1971 TWA airline commercial 

In those days also, First class in the US was only 20% more per CAB regulations. Yes, it was another era.

It seems to be a trend. Southwest also did the same, although in their case they used a woman.

You forgot the cameraman tho.

Wes Bervig you think I wouldn’t do that?

Narrator’s voice: TWA never showed two movies let alone give you a choice of what to watch.

Low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers are responsible for the downgrade of airline service. Most customers are sensitive to price, and they'll fly with the cheapest tickets whenever possible.

Exactly, those days are NEVER coming back. Private is the only way to go now, for ppl who can afford it.

@@BrownBrother27 Exactly. Consumers voted with their wallets and the results have been totally predictable. Has nothing to do with greed whatsoever.

@@bradowen761, read your statement back to yourself and think about it. Greed.

Oh yes, I flew on those things back then. They had more legroom. Their Tristars were like spacious airships of the past. Only 8-across in coach, and half empty. Definitely not fun anymore unless you fork over thousands of extra dollars. In those days, first class was just 25% more.

Keep in mind that this was the "Full Fare Section" which was the predecessor of business class. Don't compare it to coach but to business/domestic first.

@@FlorianWehde While it's true in real dollars coach cost quite a bit more then than now, the coach section shown was not a full fare section. There was no such thing in 1971. This was their standard 707 coach section, as introduced with their new " Ambassador service," featuring the "twin" coach seat. The entire coach section was configured like this. Including the choice of three meals and two movies. I remember it quite well when I flew these in 1973 Boston to Athens.

It was a different time. This was around my grandparents and parents time. Flying was expensive back in the day, even on coach. People got dressed up to fly because it was such a luxury. Nowadays, most of the airlines are like the Greyhound bus, and they try to cram as many people on the plane at the cheapest prices. The only way you get this enjoyable experience is to fly First Class or fly by private jet.

@@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living Perhaps the greed factor was a bit less back then. Boeing built its 747 in part to offer more space, witness coach lounges and 9 across seating. But the airlines couldn't say no to greed, and now we have 10-across, less legroom and no lounges. Is there any end to corporate greed? Sure, I blame passengers too. They are all too eager to participate, saving every last penny to be squeezed in like sardines. They are partners in greed. Personally, if I can't afford regular coach, I refuse to fly the likes of Spirit or God forbid, Allegiance. I just won't take the trip.

He said the word SAME.

Lawrence Luckinbill

it was in the old days. there was no personal tv screens back then. And back then, most airlines have 0-1 movies