Reminiscing about old-fashioned airline service

If there is one thing business travelers are likely to agree on, it's the dismal state of service on domestic airlines.

Those who remember the good old days talk wistfully of meals served on real china atop a linen place mat, and cutlery and salt and pepper shakers so cute passengers were tempted to take them home.

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In those days, they reminisce, flight attendants were called stewardesses and they responded promptly and always smiled whenever one pushed the overhead call button. In fact, they'll insist, everyone connected with the airline industry smiled back then.

If you've ever wondered whether it was that different "back then," there's proof. In January 1955, American Airlines published a chatty little book titled "Welcome Aboard!" for passengers who flew its deluxe Flagship or low-cost DC-6 Blue Ribbon Aircoach service.

The 62 pages offer a revealing look at just how different airline service really was 50 years ago.

In a paragraph titled "You Ring the Bell with American," travelers were encouraged to expect the best in onboard services:

"Aladdin and his lamp had nothing on you with your 'call button.' One rub and Aladdin summoned a genie to serve him. One touch of the call button overhead will bring a stewardess to serve you. Attractive and able, she has but one purpose on this flight: to make your journey pleasant. You won't have to use the bell often because she will usually anticipate your needs."

In a paragraph headed "The Distaff Side," the praise heaped on stewardesses (which would raise eyebrows today) continued:

"We're justly proud of our stewardesses because they are the front-line dispensers of service. It takes more than sparkling eyes and a trim figure to become a stewardess. American scours the land to choose the women with a genuine desire to help people, a real love of humanity, from the wet diaper set right up the scale to octogenarians."

About cabin air:

"When your airplane rises above the dust level, where you soar into a bluer, cleaner atmosphere, you are in the freshest air there is. Ventilating systems sweep the used air out of your cabin automatically and replace it with sky-fresh air every three minutes."

Smoking? No problem (just not pipes or cigars, please)!

"Cigarette smoking irritates few persons; the smoke of pipes and cigars irritates many. In the interest of making this journey an enjoyable one for all, it is requested that you wait awhile for that cigar or pipeful, except aboard DC-6 and DC-7 Flagships, where it's perfectly all right to smoke pipe or cigar in the lounge. But go right ahead and smoke your favorite cigarettes anywhere."

About children onboard:

"Traveling with tots is no trouble in airplanes. The slight motion is soothing to them and they usually sleep."

About meals onboard:

"Fresh air sharpens the appetite and if you're like most of our Flagship passengers, you'll smack your lips over Flagship meals. ... To maintain the high standards we demand for our customers, our Catering Department representatives periodically visit every one of the 38 locations on our system to make certain that every meal is appetizing in appearance as well as in taste. ... At mealtime, the stewardesses serve breakfasts, luncheons or dinners from the world's most efficient "kitchen."

About miscellaneous onboard services:

"Send a telegram? Your Flagship carries telegraph blanks. The stewardess can advise you about sending it at the next stop."

"Want to sleep? Call for a pillow and a blanket if you want it. Lean back and take life easy."

"If you do not have your personal shaver handy, the stewardess will be glad to furnish you with a Remington electric shaver upon request."

Clearly, stewardesses were busy back then, and while today's flight attendants (both male and female) continue to provide in-flight service, the airlines are quick to point out that they are on board primarily to ensure the safety of passengers. Though few will argue that airline service levels have slipped dramatically in recent years, the airlines' current attention to "safety first" is a positive one that can pay huge dividends, as evidenced by the orderly evacuation of all 309 passengers onboard Air France Flight 358, which went off the end of the runway at the Toronto airport in August.

Back then, airline presidents were different too. Cyrus Rowlett Smith was the president of American Airlines from 1934 to 1968. In the "Welcome Aboard!" booklet, Smith's creed, written "for the guidance of every man and woman of American Airlines," was quoted on the first page: "Passengers are people. If any difficulty arises which may affect or delay the passengers, treat them as intelligent, interested, friendly people. Tell them the truth in an understandable, friendly, non-technical manner. They will understand and appreciate your consideration and the information you give to them."

Mr. Smith, where are you when we need you?