Have you ever wondered what it was like to fly on an airplane almost 100 years ago? Flying today might feel routine—seatbelts, tray tables, movies, and tight security—but back in the 1930s, flying was a completely different experience. Let’s take a look at how people used to travel by plane in those early days of aviation.
Wicker Seats and No Seatbelts
Yes, you read that right—many airplanes in the 1930s had wicker chairs for seats. They looked more like patio furniture than airplane seats. These chairs were lightweight, but not very comfortable or safe.
And guess what? Seatbelts didn’t even exist yet! Passengers simply sat down and hoped the flight would be smooth.
You Could Open the Windows
Unlike modern planes that fly very high, planes in the 1930s flew much lower—only about 900 to 1,500 meters above the ground. That’s low enough to still breathe normally, so the cabins didn’t need to be sealed or pressurized.
Some planes even had windows you could open to feel the fresh air while flying. Of course, this also meant the cabin was noisy and windy, but people didn’t mind. It was all part of the adventure.
Planes Were Much Slower
Airplanes in the 1930s were not very fast. The average speed was only around 240 to 300 km/h. Today’s planes fly at nearly 900 km/h, so traveling long distances took much longer back then.
For example, a trip that now takes 2 hours might have taken 6 to 8 hours, or even longer, depending on the weather.
Pilots Flew with Maps and Compasses
There were no GPS systems in the 1930s. Pilots had to read maps and use compasses to figure out where they were going. They often flew by looking at landmarks on the ground, like rivers, mountains, or cities.
If they flew at night, they would follow light beacons set up along certain air routes.
Flying Was a Special Event
Flying in the 1930s was not something everyone could do. It was expensive and considered very fancy. People dressed up in their best clothes, like they were going to a party.
The plane cabins sometimes looked like little living rooms, with curtains, lamps, and wooden panels. Meals were served with real plates and silverware, and flight attendants (called “stewardesses”) offered coffee or tea with a smile.
Flying Was Slower—but More Magical
Today, flying is all about speed and convenience. But back in the 1930s, flying was an exciting experience. It felt new, adventurous, and a little bit dangerous. You could see the land below, hear the roar of the engine, and feel like a real explorer in the sky.
You Didn’t Know? Now You Do.
The next time you’re flying at 35,000 feet, watching a movie and sipping juice, remember how far we’ve come. From wicker chairs and open windows to high-tech jets and luxury seats, air travel has changed a lot—but the dream of flying? That’s always been the same.
