There once was a time when flying as a passenger on a commercial airline was more than you could ever imagine in the flying world of today. And people who are old enough to remember those days can only sigh. However, what is wonderful is to have once experienced that quality of service, in the style it once was. There were the efficiently-trained and lovely “stewadesses” and the manner in which passesgers were treated from beginning to end. Becoming a “stewardess” was not easy. They were expected to be professional at all times. The elderly and children could fly in the care of “stewardesses” and be assured they’d be put in the hands of the right person at the end of the trip.
In those days, traveling to Japan on JAL meant you were in the best of care. Menus for all three meals were placed on trays, and passenges could choose whether to eat American or Japanese foods. The food was very good. And every passenger received a kit with the necessary things needed for the very long trip-toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, razor, soap, towel, slippers, personal blanket and pillow, blinders for sleeping, etc.
I remember the short flights from NYC to Manchester, NH and the ham sandwiches served. People in that part of New England enjoyed sandwiches with ham. No, not any ham sandwich. It was a slice from a big baked ham to which chopped pickles were added with just the right amount of mayonnaise, then it was all blended together. That’s the ham sandwich served on those flights once upon a time. Okay, it’s true, it wasn’t the height of fine cuisine, but if that was a childhood memory, well, you just had to smile when it was served. I’m not stuck in the past. I know Life is about moving forward. But once in a great while I remember certain things. Thirty years from now, I wonder what people will choose to remember.