in Vehicles & Transportation

A Look at Golden age of Air Travel in the 1950s

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Air travel in the 1950s was marked by a significant increase in the number of people flying, as well as advancements in aircraft technology and infrastructure. The decade saw the introduction of jet airliners, which greatly increased the speed and efficiency of air travel. The first commercial jet airliner, the de Havilland Comet, was introduced in 1952, followed by the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 in the late 1950s. These new jet airliners allowed airlines to offer faster, more comfortable, and more convenient flights, and they quickly became popular with passengers.

During the 1950s, air travel was still considered a luxury, but it was becoming more affordable and accessible to the general public. Airlines offered more flights and destinations than ever before, and air travel was becoming more common for both business and leisure. Many airlines also began to offer vacation packages, which included airfare, accommodations, and activities, making it even easier for people to travel.

Passenger services during this time continued to improve, with in-flight meals, drinks, and entertainment becoming more common. Airlines also began to offer different classes of service, with first-class offering more luxurious amenities than economy class. Flight attendants were also becoming more commonplace, and their role expanded to include safety, customer service, and in-flight service.

The flight crews of the 1950s were composed of highly trained and experienced pilots, navigators, and radio operators. With the introduction of jet airliners, the flight crews were also larger than before, with a pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, navigator, and sometimes a flight attendant as a standard crew.

#1 A female instructor stands at a chalkboard, pointing to a chalk diagram of an airplane while female students take notes at their desks during a stewardess training school, 1950.

A female instructor stands at a chalkboard, pointing to a chalk diagram of an airplane while female students take notes at their desks during a stewardess training school, 1950.

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#4 A Pan American World Airways flight attendant preparing in-flight meals in the galley of an airliner, 1950s

A Pan American World Airways flight attendant preparing in-flight meals in the galley of an airliner, 1950s

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#5 A bus in bus docks at New York’s East Side Airlines Terminal. The docks are open on one side to permit exhaust fumes to escape, 1950s

A bus in bus docks at New York’s East Side Airlines Terminal. The docks are open on one side to permit exhaust fumes to escape, 1950s

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#6 Passengers checking in at New York’s East Side Airlines Terminal, 1950s

Passengers checking in at New York’s East Side Airlines Terminal, 1950s

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#7 Passengers checking in their baggage at New York’s East Side Airlines Terminal, 1950s

Passengers checking in their baggage at New York’s East Side Airlines Terminal, 1950s

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#8 Passengers checking in their baggage at New York’s East Side Airlines Terminal, 1950s

Passengers checking in their baggage at New York’s East Side Airlines Terminal, 1950s

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#9 New York’s East Side Airlines Terminal which operates on a 24-hour basis to provide transportation to every flight leaving from the city’s various airports, 1955.

New York’s East Side Airlines Terminal which operates on a 24-hour basis to provide transportation to every flight leaving from the city’s various airports, 1955.

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#10 A TWA pilot and stewardess greet the passengers coming off the plane, 1950

A TWA pilot and stewardess greet the passengers coming off the plane, 1950

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#12 A view from the control tower of the Greater Cincinnati Airport

A view from the control tower of the Greater Cincinnati Airport

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#24 Moisant International Airport, New Orleans, 1950s

Moisant International Airport, New Orleans, 1950s

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#25 Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) Electra Jet, 1950s

Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) Electra Jet, 1950s

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#27 United Air Lines DC-6 and DC-6B Mainliners, 1950s

United Air Lines DC-6 and DC-6B Mainliners, 1950s

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#28 United Airlines DC6 Airplane Meal Service Club Car Section, 1950s

United Airlines DC6 Airplane Meal Service Club Car Section, 1950s

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#49 An air steward serves a plate of grapes to a female passenger from a basket of fruit on a Bristol Britannia medium to long range airliner in October 1956.

An air steward serves a plate of grapes to a female passenger from a basket of fruit on a Bristol Britannia medium to long range airliner in October 1956.

