A somewhat kitschy promotion video from Pan American airways, made in the early 1970s that takes us around the world and back again in less than 25 minutes. The video was most likely produced to showcase how easy it was to travel around the world with Pan Am, take in the sights and then be back again in the afternoon to enjoy tea at the Ritz. If you recognize some of the music cues that are played in the background, they are sourced from several KPM records. The same kind of library music that can be found on many of my music compilations here. Footage provided by the lovely people at The Travel Film Archive.

Boeing 747, also known as the jumbo jet was first introduced in 1970. With Pan American airlines as one of its major investors they had the possibility to influence the design and development of the aircraft. It was deemed that the world needed a jet plane of massive size that could transport hundreds of passengers fast, efficient and with style. Juan Trippe who was the CEO of Pan Am at the time predicted that the 747 would be "... a great weapon for peace, competing with intercontinental missiles for mankind's destiny." (Source).

Here is a taste of various photos found at the great airliners.net website, depicting how it was like to travel with a Pan Am jumbo jet in the early 1970s. For anyone who hasn't been able to experience it first hand, I recommend getting the Space Age Lounge Volume 3 compilation and then read the article about former Pan Am stewardess Valerie Waterman. What are your memories of jet traveling in the 1970s?

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I am the mood to travel to some place warm and exciting so I thought, why not experience some vintage airline commercials from the the past for some inspiration? Here are a bunch of TWA, Pan Am and Braniff commercials produced in the late 1960s and the 1970s — the golden age of air travel — that are sure to bring a smile to your lips. Which is your favorite airline to travel with today? Continue reading to see all the clips.

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This is Los Angeles International Airport (Jetport), it was built in the late 1950s and was at the time one of the biggest airports in America. They first envisioned it to be even bigger in the anticipation of the "jet age" with lots of terminals and buildings connected through a huge steel-and-glass dome building but the plan was deemed unrealistic and scrapped. Instead the famous LAX landmark "Theme Building" was built. It was designed by architecture firm Pereira & Luckman who made it resemble a UFO that had landed in the middle of the parking lot. The building still stands there today and with its Googie designed look it should attract anyone with a interest in retro futuristic design. It also features a restaurant called "Encounter" which opened in 1997. At one time the roof of the building was open for spectators but it was closed due to security concerns after the 9/11 attacks. More postcards after the jump.

You love stewardesses don't you? So do I. Flying today is not the way it was used to be, so to remind you all of how elegant, exciting and swank traveling by airplane used to be here are a bunch of photos taken from the golden years of flying circa 1950s to the 1970s. For a real life story on how flying used to be, check out the story I did with former Pan Am stewardess Valerie Waterman. Which is your favorite still in operation airline? (Via) [Thanks Chester]