15 Vintage Airline Features That Have Been Retired
These vintage airline features remind us how air travel was once designed to feel glamorous, personal, and even indulgent.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Air travel used to be an event in itself, not just a means to an end. Airlines went out of their way to add luxury and human connection to the flying experience, from in-flight pianos to handwritten notes. While some of these touches are impractical today, they reflect a time when flying was something you dressed up for, not something you tolerated.
1. Onboard Piano Lounges
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In the 1970s, airlines like American Airlines and United fitted wide-body jets with actual pianos in first-class lounges. Passengers could gather mid-flight to sip cocktails while someone played standards or soft jazz. The idea quickly fell out of favor due to safety concerns and cost.
2. In-Flight Lobster and Caviar
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During the golden age of air travel, Pan Am and other international carriers routinely served lobster tails, caviar, and prime rib in coach and first class alike. Meals were plated on fine china with silver cutlery, not shrink-wrapped trays. As fuel prices soared and deregulation hit, so did the menu downgrade.
3. Flight Attendant Fashion Shows
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Some flights in the 1960s and ’70s featured impromptu fashion shows hosted by flight attendants modeling the latest airline uniforms. Airlines like PSA and Braniff turned cabins into catwalks in the name of style and branding. It was kitschy, memorable, and completely unsustainable.
4. In-Flight Smoking Sections
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Until the early 2000s, in some parts of the world, airlines had designated smoking sections. Planes like the Boeing 747 had entire rows where passengers could light up mid-flight. Non-smokers were often just a row or two away, separated only by wishful thinking and recycled air.
5. Onboard Spiral Staircases
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Older 747s had grand spiral staircases leading to first-class lounges or upper decks. These weren’t just functional, they were a statement of elegance and space. Most newer aircraft ditched them in favor of more seats and efficiency.
6. Actual Silverware in Economy Class
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Before security concerns heightened after 9/11, airlines regularly served meals with real metal forks and knives, even in coach. Passengers took it for granted, but it added a sense of dignity to even the most basic meal. Plastic has now replaced it nearly everywhere outside of premium cabins.
7. Children’s In-Flight Wings and Cockpit Visits
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It used to be a rite of passage for kids to visit the cockpit mid-flight and receive a pair of plastic pilot wings. Captains would greet them, show off controls, and sometimes let them wear the hat. After security measures were tightened, this charming tradition disappeared.
8. Open-Air Boarding Staircases
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Long before jet bridges became standard, passengers boarded via portable staircases and walked across the tarmac. The scene was cinematic, especially at night with floodlights and engine hums. While still used in some places, it’s no longer the norm at most major airports.
9. In-Flight Magazines With Cultural Short Stories
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Magazines like Pan Am’s Clipper or TWA Ambassador once featured essays, destination short stories, and even fiction by prominent writers. These weren’t just throwaway travel guides. They were curated cultural experiences meant to inspire travelers long before landing.
10. Unlimited Checked Baggage
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In the past, checking multiple bags at no extra charge was expected, especially on international flights. There were generous weight allowances, and no one measured your carry-on with a metal frame. Now, every extra kilo or inch can come with a hefty fee.
11. Upper Deck Lounges on 747s
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The early Boeing 747s had upstairs lounges instead of extra seating. Airlines like Pan Am outfitted them with plush chairs, cocktail bars, and space to stretch out. It felt more like a flying club than an airplane.
12. Onboard Typewriters and Writing Desks
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Some luxury airlines provided actual desks and typewriters for passengers who needed to work or write letters. These were often tucked into first-class cabins. It reflected a time when travel still had a touch of the literary and formal.
13. Free Amenity Kits in All Classes
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In the 1980s and 1990s, even economy passengers often received small amenity kits containing essentials such as socks, toothbrushes, and eye masks. These weren’t just for show; they made long-haul flights far more comfortable. Most carriers have now reserved these perks for business and first-class travelers only.
14. In-Flight Champagne for Everyone
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Airlines like British Airways and Singapore Airlines once handed out champagne freely to all passengers, not just those up front. It was part of the hospitality, not a paid upgrade. Now, it’s behind a curtain or comes with a charge.
15. Personalized Passenger Greetings
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Airlines once trained crew to address regular passengers by name and remember their preferences, especially on business routes. Some carriers even kept handwritten cards noting passenger habits. In today’s automation-heavy environment, that human touch is mostly gone.