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#50 Passengers board BOAC’s new Britannia propellerturbine airliner GANBI at London Airport, bound for Johannesburg, on 1st February 1957.

Passengers board BOAC's new Britannia propellerturbine airliner GANBI at London Airport, bound for Johannesburg, on 1st February 1957.

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#51 Trainee BOAC cabin crew members simulate being passengers in a replica of a Hermes aircraft during their training near Heston Airport, Middlesex, in 1958.

Trainee BOAC cabin crew members simulate being passengers in a replica of a Hermes aircraft during their training near Heston Airport, Middlesex, in 1958.

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#52 Two air hostesses welcome a passenger boarding a Swiss Air aircraft at London Airport in the 1950s.

Two air hostesses welcome a passenger boarding a Swiss Air aircraft at London Airport in the 1950s.

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#54 The flight crew reviews the passenger list of a British West Indian Airlines plane at Piarco International Airport in Piarco, Trinidad, British West Indies, in 1952.

The flight crew reviews the passenger list of a British West Indian Airlines plane at Piarco International Airport in Piarco, Trinidad, British West Indies, in 1952.

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#55 A Panagraoperated passenger plane takes off from Cochabamba, Bolivia in 1955.

A Panagraoperated passenger plane takes off from Cochabamba, Bolivia in 1955.

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#56 Tourists raise Mexican sombreros before boarding a Canadian Pacific jet in Mexico in 1950.

Tourists raise Mexican sombreros before boarding a Canadian Pacific jet in Mexico in 1950.

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#57 Arthur Parkes, a television engineer, proves that aircraft can receive television transmissions up to a height of 12,000 feet, confounding the British Broadcasting Corporation in 1955.

Arthur Parkes, a television engineer, proves that aircraft can receive television transmissions up to a height of 12,000 feet, confounding the British Broadcasting Corporation in 1955.

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#58 A Concorde fuselage test is conducted on May 17th, 1954.

A Concorde fuselage test is conducted on May 17th, 1954.

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#59 A female soldier knits while traveling to a military base on a plane, as seen in a Cosmopolitan magazine photo.

A female soldier knits while traveling to a military base on a plane, as seen in a Cosmopolitan magazine photo.

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#61 A PAA Atlantic Division stewardess serves breakfast in bed to a female passenger during a transatlantic flight in 1952.

A PAA Atlantic Division stewardess serves breakfast in bed to a female passenger during a transatlantic flight in 1952.

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#62 A TWA pilot and stewardess greet passengers disembarking from a plane in the 1950s.

A TWA pilot and stewardess greet passengers disembarking from a plane in the 1950s.

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#63 Passengers and a stewardess are pictured aboard a TU114 airliner, which was the world’s largest at the time, in 1959.

Passengers and a stewardess are pictured aboard a TU114 airliner, which was the world's largest at the time, in 1959.

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#64 A couple is seen aboard a British Overseas Airways Corporation plane in 1958.

A couple is seen aboard a British Overseas Airways Corporation plane in 1958.

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#65 A BOAC airline stewardess serves breakfast in bed to a passenger on a BOAC Speedbird Stratocruiser in 1952.

A BOAC airline stewardess serves breakfast in bed to a passenger on a BOAC Speedbird Stratocruiser in 1952.

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#66 A Bristol Superfreighter aircraft carries cars on crossChannel flights operated by Silver City Airways from their own airport in Ferryfield near the town of Lydd in 1955.

A Bristol Superfreighter aircraft carries cars on crossChannel flights operated by Silver City Airways from their own airport in Ferryfield near the town of Lydd in 1955.

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#67 Air hostesses are captured serving passengers on a plane in 1955.

Air hostesses are captured serving passengers on a plane in 1955.

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#68 Air hostess Irene Mallory is seen serving food to passengers on her trolley in 1955.

Air hostess Irene Mallory is seen serving food to passengers on her trolley in 1955.

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#69 Passengers are depicted on a transSiberian flight on board a TU104 airliner in July 1956.

