Travel Muse: A Photographic Trip to the Golden Age of Air Travel

In the 1950s and 1960s, air travel was more than a means to get from point A to point B; it was a time of in-flight glamour. During the golden age of air travel, flights consisted of plush seats, an abundance of legroom, dinner served on real china and flight attendants that were beautiful enough to be models.  In “Airline: Style at 30,000 Feet,” author Keith Lovegrove discusses the evolution of various aspects of airline style, from fashion to design and even advertisement.

In the earlier half of the 20th century, air travel was reserved for the rich, and airlines focused on catering to the needs of the upper echelon of society. “Airline” is a commentary on commercial airlines and their never-ending quest to adapt to an ever-changing world.  With factual information, a touch of humor and anecdotes, Lovegrove examines the golden age and beyond with detailed facts and photos of the food, décor, haute couture and the sexy stewardesses that became a staple in the 60s and 70s.  “Airline” not only weighs in on the shifts in travel trends, but also addresses the sexism, classism, and the airlines’ “relentless quest to vie for attention.” Next time you find yourself in a cramped middle seat on a long flight, pull out this book to take you back to the glamorous (and spacious) days of flying.