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?
Continue reading »
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.
Continue reading »
In the depths of Europe a hidden gem just became exposed. Anyone familiar with the golden age of aviation is most likely also very familiar with the airline Pan Am, who set the standard of modern aviation and swank traveling since the 1930s and onwards. The airline had hubs around the world and the airplane crew obviously needed places to stay when they were not high in the sky so Pan Am obtained apartments which pilots and stewardesses could utilize while they were jet setting around the world awaiting their next flight. One of those places is located in Berlin, Germany in a apartment house close to the Zoologischen Garten.
Continue reading »
From online shop Inretro comes these lovely retro airline and hostess flight bags straight out from a relaxing intercontinental flight in the 1960s. Although reproductions, they look like the real deal and they won't set you back like the Marc Jacobs designer Pan Am bags that arrived not too long ago. Inretro features both airline bags and smaller airline hostess bags for storing all your must-have items on a long transatlantic flight. I was able to obtain my own Pan Am flight back dating back to circa 1960 from eBay a few years back. Although not original, it was bought from the same line of bags they used in Catch Me if You Can starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Complete with a Catch Me if You Can luggage tag and minus the smell of a bag that's been stowed away in the attic for 50 years. Inretro has well over 70 bags from different airlines to choose from, including Pan Am, TWA, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa and many more. Prices range from around £20 to £30 which is a great deal for anyone wanting to look like a jet setter.
Seeing it's Friday why not embark on a delicious weekend trip to Europe. Our friends at Pan Am will take us on a 6½ hours long transatlantic flight from New York to London on their new Boeing 707 - the biggest jet plane of the late 1950s - holding up to 150 passengers. With a wingspan that is longer than the entire distance of the first Wright brothers flight we will travel faster and higher than ever before all in the comfort of the air conditioned cabin were we will of course also enjoy fine cooking and the friendly service of the lovely stewardesses. I wonder if the mile high club have been invented yet? Footage from the Prelinger Archives taken in 1958.
Image via airliners.net
Fifty years ago, 1958 — the jet age officially makes its mark in history with the launch of the Boeing 707. Jet planes could fly to their destinations non stop, cheaper and faster than before. Air travel was now longer not restricted only to people of wealth. “Fly me friendly”, “coffee, tea or me?” We have all heard it before, stewardesses with big smiles, elegant outfits and long legs making sure that your trip is an unforgettable experience. But what was it really like? Is there any truth behind how air travel was portrayed in its golden days? Ultra Swank travels back to 1970 to talk to former Pan Am stewardess Valerie Waterman.
Continue reading »
Remember what it was like? When jet travel was luxurious and exciting. When you dressed up in your best suit or dress before boarding the plane. When working as a stewardess was almost the same as being a astronaut. For you who doesn't, let's go back in time to 1970. When the first trans Atlantic flight to London was made with the Boeing 747 by the great Pan AM airline. Ultra Swank will also be heading off to London with a lady friend for a couple of days on Thursday. We will sadly not be traveling in a 747, but as a globe trotter and man about town, I always keep up the style anywhere I go - and so should you.