Passengers are depicted on a transSiberian flight on board a TU104 airliner in July 1956.

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#70 A secretary from KLM is captured doing dictation on board a KLM passenger plane at Frankfurt Airport in January 1955.

A secretary from KLM is captured doing dictation on board a KLM passenger plane at Frankfurt Airport in January 1955.

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#71 The Basilica of St. Pius is inaugurated in Lourdes, France on March 25, 1958. The underground hall spans 14,000 square meters of concrete beneath the plaza.

The Basilica of St. Pius is inaugurated in Lourdes, France on March 25, 1958. The underground hall spans 14,000 square meters of concrete beneath the plaza.

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#72 A group of airline stewardesses pose inside the luxurious mockup of the Boeing Jet Stratoliner, which will enter service with airlines worldwide in 1959.

A group of airline stewardesses pose inside the luxurious mockup of the Boeing Jet Stratoliner, which will enter service with airlines worldwide in 1959.

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#73 Kentucky Colonel Ward Elmore, who is one of 25 people from the Laguna Honda Home in San Francisco, makes his first plane flight on August 22, 195?, and also celebrates his first 100 years.

Kentucky Colonel Ward Elmore, who is one of 25 people from the Laguna Honda Home in San Francisco, makes his first plane flight on August 22, 195?, and also celebrates his first 100 years.

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#74 In October 1956, a male air steward prepares a tray of food in the galley for passengers on board a Bristol Britannia medium to long range airliner.

In October 1956, a male air steward prepares a tray of food in the galley for passengers on board a Bristol Britannia medium to long range airliner.

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#75 Ginger Rogers, a famous screen actress, and her husband, French actor Jacques Bergerac, arrive at ParisOrly airport after flying from the United States.

Ginger Rogers, a famous screen actress, and her husband, French actor Jacques Bergerac, arrive at ParisOrly airport after flying from the United States.

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#76 The first passengers of the world’s inaugural jet service board their plane bound for Johannesburg, while nearby reporters capture the event.

The first passengers of the world's inaugural jet service board their plane bound for Johannesburg, while nearby reporters capture the event.

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#77 Passengers get ready to nap on a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid1950s. Transocean Air Lines was a pioneer discount airline that operated between 1946 and 1962.

Passengers get ready to nap on a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid1950s. Transocean Air Lines was a pioneer discount airline that operated between 1946 and 1962.

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#78 Passengers are depicted on a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid1950s.

Passengers are depicted on a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid1950s.

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#79 An air hostess engages in conversation with passengers on a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid1950s.

An air hostess engages in conversation with passengers on a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid1950s.

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#80 The first British Comet jet passenger service from London Airport to Johannesburg is shown in this photo from 1952.

The first British Comet jet passenger service from London Airport to Johannesburg is shown in this photo from 1952.

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#81 Passengers bound for Johannesburg board the inaugural British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) De Havilland Comet jet airliner at London Airport, marking the world’s first regular jet service.

Passengers bound for Johannesburg board the inaugural British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) De Havilland Comet jet airliner at London Airport, marking the world's first regular jet service.

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#82 The SaundersRoe SR45 Princess passenger flying boat prototype, GALUN, emerges from its hangar at the SaundersRoe Cowes facility on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom on October 31, 1951.

The SaundersRoe SR45 Princess passenger flying boat prototype, GALUN, emerges from its hangar at the SaundersRoe Cowes facility on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom on October 31, 1951.

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#83 Yankee catcher Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto play cribbage while waiting for chartered TWA flights to take off amidst a railroad strike.

Yankee catcher Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto play cribbage while waiting for chartered TWA flights to take off amidst a railroad strike.

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#84 Evacuees from Baghdad are about to board a flight at Esenboga Airport in Ankara, Turkey on July 25, 1958.

Evacuees from Baghdad are about to board a flight at Esenboga Airport in Ankara, Turkey on July 25, 1958.

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#85 Passengers disembark from a British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) Canadair C4 Argonaut aircraft onto a shuttle bus at London Airport in June 1951.

