CoolP, my wife retired almost one year ago and we're still talking!  ;D

It was fun flying for TWA. I was able to enjoy the end of the golden era of flight. After deregulation, things started to go down hill for the passengers. pj747 mentioned that most people don't dress for a flight anymore. He is correct. Some look like they just came in from doing yard work.

When I was a new F/O the Captains demanded we dress for dinner. A jacket and a collared shirt was required on layover. Times have changed. Now, only a few flights have real first class. Most of what is sold as first class is business class if that. One time back a few years I was captain on a cross country flight and noticed a fairly rumpled young fellow sitting in first class. He had dirty shorts, flip-flops and a tee shirt with a very vulgar saying in large letters. I went back into the cabin and said to him " If you want to sit in first class sir, you will have to change your shirt." Now, I know I was on pretty thin ice, but I thought this fellow went past the good taste limit. I was prepared to make him leave the plane if he did not comply. He did change his shirt and all of first class applauded as did the F/A's.

I blame the advent of the 747 for the decline in passenger decorum. People thought of the 747 as a big bus and acted accordingly. Sure the 747 "up front" in first class or in the lounge was a wonderful experience, but the up-grade thing was the end for real first class. As pass riders we could tell the other pass riders apart since we were the only folks dressed up. The up grades and other passengers seldom wore anything but blue jeans and tees. Now it's almost impossible to use a pass since the flights are always full or oversold. Getting into first is a thing of the past. I seldom ever try to use a pass. I buy my tickets on line so at least I have a seat. BTW, I still dress for the flight!  ::)