The Golden Age of Propliners

The end of WWII marked the beginning of the golden age for reciprocating-powered American airliners. After four years of restrictions on travel for non-essential purposes and the return of servicemen to civilian life, many Americans were eager to enjoy the freedom to travel once again. Trains were still the mode of choice for travel of any significant distance, but the airlines were ready to take on the challenge. Some industry leaders correctly predicted that airliners would completely replace trains for passenger travel. Others erroneously predicted that aircraft would also replace trains for transportation of freight. Although it was common during the Berlin Airlift crisis, it is hard to imagine an all-cargo airline routinely hauling coal!

Most people were pleased to just be able to travel domestically during the immediate recovery period, but many would soon experience the thrills of visiting foreign lands.

Airliners of this period were much slower and had somewhat higher cabin noise levels than the jets of today, but their cabins were spacious and comfortable. There was no incentive to pack more and more passengers into crowded cabins because the airplanes were generally weight-limited. Passenger seats were spacious and comfortable as well. The typical passenger was well-dressed in a business suit and tie, or the ladies’ equivalent.

Infrequent travelers could work with a travel agent to get airline reservations; but those more familiar with the airlines that served a particular destination could consult the airlines’ own published schedules, that were always freely available on their counters, or the Official Airline Guide. Instead of having to deal with a faceless computer, the traveler could then call the airline and work directly with a live reservation clerk. The fares were set, so one didn’t have to search to see which airline or which day of the week would yield the best fare. Flights typically operated at lower load factors, so seats were generally available. Subject to seat availability, one could switch flights at the last minute without penalty. Even switching to a flight on another airline was no problem because the airlines accepted each other’s tickets.

Passengers were not subjected to the inconvenience of long security lines then. There were no seat reservations, so the experienced traveler would try to board as early as possible to get a preferred seat. Passengers sometimes had to board through inclement weather, but they could actually see the airplane they were about to board! Contrary to the jets of today in which the most desirable seats are toward the front of the cabin, the best seats then were in the rear away from the noise and vibration of the propellers.

Meals were served on all but the shortest flights. The cost was included in the fare, and even on coach flights they were luxurious compared to those served today (if there is a meal today). In lieu of having a tray that folds down from the seat ahead, a passenger was given a pillow on which to place the meal tray. The flight attendants that served the meals were referred to then as ‘stewardesses’. Passengers sometimes had to endure smoke-filled cabins — the airlines even provided small complimentary packages of cigarettes. Most people found the flight itself entertaining, so there was no pressing need for inflight entertainment systems.

Passengers were not the only persons that could enjoy air travel. Unlike today’s security minded terminals, spectators could actually see airplanes from observation decks. At many terminals, they could just watch over a 4-foot chain link fence next to the waiting airplane. Photography was sometimes impaired because the photographer couldn’t get . . . .

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