1. Smoking Was the Norm
Back in the ’70s, lighting up a cigarette mid-flight was as common as ordering a drink. Passengers could smoke right in their seats, even in coach. Airlines designated smoking and non-smoking sections, but the smoke didn’t respect boundaries, it wafted through the entire cabin. Flight attendants handed out complimentary cigarette packs, and ashtrays were built into armrests and lavatories. It wasn’t until the late ’80s and ’90s that smoking bans began to take hold, culminating in a full ban on U.S. flights by 2000.
Today, smoking on a plane is a serious offense. Tampering with smoke detectors or lighting up can lead to hefty fines or even arrest. Yet, you’ll still find ashtrays on planes, not as a nod to nostalgia, but because regulations require a safe place to extinguish cigarettes in case someone breaks the rules.
2. Firearms Were Allowed Onboard
In the 1970s, bringing a firearm onto a plane didn’t involve the rigorous checks we see today. Passengers could carry guns in their carry-on luggage, and it wasn’t uncommon for travelers to board with firearms, especially in the U.S. There were no TSA screenings, and identification checks were minimal. This lax approach contributed to a rise in hijackings during the era.
Nowadays, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict regulations. Firearms must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided container, and declared at check-in to be transported in checked baggage only. Carrying a gun through security or onto a plane can result in severe penalties, including arrest.
3. Cockpit Visits Were Common
Strolling into the cockpit for a chat with the pilots was a novelty many passengers enjoyed in the ’70s. The cockpit door was often left open, and children and adults alike were invited to see the controls and meet the crew. It was seen as a friendly gesture, fostering a sense of trust and transparency between the crew and passengers.
However, this open-door policy had its risks. Incidents like the 1970 hijacking of Eastern Air Lines Flight 1320, where a passenger entered the cockpit and shot both pilots, highlighted the dangers. This incident, which resulted in fatalities, was the first time in the US that a hijacking ended in death, prompting airlines to implement more stringent security measures.
4. Unlimited Free Alcohol
Flying in the ’70s often felt like a cocktail party in the sky. Airlines competed to offer the best in-flight experience, which included unlimited free alcohol. Passengers in all classes were served beer, wine, and cocktails without additional charges. Some flights even featured pre-departure champagne service and in-flight bars.
Today, while alcohol is still available on many flights, it’s typically limited and comes at a cost, especially in economy class. The shift aims to reduce unruly behavior and ensure passenger safety. Excessive drinking on flights can lead to disturbances, and airlines now have protocols to handle intoxicated passengers, including potential arrests upon landing.
5. Board Without ID
In the 1970s, air travel was remarkably casual. Passengers could board flights without presenting any form of identification. Tickets were often purchased with cash, and names on boarding passes weren’t always verified. This lack of stringent checks meant that someone could board a plane under a false name or even pay for their ticket mid-flight. Such practices were commonplace and reflected a time when security concerns were minimal.
Today, the landscape has changed dramatically. Post-9/11 security measures have made it mandatory for passengers to present valid identification before boarding. Airlines and security agencies now cross-verify passenger information meticulously to ensure safety. The idea of boarding a plane without ID is not only implausible but also a significant security breach.
6. Frequent Skyjackings
The 1970s witnessed a surge in aircraft hijackings, often referred to as “skyjackings.” Hijackers had varied motives, from political statements to personal demands. Airlines, in response, trained their crews to handle such situations calmly, often complying with hijackers to ensure passenger safety. This approach, while pragmatic, underscored the frequency and normalization of such incidents during that era.
In contrast, modern aviation has zero tolerance for hijackings. Enhanced security protocols, reinforced cockpit doors, and rigorous passenger screening have significantly reduced such threats. Crew members now receive specialized training to handle potential hijack situations, emphasizing prevention and swift neutralization. The shift from compliance to proactive defense highlights the evolution of aviation security.
7. Tolerated Harassment
The 1970s airline industry was marred by a culture that often overlooked or even encouraged sexual harassment. Flight attendants, predominantly women, were subjected to inappropriate behavior, with airlines sometimes promoting a “sexy stewardess” image. This environment made it challenging for victims to report incidents, leading to widespread acceptance of such misconduct.
