I flew for the first time at age 12 in 1967. Our family had driven back to Winnipeg for a visit and Mom and Dad let Mark and I fly home. Strangely, I remember almost nothing about that monumental event. In 1988 we took the kids (6 weeks, 3, 8, and 10 years) on a domestic flight where they were showered with colouring books, entertainment kits, and snacks… which doesn’t happen any more. Since then I’ve flown countless times – with Larry, family, friends, alone. The whole experience has changed… a lot.
Flight Attendants
When I started, stewardesses were all female and called stewardesses. They met certain physical requirements and wore caps; many airlines even insisted they be certified nurses!
…some requirements noted in a NY Times article…“A high school graduate, single (widows and divorcees with no children considered), 20 years of age (girls 19½ may apply for future consideration). 5’2″ but no more than 5’9″, weight 105 to 135 in proportion to height and have at least 20/40 vision without glasses. “
Today’s flight attendants are of any sex, come in all sizes, shapes and hairstyles, and provide support in many languages. Their focus is much less on food preparation and entertainment and much more on cabin management, safety and security.
Tickets
For years a ticket was a paper affair available only through a travel agent, carbon-copied with all flight segments to and from your destination on the same ticket. You had to keep it safe throughout your entire time away.
Since the early 1990s I’ve been able to purchase tickets online; in fact I now do all of my travel research and booking that way. I can send boarding passes digitally to my cell phone or print them at my computer at home or a kiosk at the airport. Modifying or cancelling can all be done online.
Electronics
In the “old days”, electronics of any sort were unknown. I brought my own books, cards, small games or writing material to pass the time… and I really looked forward to the single movie! Today all manner of films, TV shows, news, audio, and WiFi may be available but you have to pay attention to what you’re purchasing and the electronic outlets provided. The difference between first class and low-cost can be wide with the lowest end not even including the simplest electronic support.
Seat backs today may contain screens, electrical or USB outlets, and credit card slots alongside. At one time there were phone handsets there as well – I once used one to call 5-year-old Jeremy (he wasn’t nearly as excited as I was…), inserting my credit card first to pay for it.
Baggage
Baggage when I started was all free. Some travellers brought tons… still do… and I often wondered how they had that much stuff in the first place! You pay for everything now, at times even carry-on; gone are the days of free sports equipment. Luggage is crazily varied in appearance, capacity, and options but generally similar in size in order to meet stringent industry specifications.
Smoking
My own memories start with choosing smoking and non-smoking tickets – which did little for the comfort of non-smokers sitting within a row or two of smokers. I can’t imagine what it was like when smoking was allowed throughout the plane.
Most airlines had completely banned smoking by the late 1990s (on an interesting note, the change was spurred by flight attendants rather than passengers – I am embarrassed to say that I’d never considered the rising smoke-filled air around them as they moved about the cabin).
Security
Airport security has always been there but early memories don’t register with me as the tedious affair it is today. Despite our advanced technology it can be a lengthy nightmare. However it’s here to stay. Line-ups are long and control is great. Patience, or at least quiet endurance, has become an art.
At one time, airline travel was only for the elite or that special trip that you carefully saved for; today there are options for every budget. I often say that my economy experience is less comfortable than travel by bus but it is a necessary evil for the places I want to go.
On the upside, luggage is smaller and lighter, computers ease planning and booking, pre-approval programs offer speedier security checks, and the personal electronics we carry help with the monotony of long periods in a skinny seat. I’ll be travelling this way for a long while yet.
My Name is Sydney Jo 