Passengers disembark from a British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) Canadair C4 Argonaut aircraft onto a shuttle bus at London Airport in June 1951.

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#86 The BOAC Comet is seen taxiing on the runway at London Airport before flying to Johannesburg, marking the world’s first jet passenger service.

The BOAC Comet is seen taxiing on the runway at London Airport before flying to Johannesburg, marking the world's first jet passenger service.

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#87 Travellers sleep on board an airplane in New York, as seen in this 1950 photo from Picture Post.

Travellers sleep on board an airplane in New York, as seen in this 1950 photo from Picture Post.

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#88 Britishborn American actress Liz Taylor arrives at New York International Airport with fellow actresses Grace Kelly and Lorraine Day in 1955.

Britishborn American actress Liz Taylor arrives at New York International Airport with fellow actresses Grace Kelly and Lorraine Day in 1955.

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#89 In October 1956, a male air steward and female air stewardess serve food and drinks from a trolley to passengers on board a Bristol Britannia medium to long range airliner.

In October 1956, a male air steward and female air stewardess serve food and drinks from a trolley to passengers on board a Bristol Britannia medium to long range airliner.

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#90 A passenger on board the world’s first jet airliner service receives luncheon from E Courtney, a member of the cabin crew. The Comet flight is headed for South Africa.

A passenger on board the world's first jet airliner service receives luncheon from E Courtney, a member of the cabin crew. The Comet flight is headed for South Africa.

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#91 Passengers boarding the jet service to Paris from the Pan American World Airways 707 Jet Clipper, which inaugurated the airline’s Trans Atlantic services to London on October 26, 1958.

Passengers boarding the jet service to Paris from the Pan American World Airways 707 Jet Clipper, which inaugurated the airline's Trans Atlantic services to London on October 26, 1958.

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#92 Passengers enjoying a meal inside a mock-up of the Boeing 707 Stratoliner. The development of the Stratoliner began in the 1950s during the race to capture the commercial airline market.

Passengers enjoying a meal inside a mock-up of the Boeing 707 Stratoliner. The development of the Stratoliner began in the 1950s during the race to capture the commercial airline market.

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#96 On August 7, 1959, an air stewardess serves food to passengers on board a Qantas Boeing 707 plane at London airport.

On August 7, 1959, an air stewardess serves food to passengers on board a Qantas Boeing 707 plane at London airport.

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#97 In the 1950s, an interior view of a commercial passenger plane shows a flight attendant pouring a glass of wine for a man who sits next to a couple who are toasting each other with full glasses.

In the 1950s, an interior view of a commercial passenger plane shows a flight attendant pouring a glass of wine for a man who sits next to a couple who are toasting each other with full glasses.

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#98 In 1957, a view of airline passengers is seen along the center aisle of a plane. Many of the passengers are refugees from the failed Hungarian Revolution and are on their way to the United States.

In 1957, a view of airline passengers is seen along the center aisle of a plane. Many of the passengers are refugees from the failed Hungarian Revolution and are on their way to the United States.

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#99 Passengers enjoying a relaxing smoke on a Transocean Air lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid-1950s. Transocean Air lines was a pioneer discount airline that flew between 1946 and 1962.

Passengers enjoying a relaxing smoke on a Transocean Air lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid-1950s. Transocean Air lines was a pioneer discount airline that flew between 1946 and 1962.

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#100 A stewardess serves drinks while passengers have lunch aboard a BEA Vickers Viking passenger plane in 1958.

A stewardess serves drinks while passengers have lunch aboard a BEA Vickers Viking passenger plane in 1958.

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#101 In 1955, an interior view of the passenger cabin of a Douglas DC-7 Mainliner airplane shows a pair of flight attendants serving travelers.

In 1955, an interior view of the passenger cabin of a Douglas DC-7 Mainliner airplane shows a pair of flight attendants serving travelers.

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#102 In the mid-1950s, an air hostess serves a snack to passengers on a Transocean Air lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser. Transocean Air lines was a pioneer discount airline that flew between 1946 and 1962.

