17 surprising airline rules from the 1960s that would shock travelers today
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Flying in the 1960s was a mix of glamour, strict etiquette, and quirky rules that feel almost unimaginable today. Back then, stepping onto a plane meant dressing to impress, following unusual protocols, and even obeying unspoken social customs.
While the “jet set” era had its luxuries—cocktail lounges, porcelain coffee cups, and even the occasional dance mid-flight—it also had a list of regulations that would make most modern travelers raise an eyebrow. Here are 17 of them, straight from aviation’s golden age.
1. Passengers had to wear hats during flights
Leaving your head uncovered was almost unthinkable. Men sported fedoras, women wore pillbox or wide-brimmed hats, and flight attendants made gentle reminders to those who forgot. This wasn’t just fashion—it was part of maintaining the airline’s polished image.
2. Boarding confirmation via telegram
Instead of clicking a link or opening an app, passengers received flight details by telegram and had to reply the same way. Fail to send back your confirmation, and your seat might be given away.
3. Dance rules in the aisle
On Pan Am’s “Jet Set Soirees,” passengers could waltz or sway down the aisle, but only when the seatbelt sign was off and with the purser’s permission. Cutting in line or breaking the tempo could get you a polite tap on the shoulder to sit down.
4. Coffee in porcelain cups
Even short-haul passengers were served coffee in delicate china cups with saucers. While elegant, the practice ended after too many spills left middle-seat travelers complaining about burns.
5. No jeans or casual pants allowed
In premium cabins, denim, khakis, and cargo trousers were banned. Travelers were expected to wear slacks, skirts, or dresses in keeping with the sophisticated cabin atmosphere.
6. Smoking only with the purser’s approval
Although smoking was permitted, passengers needed a nod from the purser before lighting up. Turbulent skies meant even seasoned cigar lovers had to wait.
7. Kids under five banned from the cocktail car
To preserve the grown-up vibe, young children weren’t allowed in the aircraft’s bar section. Families kept little ones in the main cabin, a rule that inspired modern “family seating” sections.
Also read: Discover the hidden safety secrets of airplanes: 6 mysterious features that could save your life
8. A return ticket was mandatory for boarding
One-way travelers had to present proof of a booked return trip. Airlines believed it cut down on no-shows and freed up seats for others.
9. White gloves for stewardesses
Flight attendants wore pristine white gloves throughout the flight, symbolizing both elegance and hygiene. After enough beverage runs left them stained, airlines eventually abandoned the rule.
10. Doctor’s note for larger passengers
Before seatbelt extenders became standard, passengers exceeding a certain waist size needed a medical note to board. The controversial rule was quietly dropped by the late ’60s.
11. Nothing allowed on laps during takeoff or landing
Even small handbags or briefcases had to be stored overhead or checked—no exceptions.
12. No pets in the passenger cabin
Unless it was a service animal, pets were confined to cargo holds. Families often had to arrange alternative transport for their furry friends.
13. Carry-ons weighed at the gate
Instead of measuring bag dimensions, agents weighed every carry-on on a spring scale. Bags over the limit were checked on the spot.
Also read: Flying this summer? CDC flags renewed health risk for Americans
14. Pre-flight appearance checks for crew
Before passengers boarded, flight attendants lined up for a mirror inspection to ensure hats were straight, makeup was perfect, and uniforms spotless.
15. Passengers had to pre-order in-flight entertainment
Travelers submitted movie or music requests before the flight. Miss the booking window, and you were out of luck.
16. Strict airport curfews
Many airports closed after dark, so late arrivals could result in canceled flights or stranded passengers.
17. Upgrades required advance payment
There was no such thing as a free upgrade at the gate. Any move to first class required paying the full difference in advance.
Read next: Flying soon? Check out the TSA's full list of approved IDs to avoid those dreaded airport delays!
Which of these vintage airline rules do you think should make a comeback?
While the “jet set” era had its luxuries—cocktail lounges, porcelain coffee cups, and even the occasional dance mid-flight—it also had a list of regulations that would make most modern travelers raise an eyebrow. Here are 17 of them, straight from aviation’s golden age.
1. Passengers had to wear hats during flights
Leaving your head uncovered was almost unthinkable. Men sported fedoras, women wore pillbox or wide-brimmed hats, and flight attendants made gentle reminders to those who forgot. This wasn’t just fashion—it was part of maintaining the airline’s polished image.
2. Boarding confirmation via telegram
Instead of clicking a link or opening an app, passengers received flight details by telegram and had to reply the same way. Fail to send back your confirmation, and your seat might be given away.
3. Dance rules in the aisle
On Pan Am’s “Jet Set Soirees,” passengers could waltz or sway down the aisle, but only when the seatbelt sign was off and with the purser’s permission. Cutting in line or breaking the tempo could get you a polite tap on the shoulder to sit down.
Flying in the 1960s was a mix of glamour, strict etiquette, and quirky rules that feel almost unimaginable today. Image source: MojoTravels / YouTube
4. Coffee in porcelain cups
Even short-haul passengers were served coffee in delicate china cups with saucers. While elegant, the practice ended after too many spills left middle-seat travelers complaining about burns.
5. No jeans or casual pants allowed
In premium cabins, denim, khakis, and cargo trousers were banned. Travelers were expected to wear slacks, skirts, or dresses in keeping with the sophisticated cabin atmosphere.
6. Smoking only with the purser’s approval
Although smoking was permitted, passengers needed a nod from the purser before lighting up. Turbulent skies meant even seasoned cigar lovers had to wait.
7. Kids under five banned from the cocktail car
To preserve the grown-up vibe, young children weren’t allowed in the aircraft’s bar section. Families kept little ones in the main cabin, a rule that inspired modern “family seating” sections.
Also read: Discover the hidden safety secrets of airplanes: 6 mysterious features that could save your life
8. A return ticket was mandatory for boarding
One-way travelers had to present proof of a booked return trip. Airlines believed it cut down on no-shows and freed up seats for others.
9. White gloves for stewardesses
Flight attendants wore pristine white gloves throughout the flight, symbolizing both elegance and hygiene. After enough beverage runs left them stained, airlines eventually abandoned the rule.
10. Doctor’s note for larger passengers
Before seatbelt extenders became standard, passengers exceeding a certain waist size needed a medical note to board. The controversial rule was quietly dropped by the late ’60s.
11. Nothing allowed on laps during takeoff or landing
Even small handbags or briefcases had to be stored overhead or checked—no exceptions.
12. No pets in the passenger cabin
Unless it was a service animal, pets were confined to cargo holds. Families often had to arrange alternative transport for their furry friends.
13. Carry-ons weighed at the gate
Instead of measuring bag dimensions, agents weighed every carry-on on a spring scale. Bags over the limit were checked on the spot.
Also read: Flying this summer? CDC flags renewed health risk for Americans
14. Pre-flight appearance checks for crew
Before passengers boarded, flight attendants lined up for a mirror inspection to ensure hats were straight, makeup was perfect, and uniforms spotless.
15. Passengers had to pre-order in-flight entertainment
Travelers submitted movie or music requests before the flight. Miss the booking window, and you were out of luck.
16. Strict airport curfews
Many airports closed after dark, so late arrivals could result in canceled flights or stranded passengers.
17. Upgrades required advance payment
There was no such thing as a free upgrade at the gate. Any move to first class required paying the full difference in advance.
Read next: Flying soon? Check out the TSA's full list of approved IDs to avoid those dreaded airport delays!
