these guys used to be daring adventurers with goggles and swag and now the pilots have to wear a button down and the airlines squeeze every penny out of you and every drop of fun or joy or magic or adventure out of the experience.
in the 20s it was a great adventure! in the 60s people wore suits and got proper meals! now we just get xrayed and told we can’t bring in water! i love starting my vacation being treated as a terrorist!
It also use to be financially out of reach for most people. You can still pay for the nicer experience by paying for faster and easier security and first class seats. It’s been made access to more financial groups, and most people choose or can only afford the cheaper option.
First class on most domestic flights is a joke. You get on first and get a nicer seat. That’s about it. Everyone still walks by you as they board the plane and bump your seat with their luggage.
Back in the 60s and 70s there was a bar with couches, room to dance, and a piano!