Travel: On-board a 747 with Pan American Airlines

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?

Images via airliners.net

About the author: Chris

Founded Ultra Swank in 2005. Has a crush on Pan Am, Disneyland and the Century 21 Exposition. Lives life as an expat in Barcelona, Spain.

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diego

The first time I flew in a 747 was from Tokyo to San Francisco on Pan Am and I remember the flight wasn't even close to full but it was incredibly comfortable, with the flight attendants (stewardesses at the time) dressed in Pan Am's uniforms and incredibly friendly. The next time I flew in a 747 was again from Tokyo to San Francisco on Northwest only a couple of years ago and it was jam-packed. I rode in business but the coach seats were so close together, some people looked like they had their heads in the laps of the people behind them. I will be flying on a 747 again soon and this time, I've chosen a seat in what used to be the lounge area although that feature has long since disappeared.
http://www.ultraswank.net Chris

Business class or Economy Extra is the way to go if you have the extra cash to spend. Flying is definitely not what it used to be some 20-30 years ago. I wonder if someone with enough capital will ever buy the Pan Am brand and use it to bring back the glamor and style of traveling in the air. Sir Richard Branson and Virgin airlines have somewhat succeded with that though, but it's still not close to the way it used to be. Any takers?

Ultra Swank takes you back in time into the kitsch, chic and swank living of the 50s, 60s and the 70s. We mainly focus on the design, architecture and the lifestyle of the happy-go-lucky and space-age-living mentality of that era – but also on the music and movies that takes you back to happier times. Ultra Swank is run by Chris, a Swede born in the wrong decade that currently resides in Barcelona. Read more

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