Today, there’s a heightened awareness and intolerance for harassment in the workplace. Airlines have implemented strict policies, training programs, and reporting mechanisms to protect employees. The transformation from a permissive to a protective environment reflects broader societal changes in addressing and combating sexual harassment.
8. Smoking Cigars and Pipes
In-flight smoking wasn’t limited to cigarettes in the 1970s. Passengers often lit cigars and pipes, filling the cabin with dense smoke. Despite designated smoking sections, the entire aircraft would often be enveloped in smoke, affecting all passengers. This practice was a reflection of the era’s lax attitudes toward smoking and health concerns.
Modern flights strictly prohibit any form of smoking. The health risks associated with secondhand smoke and the potential fire hazards have led to comprehensive bans. Airlines now enforce these rules rigorously, with violations leading to severe penalties. The shift underscores a broader commitment to passenger health and safety.
9. Jump Seats for Extra Passengers
In the 1970s, overbooked flights were managed with a casual approach. Airlines would sometimes seat extra passengers in jump seats near the bathroom or in the galley areas. These seats, primarily intended for flight attendants during takeoff and landing, were occasionally offered to passengers when the main cabin was full. This practice was a testament to the era’s relaxed attitude toward passenger safety and comfort.
Today, such practices are strictly prohibited. Jump seats are reserved exclusively for crew members, and every passenger must have an assigned seat with a seatbelt. Overbooking is now managed through compensation offers to volunteers or, in rare cases, involuntary bumping, all regulated by strict policies to ensure passenger safety and compliance with aviation laws.
10. Drunk Passengers Were Just Escorted Off
In-flight intoxication was often handled with leniency in the 1970s. Drunk and unruly passengers were typically just escorted off the plane upon landing, with little to no legal consequences. The emphasis was on maintaining peace during the flight rather than enforcing strict disciplinary actions.
In contrast, today’s aviation industry takes such incidents seriously. Drunk and disruptive passengers can face arrest, fines, and even imprisonment. Airlines have implemented stringent policies to manage in-flight behavior, ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew members.
11. Smoking Sections Were Ineffective
Airplanes in the 1970s featured designated smoking and non-smoking sections. However, the separation was often minimal, and smoke would permeate the entire cabin, rendering the distinction ineffective. Passengers in non-smoking areas were still exposed to secondhand smoke, leading to discomfort and health concerns.
Modern aircraft have completely banned smoking on board. This change was implemented to protect passengers and crew from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and to reduce fire hazards. The transition reflects a broader societal shift towards health consciousness and stricter safety regulations in aviation.
12. Pets on Laps
In the 1970s, passengers could bring their pets on board and keep them on their laps during the flight. There were few regulations regarding pet travel, and animals were often treated as carry-on items without the need for carriers or documentation. This practice was common among travelers who wished to keep their pets close during the journey.
Today, airlines have established comprehensive policies for pet travel. Pets are required to be in approved carriers that fit under the seat, and there are specific guidelines regarding the size, breed, and health of the animal. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers and to address concerns related to allergies, phobias, and animal welfare during flights.
13. Minimal Screening for Weapons
During the 1970s, airport security was minimal, and passengers could bring items like knives, tools, and even firearms onto planes with little to no screening. The lack of stringent security checks made it easier for individuals to carry potentially dangerous items on board.
In contrast, today’s airport security involves rigorous screening processes. Passengers are required to pass through metal detectors, and their carry-on items are scanned for prohibited items. Strict regulations are in place to prevent weapons from being brought onto aircraft, significantly enhancing passenger safety.
14. Joining the “Mile High Club”
In the more permissive atmosphere of the 1970s, some passengers took advantage of the lack of surveillance and unlocked lavatories to engage in intimate activities mid-flight, giving rise to the term “Mile High Club.” Such behavior was often overlooked or considered a quirky aspect of air travel.
Today, engaging in sexual activity on a plane is considered inappropriate and can lead to serious consequences, including arrest for indecent exposure or public lewdness. Airlines now monitor passenger behavior more closely, and lavatories are designed to discourage such activities, reflecting a shift towards maintaining decorum and safety on flights.
This story 14 Things You Could Do on a Plane in the ’70s That Would Get You Arrested Today was first published on Daily FETCH
