Community Chat

[beach-mom]

When DH and I were dating, our airport, which wasn't really that close, was one of our favorite places to go. It was a major airport. There was a long walkway where you could go outside and watch the planes take off and land. You could walk around the airport.

And the best thing about it - everything was free! 

You could walk your loved ones to the gate, and be at the gate to pick them up.

I've flown a lot, both nationally and internationally. I really don't like it because I get airsick. I used to take a pill; now I wear a patch. 

I had an older school friend who became a flight attendant after college. She led such a glamorous life! I think she flew for Eastern. I know she went to Florida a lot. I enjoyed hearing her stories. 

Just reminiscing about the way things used to be. Do you have any stories from the past? Maybe some of you were flight attendants or pilots. 

(Probably better to stay in "the past," and not mention what airports are like today. TY.) 

[walker]

I remember those days fondly too @beach-mom.  Both growing up, and later with my own kids, it was a fun place to visit and watch airplanes arriving and leaving.  It was also nice to meet family or friends arriving at gate or sending them off.  One of my best memories was in mid-70's flying to Florida on Delta on the Free Champagne Flight!  🥂 I LOVED IT!  After having a couple glasses, my DH reminded me I had to walk off the plane...😂.  Good Times...Good ol' Days!  

[beach-mom]

@walker - Champagne? That must have been so nice! 

I always liked airplane food. The best I ever had was on Cathay Pacific. It wasn't first class, but the food was amazing!  

[kaydee50]

Been flying regularly since the early 1970s.  I remember when it was not unusual to have many empty seats in the plane.  One memorable one was a wide body TWA flight from JFK to Los Angeles.  Plane was maybe a third full.  DH and I each had a full row of 4 seats to ourselves.  I watched The Bridges of Madison County and was crying at the end but no one was around me--it was great!!  Those days are over forever--too bad!!

[KathyM23]

We also used the airport for dates, just to walk around, visit the stores, walch the planes take off and people watch.

Went out late one time after our After Prom event was over (about 2 a.m.) and it was a lot less busy, stores not open   Can't imagine doing that today.  It was interesting and fun back then.

[tends2dogs]

I remember when people dressed up to fly.  Today, too often, you see people that look like they just rolled out of bed and are wearing their pajamas.  My DD saw a man clipping his toenails on a flight!  I am sure I would have lost it (and my lunch) if they were seated next to me.

One thing that is better now is there is no smoking.  I remember flying to Mexico and the back half of the plane was a blue haze.  If a plane was running late or there was going to be bumpy skies ahead, there would be free drinks.  I doubt that happens today.  

Good thread, @beach-mom .

[rockygems123]

@beach-mom 

We lived about 15 minutes away from the SF airport.  We were avid SF Giants baseball fans and when the team would come into town sometimes we'd go out there to greet them, sometimes get autographs.

Working for Delta and Qantas Airways in the SF Headquarters was a lot of fun.  Our benefits were great, depending on the route a pass wasn't always required, you just had to "front up" at the counter and if there was room you got on board.

Qantas had a SFO-HNL Honolulu flight that was several days a week, we took advantage of that often.  Also had reciprocal agreements with the hotels, we'd get an ocean beach front room for a great price.

Also if you wanted to watch a newly released movie and didn't want to go to a theater, we'd hop on a flight SFO - ATL (Atlanta) watch a movie, have cocktails onboard and then sometimes do a turnaround and come right back to do the same on the return flight ha.

[JeanLouiseFinch]

When I was a youngster, back in the Jurassic era, flying was a respected luxury and travelers dressed accordingly in suits and ladies also wore nylons, heels, and gloves, even if they were headed to a tropical location. 

[Italian gal]

Yes I went to see my dad in Honolulu so I went on Pan Am..
It was so wonderful. I wore a dress! Its so sad today.

[Tinkrbl44]

I'm SO glad my business travel was in the 1990s, and I did all my international travel before 9/11. 

It was so much easier then.  I don't feel the need to visit any other countries now ... it's just too much trouble.

On one flight landing in Barcelona, the pilot told us to stay in our seats.   There were soldiers standing near the plane, all holding machine guns!   They had to verify the plane and passengers before we were even allowed to depart... this was about 1995!

Otherwise, it was so easy to come and go.

Many people liked to go to airports to watch the planes.  Personally, I loved to people-watch the comings and goings.