I made this television infomercial in 1979. The only airport that gave us permission to film without restriction was Dulles Airport in Washington DC which was owned and run by the federal government.
I recorded this infomercial in just one day and every traveler that I stopped and interviewed was so excited and friendly and willing to say how they felt to me behind the camera. Being in an international airport at that time felt global. Like the world was opening up. Like adventure awaited everyone who got on an airplane. Most were excited. Some were nervous as this short film indicates.
There was no major security at that time. Pilots left their doors to the cockpit open and you could actually walk up front and talk with the crew both on the ground and in the air. I did that by getting out of my seat during takeoff and since I had a camera, no one objected.
After 9/11 of course, security changed and we now accept that (sort of) as a part of life when you fly. Old folks like me remember the time when it was pure excitement. I am hopeful that this short video gives those who were flying back then a bit of nostalgia and those younger, a sense of the flying experience circa 1980.
Most of those who flew still called the cabin crew "stewardesses" although the airlines were trying to get passengers to use the words "flight attendant."
Here are some of the specific differences between 1979 and 2023:
Security: There were no body scanners, and passengers didn't have to remove their shoes or limit the amount of liquids in their carry-on luggage. However hijackings and other security threats were still a concern leading to the implementation of metal detectors and X-ray machines for luggage.
In-flight entertainment options were limited. Some airlines had overhead projectors that showed movies on a large screen, while others had individual screens for each row. Music was often available via shared headphone jacks with limited channels. Personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops were not yet widespread.
Smoking was allowed on many flights in 1979 with airlines designating smoking and non-smoking sections. However as public awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke grew, smoking bans began to be implemented in the 1980s and 1990s.
Airline seats tended to be more spacious and comfortable in 1979 with more legroom and wider seats. This was partly due to fewer seats being installed in the aircraft to accommodate passengers although it varied between airlines and aircraft models.
Complimentary meals and beverages were common on most flights even on shorter routes. The quality of the food was generally higher than today's standards, as airlines competed for customers by offering better in-flight services.
Passengers dressed more formally for air travel in 1979. It was common to see men wearing suits and women wearing dresses or business attire. Flying was considered a special event, and people generally dressed up to reflect that.
In 1979 tickets were typically issued as physical paper documents that passengers had to present at the check-in counter. There were no online bookings or electronic tickets like today. Airlines generally had more lenient baggage policies with fewer fees for checked luggage or overweight bags.
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I know that I have said this before but I am asking those who watch this and enjoy it to click the super thanks button below the video screen. I am an independent documentary filmmaker who these days is depending on RU-vid for the financial support I need.
Thank you
David Hoffman filmmaker
6 фев 2023
