It’s another “back to the future” post. We love these kinds of things. We’re of an age where some of this content (courtesy of YouTube mostly) allows us to step back in time and see what we were missing (or not, depending on the date and time.)
When you see the name Stratocruiser, it might make you think of Eric Clapton’s favourite type of guitar. But, alas, you’d be wrong; it’s actually called a Stratocaster. You’re close enough, though. There was that heady and jaunty period in time where everything was jet-age – even the logos on our refrigerators and everything was Strato! Airliners were getting faster and more luxurious, and more people were flying. Which brings us to the subject of this post: the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, from an era when Boeing wasn’t in hot water like it is as of this writing. This bird was designed to offer a luxurious and comfortable flying experience for its passengers. It featured a spacious cabin with a lower deck lounge, sleeping berths, and large windows. This focus on passenger comfort set new standards for long-haul travel. Real food was provided – knives, forks and everything.
We take all of that for granted now, but The Boeing 377 was one of the first commercial aircraft to have a fully pressurized cabin. This innovation allowed for a smoother and more comfortable flying experience at high altitudes, reducing the effects of altitude on passengers and crew. And get this: passengers wore ties and dresses. Hot food was brought to your seat. You could even get up, walk around and – gasp – smoke cigarettes.
Well, those days are gone and, in many ways, maybe that’s not a bad thing. See for yourself in the video above and bemoan what you were missing. If you want to see planes like this in the flesh, click here for the US National Air and Space Museum.
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Old Blue eyes is back . . . from the wild blue yonder.