Originally Posted by
Genetk44
Seats in most intercontinental jets such as the DC8,707,VC10 etc. were definitely wider than the 18-20" seats of today.
The 707 was the same width as the 737 is today (and 757), and I think the DC-8 was about the same. Was AC doing 5-across seating at that time? That's the only way it would work to have wider seating, just looking at basic math.
The overhead bins were smaller, but back in the day people weren't trying to bring their whole wardrobe and the kitchen sink into the passenger cabin like today so smaller bins were not a major issue..
But didn't you also walk out of the plane and pick up your baggage there? Contrast that to today when one might have to arrive at the airport significantly earlier to drop off baggage, risk bags misconnecting (and eliminate possibilities for SDC etc), and have a lengthy wait for bags at the other end.