Once upon a time, traveling was an actual highlight of the journey, thanks to flying. When we were young, getting on a plane was part of the fun, a little getaway before we got to our destination. Airlines had all the niceties you could ask for back then.
Let’s head back in time for a look at eight of the coolest airline perks that don’t exist anymore for one reason or another.
Full-Service Meals in Economy
If you flew economy back then, you still got a feast. Travelers ate from real plates, with real silverware and real glasses. It was a bit like dining out, literally on cloud nine.
It’s all about money now, so the free fancy food is pretty much gone on long-haul and domestic flights, which is a pity.
Generous Legroom
Legroom used to be guaranteed, even in the economy class. It was nice to stretch out a little bit on longer flights.
You have to bend yourself into origami to fit these days. Airlines have been packing more and more people into the same plane to make more money and it’s got us all a little squashed.
Free Checked Bags
Those days where you were able to check not one but two bags with no worries about any additional charges? That was the norm.
These days, the price you pay for even one bag on a flight is high, so the art of packing involves more of what you can afford to bring. What you want to bring is an afterthought.
In-Flight Lounges
Similarly, the ‘70s were the decade of onboard lounges, the decade of social aviation. You could actually go around, meet people & have a cocktail on the plane.
These perks disappeared as airlines replaced lounges with more seats, so they could fit more people on each flight. Now that’s a real shame.
Complimentary Amenity Kits
Not so long ago, you would receive your own mini-bag on a flight, containing an eye mask, earplugs & toiletries. Now, you’ll only get those on long-haul or if you’re a business class passenger.
It’s just one of many small perks that used to make flying extra special but were axed as part of the cutbacks.
No Fee Flight Changes
It seems hard to believe but flexibility was a thing. You used to be able to transfer flights without paying a lot of money in fees in case something happened.
Some airlines still give you some flexibility. On most occasions, though, you will pay a premium to change a flight. That’s a cost we could do without.
Roomier Overhead Bins
They made older aircraft with a more generous overhead compartment, so carrying your carry-on was less of a boxing match.
But since newer models are optimized to hold more humans, they’ve reduced the bin space. We’ve been packing lighter or fighting for the last few inches of bin space.
Child Care Services
Flights used to have child care on long-haul journeys. Parents could actually take time out to rest while qualified nannies tended to little ones.
This great service is basically dead because companies have simplified and eliminated everything besides taking the plane from A to B. You’ll be lucky to even get your child a kid’s meal.
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