Back in Time Today
Flying today is all about safety checks, strict regulations, and security screenings—but it wasn’t always this way. Decades ago, airlines prioritized luxury and convenience over safety, leading to some truly shocking practices.
From smoking onboard to serving cocktails in turbulence, here are 30 crazy things airlines used to do before safety regulations took over.
1. Allowing Passengers to Smoke
For decades, passengers could light up cigarettes, cigars, and even pipes mid-flight. The cabins filled with thick clouds of smoke, creating an uncomfortable environment for non-smokers. People would often complain of the lingering smell that stuck to their clothes.
Many travelers today might find it hard to imagine being trapped in a metal tube with so much smoke. Yet, back then, it was a common sight. Airlines eventually introduced smoking sections, but it was not until the late 1980s that smoking bans began to take hold across various carriers.
2. Letting Pilots Smoke in the Cockpit
It wasn’t just the passengers who enjoyed a smoke. Pilots often had their own ashtrays in the cockpit and would puff away throughout the flight. This practice raises modern concerns about concentration and air quality.
The idea of pilots smoking while handling complex controls seems unthinkable now. Regulations have since tightened, ensuring that pilots maintain clear, smoke-free environments.
The change aimed to promote better health and safety for both the crew and passengers, reflecting a shift towards more stringent safety protocols in aviation.
3. No Seatbelt Requirements
Early commercial flights didn’t require passengers to wear seatbelts, even during takeoff and landing. This oversight could lead to serious injuries during turbulence or sudden maneuvers.
The absence of seatbelt requirements highlights how airline priorities were once skewed towards comfort over safety.
Today, seatbelt usage is mandatory, ensuring passengers are secured during critical phases of the flight. The change is a testament to evolving safety standards, focused on minimizing risks and protecting passengers from unexpected flight disruptions.
4. Open Cockpits on Some Flights
In the early days of aviation, some planes had completely open cockpits. Pilots were exposed to the elements, facing wind, rain, and extreme cold during flights.
Open cockpits required pilots to be resilient, wearing protective gear to withstand the harsh conditions.
This adventurous aspect of flying highlighted the rugged nature of early aviation. Modern enclosed cockpits now offer protection and comfort, ensuring pilots can focus solely on navigating the aircraft safely and efficiently.
5. Serving Alcohol Without Limits
Flight attendants served unlimited drinks, leading to rowdy, intoxicated passengers with no consequences. This lack of regulation often resulted in disruptive behavior during flights.
Having no limit on alcohol consumption was a recipe for chaos, with some passengers becoming unruly. The introduction of stricter guidelines on serving alcohol has helped mitigate these issues. Today’s regulations ensure a more controlled environment, balancing passenger enjoyment with overall safety and comfort.
6. Allowing Passengers to Visit the Cockpit Mid-Flight
Before heightened security, pilots often welcomed curious passengers into the cockpit. Children and adults alike found this a fascinating experience, gaining a glimpse into the world of aviation.
This open-door policy reflected a more relaxed and trusting era in air travel. Today, strict security measures prevent such visits, prioritizing the safety and security of both the cockpit and the entire flight. These changes underscore the importance of vigilance in modern aviation.
7. No Reinforced Cockpit Doors
Before 9/11, cockpit doors were often flimsy or even left unlocked. This made it easy for unauthorized individuals to access the cockpit, posing significant security risks.
The introduction of reinforced cockpit doors was a critical response to evolving security threats. These doors now serve as a crucial barrier, protecting pilots and ensuring the aircraft remains secure from potential intrusions. This change marked a pivotal shift towards prioritizing security in aviation.
8. Hardly Any Baggage Screening
Before the 1970s, luggage rarely went through any scanning or thorough inspections. Passengers could easily bring potentially dangerous items onboard without scrutiny.
The lack of baggage screening was a significant oversight in aviation security. Modern airports now employ advanced screening technologies, ensuring all baggage is thoroughly checked for prohibited items.
This enhancement in security measures has been crucial in safeguarding flights and maintaining passenger safety.
9. Minimal Security Checks for Passengers
Passengers could walk straight to the gate without taking off their shoes, showing ID, or going through metal detectors. This lax approach to security was once commonplace.
The minimal security checks reflected a different era, where convenience often trumped safety. Today, rigorous screening processes are in place to protect passengers and flights from potential threats. These measures have become an integral part of modern air travel, ensuring a safer journey for everyone onboard.
