The first commercial flight debuted in 1952, when flying was a social event and lobster an airplane food. While flying was much more uncommon back then, turbulence definitely improved from the 50’s. For example, it can’t break a humans neck anymore, thanks to the switch from pistons to jet engines. A flight from Chicago to Phoenix in 1955 would have cost around $138, which with inflation comes out to $1198. In the 50s this would have accounted up to 5% of an individual’s yearly income compared to around 1% now says data taken from stats database. During the 50’s Golden Age, every effort was made by flight crews to make the passengers comfortable. The use of expensive food, real silverware, and live entertainment were all part of creating a personalized experience. While there was a dramatic difference in cost, flying was an event that nearly everyone looked forward to.

Cardboard pretzels and plastic juice filled cups have replaced lobster and hot meals. For first class passengers that can afford a more elite experience, it’s not a problem. But for most people, economy class is their go to. Food is not the only thing that has taken a downturn. So have the size of seats, windows, legroom and much more. Flying is regardless an amazing technology but when comparing the life of passengers in the 1950’s to those in 2010’s it seems as if flight companies have let technological advancements substitute for the experience. Just because there’s inflight entertainment and the plane is less noisy, the flying industry seems to have taken a downhill dive on the face to face part of it.

Flight companies and their crews play a large part in the flying experience, but it’s the passengers who utilize the services planes have to offer. Instead of playing on their phones or watching movies for hours, passengers should take the time to get to know a stranger next to them. They could even take it a step further by talking to the flight crews and asking how they could help assist in making the flight a smooth ride.

There was a dramatic security increase after the 9/11 which despite its necessity brought an air to flying thats its more of a tedious task. Twitter is filled with comments and tweets attacking airlines and TSA officers for dehumanizing their customers and making flying a dreaded event.

Recently @Karnythia tweeted “Boycott @United if you can. They overcharge you, abuse you & will lose luggage”. Other tweeters and United customers had responses similar to @Karnythia. United Airlines has not been the only airline with PR problems. Delta Airlines recently removed a black man from a flight when he went to the bathroom during a nearly two hour long delay. An American Airlines pilot was shown on video slamming a stroller into a mother. It’s understandable that transportation security has tightened after recent terrorist attacks however that doesn’t mean a lack of humanity and decency is necessary either in airports or on flights.