In the mid-1950s, an air hostess serves a snack to passengers on a Transocean Air lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser. Transocean Air lines was a pioneer discount airline that flew between 1946 and 1962.

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#103 This Vickers Viscount airliner was a surprise visitor to Woolsington (Newcastle Airport), having arrived from London with passengers due to a rail strike in 1955.

This Vickers Viscount airliner was a surprise visitor to Woolsington (Newcastle Airport), having arrived from London with passengers due to a rail strike in 1955.

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#104 Passengers relaxing on the sleeper seats during a demonstration flight of the new Comet 4 at Hatfield in 1958.

Passengers relaxing on the sleeper seats during a demonstration flight of the new Comet 4 at Hatfield in 1958.

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#105 In the 1950s, an interior view of the first-class compartment of a commercial passenger plane shows a flight attendant bending forward to adjust the seat of a sleeping man.

In the 1950s, an interior view of the first-class compartment of a commercial passenger plane shows a flight attendant bending forward to adjust the seat of a sleeping man.

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#106 In the 1950s, a first-class compartment of a commercial passenger plane shows a well-dressed couple in the foreground smiling and enjoying their meal, while behind them a flight attendant in a bow tie serves another happy couple.

In the 1950s, a first-class compartment of a commercial passenger plane shows a well-dressed couple in the foreground smiling and enjoying their meal, while behind them a flight attendant in a bow tie serves another happy couple.

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#107 In the 1950s, an interior view of a commercial passenger plane shows a woman contemplating a move in a checkers game she is losing to a young girl, while a man with a cigarette watches them.

In the 1950s, an interior view of a commercial passenger plane shows a woman contemplating a move in a checkers game she is losing to a young girl, while a man with a cigarette watches them.

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#108 Passengers on a Transocean Air lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid-1950s. Transocean Air lines was a pioneer discount airline that flew between 1946 and 1962.

Passengers on a Transocean Air lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid-1950s. Transocean Air lines was a pioneer discount airline that flew between 1946 and 1962.

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#109 Passengers prepare to take a nap on a Transocean Air lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid-1950s. Transocean Air lines was a pioneer discount airline that flew between 1946 and 1962.

Passengers prepare to take a nap on a Transocean Air lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid-1950s. Transocean Air lines was a pioneer discount airline that flew between 1946 and 1962.

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#110 Passengers on a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid 1950s enjoy a light snack served by a friendly air hostess. Transocean Air Lines was a pioneering discount airline that operated between 1946 and 1962.

Passengers on a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid 1950s enjoy a light snack served by a friendly air hostess. Transocean Air Lines was a pioneering discount airline that operated between 1946 and 1962.

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#111 During a flight on a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid 1950s, an air hostess takes time to chat with passengers and ensure their comfort during the flight.

During a flight on a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the mid 1950s, an air hostess takes time to chat with passengers and ensure their comfort during the flight.

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#112 Passengers take a moment to relax and enjoy a cigarette on a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser flight in the mid 1950s. Transocean Air Lines was a pioneering discount airline that operated between 1946 and 1962.

Passengers take a moment to relax and enjoy a cigarette on a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser flight in the mid 1950s. Transocean Air Lines was a pioneering discount airline that operated between 1946 and 1962.

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#113 An attentive air hostess serves passengers in the observation area of a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser during a flight in the mid 1950s.

An attentive air hostess serves passengers in the observation area of a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser during a flight in the mid 1950s.

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#114 Passengers are treated to excellent service on a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser flight in the mid 1950s as an air hostess serves refreshments in the observation area. Transocean Air Lines was a pioneering discount airline that operated between 1946 and 1962.

Passengers are treated to excellent service on a Transocean Air Lines Boeing 377 Stratocruiser flight in the mid 1950s as an air hostess serves refreshments in the observation area. Transocean Air Lines was a pioneering discount airline that operated between 1946 and 1962.

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