In the late 1970s, market studies had indicated that a fair number of Concorde passengers were originating from or connecting on to Texas. In response, Braniff International, in conjunction with Air France and British Airways, offered Concorde service between Washington Dulles and Dallas/Ft. Worth airport. Once Concorde had arrived at Dulles, Braniff crews would take over and fly the plane on to Dallas. The service was offered with either BA or AF equipment, depending upon the day of the week. Because civilian supersonic flight over America was prohibited, the flights were made at subsonic speed.

The service was inaugurated on January 12th, 1979 with both the BA and AF birds making the trip. Getting a seat on this historic flight was simple. I read about it in the paper, then immediately called Braniff to book a seat. Since I’d already seen the interior of BA’s Concorde when it came through Denver on a promotional tour, I chose to fly on the Air France Concorde. There was a big pre-flight gala in the Dulles restaurant featuring an various hors d’oeuvres, caviar and ice sculpture with pockets to chill numerous bottles of fine vodka. My seatmate was the French Minister of Transport. Flight time was two hours and twenty seven minutes, with the Mach meter indicating a top speed of Mach .98 at one point. Both aircraft landed simultaneously on DFW’s twin runways and parked nose to nose at the gate. As we disembarked, a band on the tarmac struck up “The Yellow Rose of Texas” . Ladies were handed a long stemmed yellow rose while the guys had their lapels pinned with one. My First Class ticket between Dulles and Denver via DFW cost me $156.00.

B R A N I F F . I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Washington DC to Dallas/Ft. Worth

LUNCHEON

Hors d’oeuvres varies

Heart of Boston Lettuce with
Avocado and Tomatoes
Riviera Dressing

Medallions of Veal Oscar
Glazed Carrots
Broccoli Polonaise

Filet Mignon with Fresh Pepper Sauce
French Cut String Beans
Rissolee Potatoes

Chocolate Mousse

English Mint

Coffee – Cappuccino – Tea