12 Things That Make Airports In The ’70s And ’80s Feel So Different From Today

I remember when stepping into an airport felt like entering a whole different world—a time capsule straight out of the ’70s and ’80s, buzzing with energy, eccentricity, and a touch of glamour. Back then, air travel wasn’t just about getting from point A to B—it was an event.

The terminals echoed with clacking flipboard displays and the hum of arcade machines, while passengers lounged in shag-carpeted seats, sipping soda from glass bottles under chandeliers that looked better suited for a hotel ballroom. Smoke curled lazily through hazy gate lounges, and fashion?

Oh, it was on full display—think wide collars, bell-bottoms, and carry-on bags that looked more like designer luggage than anything TSA-approved. Every trip felt like a mini adventure, even before takeoff.

There were no endless security lines or plastic bins—just the thrill of the unknown, the promise of jet-set life, and maybe even a celebrity sighting. It was chaotic, charming, and totally unforgettable.

1. No Security Theater

Let’s start with a scene straight from the wild, wild west of air travel. Back then, airports were as open as a book—no ID checks, no long TSA lines, and certainly no anxious waiting as someone rummaged through your life packed in a suitcase. You could waltz up to the gate with your entourage, and if you were lucky, even snag a last-minute seat as if you were catching a bus.

I remember accompanying my dad right to the gate, waving him off as he boarded. Compare that to today’s rigmarole of shoe removal and liquid limitations, and it feels like a different cosmos.

The absence of this security theater lent a certain casualness to flying, as if the airport were just another communal space rather than a fortress. It felt liberating, carefree, and slightly rebellious. Ah, the good old days!

2. Smoking Sections (or Just… Smoking Everywhere)

Imagine walking into a terminal enveloped in a nicotine cloud—welcome to the airports of the ’70s! Smoking wasn’t just allowed; it was practically encouraged, with ashtrays built into every conceivable surface. There were even cigarette ads in lounges, making it feel like a tobacco wonderland.

I recall the distinct aroma of freshly lit cigarettes mingling with the smell of jet fuel—an olfactory cocktail that defined an era. Smokers were living their best lives, puffing away with abandon.

But the real kicker? Non-smokers just had to grin and bear it, enveloped in an environment that was as hazy as can be. It was a different world, where smoke was part of the ambiance and the idea of a smoke-free zone was as foreign as a unicorn sighting.

3. Glamorous Flight Attendants

Ah, the glamorous flight attendants of yesteryear! They were the epitome of style and grace, dressed in mod outfits that could rival any fashion runway. High heels, perfectly coiffed hair, and charming smiles were part of the uniform.

I remember being in awe of their elegance as they sashayed down the aisles, attending to passengers with a flair that seemed almost theatrical. Airlines leaned hard into that “friendly skies” aesthetic, and it worked wonders.

These sky-high fashionistas were not just service providers; they were icons of the golden age of air travel. Their presence added a touch of class and sophistication, turning an ordinary flight into an extraordinary experience. It was a time when flying felt special, and the crew made sure of it.

4. Luggage Was HEAVY and Not Roller-Ready

Oh, the joys of lugging around clunky suitcases that seemed to weigh as much as a small elephant! Back in the day, wheels on luggage were as rare as hen’s teeth, and travelers had to rely on brute strength and sheer determination to get from point A to point B.

I vividly remember my parents huffing and puffing as they navigated through crowded terminals, arms straining under the weight of our belongings. It was a workout and a half, often leaving you with sore muscles and a newfound appreciation for modern conveniences.

The absence of roller-ready luggage made every trip an adventure in itself, a test of endurance and willpower. It’s a relic of the past that we look back on with a mixture of nostalgia and relief. Thank goodness for innovation!

5. Weird Old-School Intercoms and Fonts

Step right up to the symphony of crackly intercom announcements, a hallmark of airports in this golden era. The unintelligible garble over the speakers often left passengers guessing if their flight was boarding or delayed.

And let’s not forget the charming dot-matrix fonts that adorned everything from signage to tickets. It was retro, it was quirky, and it was wonderfully old-school.

