How far we've come
Apr 7, 2018, 10:00 am
#16
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta PM, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,303
I started flying DL in 2008 because of a client who was based in ATL and needed me to travel with them frequently. Before 2008, I used to fly TWA and then AA after 2001. (Originally from STL)
A lot has changed, and for the most part I think the experience is better. The SkyClubs have gotten better overall.
I don't miss the days of fabric seats, lack of power (of course, going back 20 years what would you plug in?), those overhead TVs that you'd sometimes bump your head on. (DL used to have them on the 737s and 757's in the aisle.
The DL app is another great addition. Remember the days of actually needing a boarding pass printed out?
A lot has changed, and for the most part I think the experience is better. The SkyClubs have gotten better overall.
I don't miss the days of fabric seats, lack of power (of course, going back 20 years what would you plug in?), those overhead TVs that you'd sometimes bump your head on. (DL used to have them on the 737s and 757's in the aisle.
The DL app is another great addition. Remember the days of actually needing a boarding pass printed out?
Apr 7, 2018, 8:58 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Somewhere between here and there...
Programs: WWF, Appalachian Mountain Club
Posts: 11,595
Apr 8, 2018, 5:48 am
#22
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Many of the airlines outside North America still use fabric coverings even in business-class. I've read that leather or faux leather coverings are easier to keep clean, but I've also read that it's easier to sleep on the fabric coverings.
Apr 9, 2018, 7:06 pm
#23
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Delta PM, Delta Reserve, Amex Plat, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold ;)
Posts: 1,775
Or how ‘bout the days of showing up to the airport and they used different bag tags based on your destination. The sky cap would have to pull the right tag from the wall of tags, one for each city. That takes me back to Ozark and TWA.
Apr 9, 2018, 10:33 pm
#24
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: Fallen DL DM (PM) 2MM
Posts: 4,783
May 8, 2018, 9:10 am
#25
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
First Class service on ORD-CVG in 2005. Plastic cup and vending machine type snacks from the snack basket. At least now we get glassware!
May 8, 2018, 9:36 am
#26
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: DL PM, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat, AA, WP
Posts: 840
I guess NWA is never coming back (never say never), but I must admit having fond memories traveling on Eastern Airlines, which died, came back and died again.
Let's see if Swift/Dynamic can raise Eastern Airlines again from the dead.
Let's see if Swift/Dynamic can raise Eastern Airlines again from the dead.
May 8, 2018, 9:58 am
#27
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Delta 1MM, Delta SM, United Silver, Amx Plat, Delta Amx Plat, Six-T Plat, IHG Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 590
I took my first flight as a middle schooler in 1987 and remember being asked if I wanted the smoking or non--smoking section??? [well, they didn't ask ME, but asked the adult in the party] really really hard to remember that those times even existed!!
May 9, 2018, 3:29 pm
#28
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: HSV
Programs: Delta DM / 4MM; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 126
I remember boarding an Eastern Airlines flight from BNA to ORD back in the day. The gate agent calls row (something in the back) and comments, "Smokers Arise !". Then, as soon as the first "bing" went off, the matches came out and the cloud began to form. The only thing separating the two "cabins" was a tag on the headrest of one of the seats. What a way to fly. I don't miss that part of 'the good old days'.