10. Passengers Could Bring Anything Onboard
Guns, knives, and other dangerous objects were once casually carried onto planes without question. This lack of regulation posed significant risks to passenger safety.
The ability to bring virtually anything onboard highlighted a time when airline security was not a priority. Today, strict regulations and thorough checks ensure that only safe items are allowed on flights.
This shift in policy reflects a commitment to maintaining a secure environment for all passengers and crew members.
11. No Oxygen Masks for Passengers
Early commercial flights didn’t have emergency oxygen masks, making sudden cabin depressurization extremely dangerous. Passengers were left vulnerable to hypoxia and other risks.
The absence of oxygen masks underscored a time when safety features were minimal. Today’s aircraft are equipped with drop-down oxygen masks for emergencies, ensuring passengers have access to breathable air during sudden depressurization. This advancement in safety equipment highlights the evolution of airline safety standards.
12. No Overhead Bin Latches
Overhead compartments were once just open shelves, meaning luggage could easily fall onto passengers during turbulence. This posed a significant risk of injury.
The lack of latches on overhead bins reflected a time when convenience was prioritized over safety.
Modern aircraft now feature secure, latched bins, ensuring belongings stay in place during the flight. This improvement in design has been essential in preventing injuries and enhancing passenger safety during turbulence.
13. No Life Jackets Under Seats
Life vests weren’t always standard equipment under seats, leaving passengers with few options in case of a water landing. This lack of preparedness was a major safety oversight.
The absence of life jackets highlighted a time when airline safety protocols were not as comprehensive. Today, life vests are a crucial part of onboard safety equipment, ensuring passengers are prepared for emergency water landings. This change reflects the aviation industry’s commitment to enhancing passenger safety.
14. Sky-High Flight Attendant Dress Codes
Stewardesses, as they were called then, were required to wear miniskirts, hot pants, and even go-go boots on some airlines. These uniforms were designed more for visual appeal than practicality.
The focus on appearance over comfort highlighted a different era in air travel. Modern flight attendant uniforms prioritize functionality and comfort, allowing attendants to perform their duties efficiently.
This shift reflects a broader change within the industry towards prioritizing professionalism and practicality.
15. Weighing Passengers Before Boarding
Some airlines used to weigh passengers alongside their luggage to ensure the plane wasn’t too heavy. This practice was both intrusive and often embarrassing for travelers.
Weighing passengers reflected a time when airline operations lacked technological advancements in weight distribution.
Today, modern aircraft are designed with sophisticated weight management systems, eliminating the need for such measures. This evolution showcases a more respectful and efficient approach to passenger handling.
16. Allowing People to Stand in the Aisles
On overcrowded flights, extra passengers would sometimes stand or sit on the floor. This practice posed significant safety risks during turbulence or sudden maneuvers.
Allowing people to stand in the aisles highlighted a time when regulations were less stringent. Modern safety protocols now ensure all passengers are seated with seatbelts fastened during the flight.
This change underscores the importance placed on passenger safety and adherence to regulations.
17. Letting Celebrities Fly the Plane for Fun
In the 1950s and 60s, celebrities like Frank Sinatra and John Travolta were occasionally invited to take the controls mid-flight. This practice was more about publicity than safety.
Allowing untrained individuals to fly the plane highlighted a time when the industry lacked stringent safety oversight.
Today’s regulations strictly prohibit such actions, ensuring only trained professionals operate aircraft. This shift emphasizes the commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in aviation.
18. Allowing Unaccompanied Kids to Roam the Plane
Children flying alone were often free to explore the entire plane, sometimes even sitting in the cockpit. This freedom was both thrilling and risky for young travelers.
Allowing unaccompanied kids to roam highlighted a more relaxed approach to supervision. Modern airlines now have strict policies to ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied minors. This change reflects a commitment to providing a secure and supportive environment for young passengers.
19. Serving Hot Meals on Every Flight
Even short domestic flights featured multi-course meals, often served with real silverware and glassware. This luxurious service was a hallmark of air travel’s golden age.
Serving hot meals on every flight represented a focus on passenger experience and comfort. While modern airlines still offer meals, the emphasis has shifted towards convenience and efficiency. This change reflects evolving passenger preferences and the practicalities of contemporary air travel.
20. Flight Attendants Had to Meet Strict Beauty Standards
Airlines imposed strict height, weight, and age limits for flight attendants. Some even required attendants to remain single, focusing on appearance over qualifications.
