19 Things That Made Flying Feel Special Back in the Day for Hoosiers

In the golden age of air travel, flying had charm. It had style. It had service.

Indiana families made a big deal out of going to the airport. For many, it was a rare and exciting treat.

From the boarding process to the little extras on board, there was something different about it all. These are the things people remember fondly when they think about flying back in the day.

People Dressed Up to Fly

Flying used to be an occasion, not just a way to get from one place to another. People dressed like they were going to church or out for a fancy dinner.

You’d see men in jackets, women in skirts or dresses, and kids in their nicest outfits.

It wasn’t about fashion; it was about showing respect for the journey. Flying felt important, so people looked the part.

Even shoes mattered. Flip-flops and sweatpants just didn’t belong in an airport.

Looking around the terminal, you could feel the excitement. It was a big moment, and everyone looked ready for it.

Flight Attendants Were Treated Like Stars

Flight attendants had a polished look and a confident air. Their uniforms were crisp, and they walked with purpose.

They were seen as professional and stylish, and many passengers admired them.

People asked for advice, kids wanted to say hello, and their announcements held everyone’s attention.

It was a respected job that required training, and people understood that.

They weren’t just there to serve drinks; they helped create the entire flying experience.

Meals Were Served on Real Trays with Real Utensils

Even in economy class, passengers got full meals. Not just snacks, but real food served on proper trays.

There were main courses, side dishes, and even desserts. You might get a roll with butter and a small salad, too.

Utensils weren’t plastic, and drinks were poured into actual cups. It all felt organized and thoughtful.

The meal felt like a treat. People looked forward to it, especially on longer flights.

It made the whole trip feel more complete, like the airline was truly taking care of you.

Airports Were Quieter, Cleaner, and Less Rushed

Stepping into an airport in the past felt calm and orderly. There weren’t giant crowds packed into every corner.

Security lines were short, and families could walk together all the way to the gate.

The noise level was lower, and the seating areas felt more comfortable.

There was more time to sit, breathe, and look out the windows at the planes.

It made the start of a trip feel peaceful instead of stressful.

Kids Got Special Wings and Pilot Visits

Flying was magical for kids, and airlines leaned into that feeling. Flight attendants handed out small plastic wings for children to wear.

Some lucky kids even got to visit the cockpit and meet the pilot before takeoff.

These little touches made a flight feel like a full adventure, not just a car ride in the sky.

It helped build a sense of wonder and turned first-time flyers into lifelong travelers.

Parents appreciated the effort, and kids often kept those wings for years.

Boarding Was Quick and Simple

There were no long lines wrapped around the terminal. Boarding was fast and much more relaxed.

People didn’t crowd the gate or rush to get overhead space. There was more patience, and less chaos.

Your seat was waiting, and there was no early boarding group system to stress about.

Families, seniors, and solo travelers all moved at a steady pace.

It helped flights start smoother, and everyone felt more at ease from the start.

You Could Bring Liquids and Keep Your Shoes On

There were no plastic bins, no bag size restrictions, and no belt-removal rituals.

Flying felt like walking into a hotel lobby, not preparing for a full-body scan.

You could bring a full bottle of water or a thermos of coffee from home.

Security was present, but it wasn’t overwhelming or rushed.

It made getting to your gate feel like part of the experience, not a challenge to survive.

Seats Were Roomier and More Comfortable

Even in coach, passengers had more space to stretch out. Legroom was better, and the seats were thicker.

The cushions felt soft, and the armrests were wide enough to share.

You could lean back without bothering the person behind you.

Flights felt less cramped, which made even long trips easier to enjoy.

Comfort wasn’t just for first class; it was built into the whole plane.

Ticketing Agents Knew Their Passengers

Flying felt more personal because airline staff took the time to get to know people.

Ticket counters weren’t rushed. You could ask questions, make changes, and get help without pressure.

Agents often remembered frequent travelers by name, especially on smaller routes.

There was more conversation and less staring at screens.

It made passengers feel valued, not just processed.

In-Flight Magazines and Postcards Were a Big Deal

Every seat had a glossy magazine filled with articles, maps, and travel tips.

Passengers flipped through pages while sipping coffee or waiting for takeoff.

Some airlines even offered free postcards you could fill out mid-flight.

You’d write a quick note, and the airline would mail it for you after landing.

It added a fun, thoughtful touch to the trip and something to look back on later.

No One Was Glued to a Screen

People spent more time talking, reading, or just watching the clouds out the window.

There were no smartphones, tablets, or streaming services to distract everyone.

Passengers brought books, magazines, crossword puzzles, and maybe a Walkman with a favorite cassette.

It made the experience feel slower and more social, even among strangers.

You could actually hear the flight announcements without earbuds in every ear.

Passengers Received Little Extras Just for Flying

Airlines handed out items to make flying more pleasant. Blankets, pillows, and small amenity kits were common.

Even in coach, you might get a sleep mask, a moist towelette, or a tiny tube of toothpaste.

These extras weren’t flashy, but they showed that the airline cared about comfort.

Some flights even had postcards, wings for kids, or souvenir matchbooks.

It made passengers feel noticed, not forgotten in a crowd.

First-Time Flyers Were Celebrated

If it was your first time on a plane, the crew sometimes made a small announcement.

You might get a round of applause or a kind word from a flight attendant.

People clapped when the plane landed, and everyone seemed to share in the excitement.

There was a sense of community in the air, especially during special moments like that.

It made travel feel like more than a personal journey, it felt like a shared one.

Smoking Was Allowed (Even If It Wasn’t Great)

Though it’s not something people miss, smoking on planes was once normal.

There were designated smoking sections, even if the smell didn’t stay in one place.

It was part of the flying experience, and ashtrays were built into every seat.

Some passengers lit up after takeoff like it was second nature.

It’s a reminder of how different airline culture used to be, even if this part is best left in the past.

Luggage Tags Were Bright, Bold, and Collectible

Airlines used to hand out colorful luggage tags with logos and destinations printed on them.

Some travelers collected them, especially when flying with different carriers.

It was a small but fun part of the experience that added a personal touch.

The tags made your bag stand out, and they felt like a badge of honor.

Even checking a bag felt like part of the adventure, not a hassle.

You Could Walk Right Up to the Gate

There were no security walls separating travelers from their loved ones.

Friends and family could walk all the way to the gate to say goodbye or welcome someone home.

It made airports feel warmer and more personal, not just crowded terminals full of strangers.

Kids waved through the windows, and reunions happened right at the gate.

That final moment before takeoff felt more connected and meaningful.

Printed Tickets Felt Like Golden Passes

Before mobile check-ins and QR codes, paper tickets were the key to the skies.

They came in neat little envelopes and felt important in your hand.

Some had carbon copies or detachable stubs that passengers saved as souvenirs.

Holding a ticket made it feel like the journey had already started.

It was a small piece of paper, but it carried a lot of weight.

Planes Had Unique Color Schemes and Personality

Airlines didn’t all look the same. Each one had its own style, inside and out.

Cabins were decorated in bold colors or soft pastels, depending on the brand.

Seat fabrics, wall panels, and tray tables reflected the airline’s identity.

Even the outside of the plane had stripes, logos, or designs that made it stand out.

It gave flying a little more flair, and passengers noticed.

Passengers Received Postcards from the Airline

Some airlines handed out destination-themed postcards during the flight.

Passengers could fill them out midair and hand them back to the crew.