These peculiarities added character to the airport experience, turning every trip into a sort of nostalgic treasure hunt. You had to rely on your wit and instinct to make it to your destination unscathed. It was a delightful chaos that kept you on your toes.

6. Airport Lounges Felt Like Nightclubs

Picture this: an airport lounge that feels more like a swanky nightclub than a mere waiting area. The carpeted walls, mood lighting, and wood paneling made you feel like you were stepping into a shag-carpeted den rather than an airport.

Free drinks and buffet food flowed as freely as the conversation, creating a laid-back, almost festive atmosphere. It was a place where time seemed to slow down, allowing you to unwind before the journey ahead.

These lounges were the epitome of cool, adding an element of glamour to the travel experience. They were a haven of relaxation and indulgence, a stark contrast to the utilitarian spaces we know today.

7. Security Was Basically Just a Metal Detector

Welcome to the good old days when airport security was as relaxed as a Sunday morning. The entire checkpoint consisted of a simple metal detector and maybe a bored-looking guy to wave a wand around your belt buckle.

There was no need to strip down to your socks or endure invasive pat-downs. It was a straightforward process that got you through in no time, leaving you with more time to enjoy the airport’s other offerings.

The minimalist approach to security made traveling feel less like an ordeal and more like a breeze. It was a time of minimal fuss and maximum freedom, a far cry from the intricate security dance we have today.

8. Payphones Were Your Lifeline

In an era before smartphones took over our lives, payphones were the unsung heroes of airports. Rows upon rows of these coin-guzzling machines lined terminal walls, buzzing with activity as travelers connected with their loved ones.

I recall fumbling for quarters and mastering the art of inserting calling cards, all in the name of a quick chat to update family on flight status. It was a different kind of connectivity, one that required patience and dexterity.

These humble devices were a lifeline, keeping us tethered to the outside world. They may seem archaic now, but back then, they were a technological marvel, a vital part of the travel experience.

9. In-Flight Meals Were Standard — Even in Coach

Prepare for a culinary journey that was standard fare, even for those flying coach. In-flight meals came with all the bells and whistles—hot dishes, metal cutlery, and tiny bottles of liquor to wash it all down.

Eating a chicken or beef tray felt like a rite of passage, a taste of luxury at 30,000 feet. It was an experience to savor, one that added a touch of class to the journey.

This gastronomic delight was a highlight of the flight, a moment to indulge and enjoy the perks of air travel. It’s a slice of nostalgia that many look back on fondly, a reminder of simpler times.

10. Projector-Style In-Flight Movies

Lights, camera, action! In-flight movies were a communal affair, projected on a single screen for the entire cabin. If you were seated far away, you’d better have had 20/20 vision.

The plastic-tube headphones were a marvel in themselves, often requiring a bit of patience and adjustment to catch the dialogue. It was a shared experience that brought passengers together, united in their quest for entertainment.

Despite the challenges, these in-flight movies offered a slice of Hollywood magic amidst the clouds. They were an integral part of the flight, a reminder of how far technology has come in enhancing our travel experience.

11. People Dressed Up to Fly

Oh, the glamor of air travel! Back in the day, flying was an event, and people dressed the part. Suits, dresses, and polished shoes were the norm, a far cry from today’s sweatpants and neck pillows.

It felt like a special occasion, an opportunity to put your best foot forward and embrace the sophistication of the skies. I remember donning my Sunday best, feeling like a character straight out of a classic film.

This tradition added an air of elegance to the travel experience, a nod to the golden age of aviation. It was a time when style took center stage, enhancing the allure of flying.

12. Observation Decks Were a Thing

Imagine the thrill of standing on an observation deck, watching planes take off and land, feeling the rumble beneath your feet. Airports of the ’70s offered this unique vantage point, turning aviation into a spectator sport.

These decks were buzzing with excitement, filled with families waving goodbye and aviation enthusiasts soaking in the spectacle. It was a sensory feast, a chance to connect with the magic of flight up close.

The observation decks were a romantic notion, offering a window into the world of travel. It’s an experience that has largely disappeared, replaced by more sterile environments, but fondly remembered by those who lived it.