The Golden Age of Flying: A Look Back on Air Travel in the 1950s and '60s

   

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.

PanAm Boeing 747

 

A view from the control tower of the Greater Cincinnati Airport
 
American Airlines
 
Boeing 707 and 720

 

Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Columbia, SC
 
Continental 747 Ponape Lounge, Airline Attendant

 

Continental Airlines
 
Continental Airlines
 
DC-6 Mainliner United Airlines 48
 
Delta Airlines Convair 880

 

Delta Airlines
 
Eastern Airlines Falcon Lounge
 
Houston International Airport

 

Moisant International Airport, New Orleans
 
Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) Electra Jet
 
Pan Am Airlines

 

United Air Lines DC-6 and DC-6B Mainliners

 

United Airlines DC6 Airplane Meal Service Club Car Section
 
United Airlines Red Carpet Service
 
United Airlines

 

United Airlines
 
Western Airlines