Tweet here: https://twitter.com/HistoryInPics/status/446275400101273600/photo/1
It's a beautiful picture of people lounging with much legroom, a food cart coming by offering service to beautiful, happy group in a plane that appears to be about 3/4 full.
Before you go on to remark how big the seats are now and how much "better" things were back then keep in mind a few key facts:
1. There was no In-Fight Entertainment.
2. There was no Wi-Fi.
And finally....
3. Pan American filed for bankruptcy and is no longer a going concern.
For as much grief as the media (and people who rarely fly) give the airlines you'd think modern day economy is the worst thing in the world. In fact, I would argue that it's much, much better these days. Fares are historically cheaper, there are more seats which means better availability and the airlines are turning a profit.
Are there things the airlines could do better? Of course. I'd like to see improvements in timeliness and customer service, but the arguments against modern day economy class border on the ridiculous.
Also, keep in mind this: Unless you were upper, upper middle-class during that time you could not afford to fly. Now (almost) everyone can at least to some extent.
