I was an airline brat and I have many fond memories of flying in front of the curtain. My stepdad was in TWA management until he retired in the early 70's after 42 years with them. My first time in 1st was my 1st jet trip. Mom had just married my stepdad and we were flying from ORD to LAX to see where we were moving to (from a teeny town in Wisconsin to LA). Pre takeoff champagne with a sugar cube in it, meals on real china with metal utensils, large comfy seats, and warm towels. Service with a smile and then some.

Whenever I flew I had upgrade coupons in my purse so I tried to get up front if it was a long flight. LHR to LAX was one in the front bulkhead row on a 747 which was, and still is my favorite plane.

I did a lot of LAX-ORD-CWA because most of my extended family was in that area. Loved North Central and cried when they got absorbed.

Reality hit when I had to buy my first ticket to go somewhere because I had aged out of the dependant travel. Haven't sat in a first class seat in many years but remember it fondly.

ab53