jump at the chance regardless of getting paid for training?!
ReplyDelete" I guess they think anyone would jump at the chance regardless of getting paid for training?!"
ReplyDeleteBINGO, Elaine! I think you're absolutely right. And that's why so many people do it. For the traveling.
Hi Ron. I've encountered you on blogs for many years but this is my first comment! I do agree with you that flying has become a pretty unpleasant experience now the airlines are frantically cost-cutting and passengers are getting more obstreperous. I first flew in 1994 (at the age of 47!) and yes, it was a much happier experience in those days. My big grouse is the gradually decreasing leg room, as I have very long legs that hit the seat in front. My partner and I have decided not to make any more international trips as they're more and more of an obstacle race, with elaborate security, flight delays and cancellations, computer failures, terrible food etc etc. Flights from Belfast to England are our limit now.
ReplyDeleteThis was a timely post for me, Ron, as I will be flying abroad in the next few months. Hopefully, my experiences will not be like a horror film.
ReplyDeleteThe last time I was on a plane was 16+ years ago when we flew to CA for the birth of our grandson. We flew standby and spent an overnight in the Ft Worth-Dallas Airport. That was quite an interesting experience but we met several other folks in the same predicament. The last time I've flown internationally was 50+ years ago.
Those vintage Pan Am images were fun to see and yes people did dress better and certainly act better. It was the same when people traveled by train.
Hi Nick!
ReplyDeleteGreetings! Thank you for stopping by my blog. And yes, I've seen your name and avatar on several of the blogs I read.
What you said about how the airlines are frantically cutting costs and more obstreperous passengers is sooooooooo true! It's scary!
"My big grouse is the gradually decreasing leg room, as I have very long legs that hit the seat in front. "
I totally agree! And I'm rather short (5' 7"). Yet, even for me I feel incredibly cramped and uncomfortable.
I haven't flown international in a long time, but what you said about the challenges I keep hearing about from so many people who do fly internationally. Many of my clients at work are flight attendants who travel internationally, and even they have said how challenging it's become.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings about this topic. And so nice to meet you!
Wishing you a great rest of your weekend!
X
Hellooooooooo there, D!
ReplyDelete"I will be flying abroad in the next few months. Hopefully, my experiences will not be like a horror film.'
I will be sending you TONS of positive vibes for a smooth and troublesome flight to and from.
" We flew standby and spent an overnight in the Ft Worth-Dallas Airport. That was quite an interesting experience but we met several other folks in the same predicament. "
I too have flown standby before, and OMG what an experience!
" The last time I've flown internationally was 50+ years ago."
For me, it was 26 years ago. And that's when I flew to Japan. Before that I flew to Europe (Belgium and Holland) and those experiences were both pleasant and horrifying because coming back from Holland, the plane I was on flew through a severe hurricane while trying to land in New York City. It was the only time I was ever truly frightened for my life on a plane. SCAR-Y!
Thanks so much for stopping by, D! Hope you're enjoying a fantastic weekend!
X