What did we ever do to pass the time on aircraft before laptops, iPads, Ipods and seat back videos with 1000 choices of entertainment?
In the 1950s and 60s inflight entertainment as we know it today was in its infancy and rudimentary. Although the first film was shown on an aircraft in 1921 it wasn’t until the 1960s that inflight entertainment became mainstream and popular.
So let’s take a peek back through these interesting vintage photographs to reveal what travelers did to amuse themselves on those long flights in the 1950s and '60s.
1. The most popular pastime was of course reading – a good thriller, a romance or just catching up with the news in a newspaper, because don’t forget there was no internet, FB or twitter via WiFi.
Before Laptops, iPads and Seat Back Videos - 13 Vintage Color Photos Show What Travelers Did to Pass the Time on Long Flights in the 1950s and '60s
2. When you weren’t reading, meal time was a grand affair even in economy.
Before Laptops, iPads and Seat Back Videos - 13 Vintage Color Photos Show What Travelers Did to Pass the Time on Long Flights in the 1950s and '60s
3. For those in First Class the meal was preceded by drinks at the bar.
Before Laptops, iPads and Seat Back Videos - 13 Vintage Color Photos Show What Travelers Did to Pass the Time on Long Flights in the 1950s and '60s
4. Canapes may also be on offer to the “pearl set”.
Before Laptops, iPads and Seat Back Videos - 13 Vintage Color Photos Show What Travelers Did to Pass the Time on Long Flights in the 1950s and '60s
5. Dinner was a multi course affair served more often by stewards in white coat and back tie no less - and at your table.
Before Laptops, iPads and Seat Back Videos - 13 Vintage Color Photos Show What Travelers Did to Pass the Time on Long Flights in the 1950s and '60s
6. After dinner or lunch you might retire again to the lounge and meet the captain who would do the rounds. It was great PR to calm nervous flyers for passengers to chat with a multi striped veteran who had experience etched in his rugged good looks.
Before Laptops, iPads and Seat Back Videos - 13 Vintage Color Photos Show What Travelers Did to Pass the Time on Long Flights in the 1950s and '60s
7. Chess was always – and still is – a great way to pass the time and a good game could take hours but would only seem like minutes.
Before Laptops, iPads and Seat Back Videos - 13 Vintage Color Photos Show What Travelers Did to Pass the Time on Long Flights in the 1950s and '60s
8. For those who wanted a simpler challenge maybe a game of drafts with mum and dad in economy.
Before Laptops, iPads and Seat Back Videos - 13 Vintage Color Photos Show What Travelers Did to Pass the Time on Long Flights in the 1950s and '60s
9. Playing cards was also popular and airlines would issue them with logos, or pictures of planes or destinations that they flew.
Before Laptops, iPads and Seat Back Videos - 13 Vintage Color Photos Show What Travelers Did to Pass the Time on Long Flights in the 1950s and '60s
10. Flight crew were always on the lookout for junior flyers and would explain the route the aircraft was taking. Millions of young flyers signed up for the various Junior Flyers clubs which came with log books of your travels and pilots would oblige and fill in the details of the flight.
Before Laptops, iPads and Seat Back Videos - 13 Vintage Color Photos Show What Travelers Did to Pass the Time on Long Flights in the 1950s and '60s
11. Afternoon tea was a grand affair with full silver service with a collection of sweets and pastries that would tempt even the most resilient weight watcher.
Before Laptops, iPads and Seat Back Videos - 13 Vintage Color Photos Show What Travelers Did to Pass the Time on Long Flights in the 1950s and '60s
12. When you weren’t playing cards you could use them to build a house. This was a popular PR shot to illustrate how smooth jet travel was compared to the piston-engine aircraft they replaced.
Before Laptops, iPads and Seat Back Videos - 13 Vintage Color Photos Show What Travelers Did to Pass the Time on Long Flights in the 1950s and '60s
13. Banned today, smoking was very popular – particularly after dinner.
