What’s changed in air travel since Marjorie Gaffaney was a flight attendant? Everything, she says.
The 93-year-old was a flight attendant for 12 years, from 1941 to 1953.
• There was no first class while Marjorie was a flight attendant.
“Everyone was treated like royalty,” she said.
• Airplanes had a special “private” section for honeymooners. Anyone who said they were on their honeymoon could sit in the more secluded section, Marjorie said.
• People would dine on board.
“The food was good – American Airlines had their own chef,” Marjorie said.
White linens covered tables the flight attendant would set up. Real silverware was used, and each guest got to keep their silverware as a souvenir.
• People dressed up to fly.
• No alcohol was allowed on board.
• Flight attendants could smoke in the cockpit.
• Flight speed has increased dramatically, Marjorie said. It used to take 8 to 12 hours to fly from Dallas to Los Angeles, she said.
• Flight attendants weren’t allowed to be married.
• Planes averaged 21 passengers at most, Marjorie said.
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