These beauty standards reflected a time when the industry valued image more than skills. Today, airlines prioritize qualifications and professionalism, ensuring a diverse and capable workforce. This evolution underscores the industry’s shift towards inclusivity and competency.
21. Pilots Could Get Drunk Before a Flight
There were once no strict rules about alcohol limits for pilots, and some openly drank before takeoff. This lax approach posed serious risks to flight safety.
Allowing pilots to consume alcohol before flights highlighted a time of minimal oversight.
Modern regulations strictly enforce sobriety, ensuring pilots are fit to operate the aircraft. This shift reflects the industry’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards and protecting passengers.
22. No Restrictions on Carrying Live Animals
Passengers used to bring their pets into the cabin without carriers, letting them roam freely. This practice often caused chaos and discomfort during flights.
Allowing live animals without restrictions highlighted a time of lenient regulations. Today, airlines have specific policies to ensure pets are safely contained, maintaining a comfortable environment for all passengers.
This change reflects a balance between accommodating pets and ensuring passenger safety and comfort.
23. Planes Were Louder and Unpressurized
Early planes were so noisy that passengers had to shout to be heard. The lack of pressurization made for an uncomfortable ride, impacting passenger comfort.
The noisy and unpressurized cabins reflected the technological limitations of early aviation.
Modern aircraft are engineered to provide quieter, pressurized environments, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue. This advancement demonstrates the industry’s focus on improving passenger experience and overall satisfaction.
24. Limited Safety Instructions
Safety briefings were once nonexistent, with passengers left to figure out emergency exits on their own. This oversight posed significant risks during emergencies.
The lack of safety instructions highlighted a time when passenger safety was not a priority.
Modern flights provide comprehensive safety briefings, ensuring passengers are well-informed and prepared for emergencies. This change reflects the industry’s commitment to prioritizing safety and educating passengers.
25. Emergency Exits Without Clear Markings
Some older planes had emergency exits that weren’t even labeled, making evacuations confusing and dangerous. This lack of clarity was a major safety oversight.
The absence of clear exit markings reflected a time when design overlooked critical safety features.
Modern aircraft are equipped with well-marked emergency exits, ensuring passengers can quickly and safely evacuate if needed. This change is part of the industry’s focus on enhancing safety and efficiency.
26. Allowing People to Buy Plane Tickets Onboard
Passengers could board without a ticket and simply buy one once they were seated. This informal approach to ticketing was convenient but chaotic.
Allowing onboard ticket purchases highlighted a lack of structured systems. Modern airlines employ advanced booking systems to manage passenger loads efficiently. This evolution showcases the importance of organization and planning in contemporary air travel.
27. No Minimum Rest Requirements for Pilots
Pilots often flew back-to-back flights with little to no sleep between them. This practice raised concerns about alertness and flight safety.
The absence of minimum rest requirements reflected a time when pilot welfare was not a priority. Today, strict regulations ensure pilots receive adequate rest, maintaining high standards of safety and alertness. This change underscores the industry’s commitment to protecting both pilots and passengers.
28. Minimal Medical Equipment Onboard
Airplanes rarely carried first-aid kits, defibrillators, or other medical supplies. In-flight emergencies were far more dangerous due to this lack of preparedness.
The minimal medical equipment onboard highlighted a time when airlines underestimated the importance of health and safety.
Modern flights are equipped with comprehensive medical kits and trained personnel, ensuring prompt response to emergencies. This change reflects the aviation industry’s dedication to passenger well-being.
29. Allowing People to Say Goodbye at the Gate
Loved ones could walk right up to the plane door to say goodbye. No security checks were required, creating a more personal and emotional farewell.
Allowing goodbyes at the gate reflected a more open and relaxed era in air travel. Modern security measures now restrict access to boarding areas, prioritizing safety over sentiment. This shift underscores the importance of stringent security protocols in today’s aviation landscape.
30. Letting Passengers Disembark While the Plane Was Still Moving
In some cases, people would start getting off while the aircraft was still taxiing to the gate. This reckless behavior posed significant safety risks.
Allowing passengers to disembark while moving highlighted a time of lax safety enforcement. Today’s strict protocols ensure passengers remain seated until the plane has come to a complete stop.
This change emphasizes the industry’s dedication to maintaining safety and order during all phases of the flight.