6 Photos That Prove Air Travel Was Much Better in The '60s

Gabe Zaldivar
by Gabe Zaldivar
Last updated: 9:00 AM ET, Fri December 18, 2015

Photos via Facebook

Airline travel hasn't changed much in the past 50 years. Unless you believe images taken in the 1960s, in which case travel is now less fun, more sober, confined, somber and downright depressing.

The following images were first published by AirlineRatings.com, which explains to The Telegraph that the images were "amassed over 40 years from now-defunct airline PR departments."

What follows are just a few that we rather enjoyed from a time that certainly looks to have been quite enjoyable.

So let's head back to a time when smoking was encouraged and drinking was considered a meal.

First up is this image from Facebook:

Ever wondered what they did on planes to pass the time before electronic devices? One popular activity was playing...

Posted by Airlineratings.com on Monday, December 7, 2015

According to Poor Man's Stanley Tucci, the above image proved that a rousing game of Go Fish! Always ended the minute trust in your travel partner concluded. Still, this beats figuring out how to passive aggressively get the kid behind you from kicking your seat.

Before the advent of Google Maps, creepy old guys in costume came by to show you where you were going.

This also raised the obvious question of who exactly was flying the plane if the captain was back in coach delivering geography lessons?

If you are old enough to remember the '60s fondly, we regret to inform you that you are no longer in a key demographic.

That being said, we feel comfortable simply making things up about the decade: Everybody was drunk and the only pick-up game you ever needed was having a match for that soon-to-be-smoked cigarette.

Dinner service in the '60s didn't bring with it the promise of stomach discomfort. Apparently, it invited the kind of intrigue and curiosity that usually garners elaborate expeditions to exotic locales.

Seriously, who is flying the plane?

Your next flight will come with the revelation that for the next six hours you will have to make amends with fighting over the armrest and dealing with the smell of whatever it is your neighbor just ate.

This is a far cry from how it was in the '60s when one of the perks of travel, apparently, was an official pillow fluffer who would make daydreaming about your station in life all the more enjoyable.

We hope this reminds you that airline travel, unlike wine and Patrick Stewart, ages rather poorly.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...