Back in the 1970s first class was an affordable luxury to those of us who did not have employers or clients to pay for our tickets. I rarely fly round trip, preferring trains and ships at least one way, and I recall the difference in a one-way fare between Y and F as a mere $30 YYZ to YWG and $60 to YVR. Even on a fairly short flight between YYZ and YWG a glass of Champagne (and I do mean Champagne) would be handed to me immediately upon boarding, sometimes even before I sat down. The meals would be served on Royal Doulton China, plated from serving dishes on the trolley, and eaten with shiny silver plated cutlery. The food was way better than what is served today, and I most certainly am not looking back through rose-coloured glasses.

There is no denying, however, that the current seating is better than it was then, especially in Air Canada's comfortable but pretentiously-named "suites."

just a guess but the greater availability of private jets probably moved those who could afford F to fly in a charter jet instead