Going through my old travel papers and souvenirs, it occurred to me that I’ve flown on many airlines that don’t even exist anymore! I bet a lot of us have.
I’m too young to remember the “Jet Set,” when travel was a classy, dress-up affair. Travel is so much different today. People seem to be burdened by flight delays or find security measures a hassle. It’s a different world.
Personally, I still revel in the miracle of flight. I enjoy the window seat and the views. I still wonder how an airplane can take off with all that weight. Each flight is an exciting adventure. And remembering those past flights to Costa Rica is part of the story.
Airlines That Are Part of the Past
My very first flight ever was out of ALB headed to LaGuardia Airport. It was a small commuter plane from Command Airlines. Perhaps not 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 could have a conversation with the pilots.
I didn’t fare so well on that flight (airsickness) 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 definitely 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, and it was a very happy time, and best of all, no airsickness!
I will fondly remember Air Florida for getting me to Costa Rica for 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. I fondly remember their pancake breakfast with real plates and silverware! 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, but 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 the flight crew found 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’m 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.