Old US

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

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