You know, it seems like more and more airlines have merged. Going through my old travel papers, I realized I’ve flown on a lot of airlines that don’t even exist anymore!
I bet a lot of us have.
I’m not even old enough to remember the jet set, but when I started flying, let’s just say there were a lot more amenities than now.
But, those days are gone, and travel is so much different today. People seemed to be burdened by flight delays, or find security measures a hassle. It’s a different world now.
For me, I still revel in the miracle of flight. I like the window seat, and the views. You know, kid stuff. I’ve been flying for a long time, and a lot of those non-existent airlines made for great memories.
Airlines That are Part of the Past
My very first flight ever was out of ALB headed to LaGuardia Airport. It was a small aircraft that was part of Command Airlines.
For my very first flight, it was a small commuter plane as were most flights out of ALB in the early 80’s. Perhaps this wasn’t the best choice for my maiden voyage.
The plane looked strangely like a fish. My family was worried and I was terrified.
The plane was so small we were able to have a conversation with the pilots. Something that would definitely not “fly” today, no pun intended.
I didn’t fare so well on that flight, so thankfully it was a short ride to LaGuardia.
Continuing from LaGuardia, we boarded a beautiful Eastern Airlines jet. Mild nausea ensued, but this flight was a little better than the fish-like Command flight.
The last flight of this journey (the final leg of my first Costa Rica trip) was on Air Florida. Also now part of aviation history. It was the best flight of all, for many different reasons, but it was a very happy time, and best of all, no airsickness!
I will fondly remember Air Florida for getting me to Costa Rica the first time, and providing me with my first view of Costa Rica–twinkling lights in the mountains after dark. One of my best memories ever.
More Flights That Are Part of History
More trips followed. I flew on PanAm. Boy, did they serve a nice pancake breakfast. Imagine that now?
Continental Airlines had a nice direct flight to Costa Rica from Newark, long before they merged with United.
And of course, there was LACSA.
I really miss LACSA.
LACSA was the airline of Costa Rica. Not only did it have one of the safest flying records of an airline, it was also pretty. And fun! Remember the days when the entire flight would break out into applause when it landed in Costa Rica? Wow, I miss that.
I wish we could start that tradition again. However, I think I read somewhere that flight crew find that insulting. As if we’re surprised they got us there safely. Come on…we were all just happy to touch down on Costa Rica soil.
Back to the Present
As I’ve mentioned several times, I enjoy flying Delta. The schedule has always been accommodating and the flight crews excellent. And no, I’m not being paid to say that.
More on that in future posts.
Now, the airline Volaris (based in Mexico) is offering service to and from Costa Rica from New York. I definitely am interested in trying that as well.
To all my flights on airlines that no longer exist, I look back on you and remember what a great time I was having. I was lucky to be able to travel on them.
Do you remember your very first flight? What airlines do you wish were still around? I’d love to hear your comments.