Traveling has always been a thrilling experience, whether it’s the excitement of exploring a new country or the anticipation of visiting family and friends. But one things for sure—traveling in the old days was very different from what we experience today. From baggage policies to the little conveniences we now take for granted, let’s take a nostalgic journey comparing travel from the past to the present.
1. Luggage Rules: Then vs. Now
Old Days: No Fuss Over Hand Carry or Checked Bags
Remember the days when there were almost no restrictions on your hand-carry luggage? You could pile in as much as your arms could bear, and no one at the gate would blink an eye. And don’t forget, checked baggage came with your ticket—free of charge—up to 20kg or even more depending on the airline.
Today: Watch the Weight and Your Wallet
Fast forward to today, and most airlines have strict rules about your cabin baggage, often limiting you to just 7kg. Anything beyond that, and you’ll be hit with extra charges at the gate. Checked baggage? Its no longer free unless you’re flying a full-service airline, and even then, it often depends on the type of ticket you’ve purchased. For many budget carriers, checked luggage comes at a hefty price!
Wish I had a portable luggage scale before heading to the airport today!
2. In-Flight Experience
Old Days: Free Meals for All
Back in the day, almost all airlines offered free meals on board, even for economy passengers. Whether it was a short domestic flight or a long international haul, you could expect a hot meal and a drink served to you without any additional cost.
Today: Pay for Your Snack
Now, unless you’re flying with a premium airline, food on board often comes at a cost. Budget airlines, in particular, have introduced the “buy-on-board” model where even water might not be free. The once standard meal service is now a luxury!
3. Ticketing: Paper Tickets to Digital Boarding Passes
Old Days: Paper Tickets and Travel Agencies
Before the age of the internet, purchasing a plane ticket meant visiting a travel agency or an airline office. You’d receive a physical ticket, which you had to guard with your life because losing it was a real headache. If you needed to make changes to your booking, it could take days of back-and-forth communication.
Today: E-Tickets and Instant Changes
Now, everything is digital. From booking flights online to receiving e-tickets and boarding passes via email or mobile apps, traveling has become far more convenient. Changes to your itinerary? With just a few clicks, you can adjust your booking, sometimes even minutes before the flight!
4. Security and Check-In
Old Days: Fast Check-In and Minimal Security
In the past, airport check-in was a breeze. Security checks were simple, and you could arrive at the airport just an hour before your flight. No need to remove your shoes, belts, or electronics—just pass through a basic metal detector, and you were good to go.
Today: Lengthy Security Checks
Today’s travelers know the drill: arrive at least two hours early, prepare to unpack your laptop, remove liquids from your bags, and take off your shoes. Security procedures have become much stricter, especially post-9/11. While it ensures our safety, it has undoubtedly made the airport process a bit more time-consuming.
5. Entertainment: Books vs. In-Flight Entertainment Systems
Old Days: Bring Your Own Entertainment and Newspaper Swaps
In the earlier days of flying, there was little to no in-flight entertainment, especially on shorter flights. Passengers would often bring their own books, magazines, or newspapers to pass the time. If you were lucky, the airline provided a selection of newspapers at the front of the cabin. I used to make sure I was at the front of the line, eagerly grabbing my favorite paper before settling into the flight. After finishing it, I would often exchange with another passenger for a different publication—creating a mini book club in the sky!
For long-haul flights, entertainment options were limited to shared screens playing a single movie for everyone. There were no personal choices; everyone watched the same film, regardless of interest.
Today: Personalized In-Flight Entertainment
Today, planes are equipped with individual screens for each passenger, offering a wide variety of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Many airlines also provide in-flight Wi-Fi, keeping you connected throughout the journey. No need to hunt down newspapers or swap magazines—everything is available on your screen. While it’s more convenient, the charm of that shared in-flight reading experience is something we rarely see anymore.
6. Seating: Spacious to Squeeze
Old Days: More Legroom
Airplanes used to have more generous seat spacing, giving passengers a bit more legroom, even in economy class. Seating arrangements felt less cramped, and there was more personal space.
Today: Squeezed for Space
Now, with airlines trying to fit more seats into the same space to maximize profits, the legroom and seat width in economy class have shrunk. Unless you pay extra for a seat with additional space, flying can feel a little more confined.
7. Smoking on Planes: Then vs. Now
Old Days: Smoking or Non-Smoking Section?
Believe it or not, there was a time when smoking was allowed on planes. At check-in, the counter staff would ask, “Smoking or non-smoking?”—a standard question much like requesting an aisle or window seat. Airlines had designated smoking sections in the back of the cabin, and passengers could freely light up once in the air. Of course, the smoke didn’t stay confined to the “smoking” rows, so the cabin often had a hazy atmosphere, especially on long flights.
Today: Smoke-Free Skies
Nowadays, smoking on planes is strictly prohibited, and it’s hard to imagine anyone lighting up mid-flight. The change not only improved air quality but also enhanced comfort for non-smokers. What was once a common practice now feels like an ancient relic of aviation history.
Conclusion: A Bittersweet Change in Travel
While we’ve gained some conveniences with modern technology—like e-tickets, personalized entertainment, and online check-ins—there’s no denying that travel has become more commercialized. Charges for luggage, extra fees for food, and strict weight limits are some of the inconveniences that travelers today must deal with. The carefree days of unlimited carry-on weight and free meals for all are behind us.
Despite these changes, the essence of travel remains the same: the excitement of setting off on a new adventure. Whether you’re reminiscing about the golden days of travel or embracing today’s tech-forward approach, there’s always something magical about exploring the world. Just remember to pack light—both physically and mentally!
What do you think? Do you miss the old ways of traveling, or are you happy with how things have evolved? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Sertai komuniti kami melalui Newsletter.
Terima Kasih
Terima Kasih
