history of passenger air travel

In the 21st century, it is commonplace to travel by plane—and many Americans are familiar with the flying experience—but this wasn't always the case.

In the early days of commercial flight, the flying experience was harsh and uncomfortable. To even get the opportunity to fly was considered a luxury. Learn more about the evolution of the commercial flying experience in the United States using objects from the Museum's collection.

Jump to:           1914-1927           1927-1941           1941-1958           1958-Today

Novel and exciting; loud and uncomfortable—an experience few people ever got to relish or regret. 

In the early years of flight, pilots and the occasional passenger sat in open cockpits exposed to wind and weather. Even in Europe, where large transports carried passengers in comparative luxury, the ride was harsh, loud, and uncomfortable. 

Mostly pilots. Most early airplanes could carry only a single extra person, if any. Few passenger-carrying airlines existed, and none survived for very long. Those that did catered to wealthy travelers who could afford the expensive ticket prices. In this period, most airlines made their money by flying the mail for the federal government. Except for the occasional hop in the spare seat of a stunt preforming Curtiss Jenny for a joy ride, few Americans flew as passengers in planes, and even fewer used them as a means to travel. 

Joseph L. Mortensen navigated the air mail route from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Reno, Nevada, in 1920 using this scrolling map and knee board. This object is called a "knee board" because a pilot would strap it to their leg. They would turn the knobs to scroll the map as they flew their route.  

Why would this be more useful than a folding map? 

Lt. James Edgerton flew the mail from Philadelphia to Washington during the first scheduled air mail flight on May 15, 1918. He wore this helmet and coat during that flight. Edgerton left the Army in 1919 and became the Chief of Flying for the U.S. Air Mail Service.

This is Lt. James Edgerton's logbook, with entries for May 14 and 15, 1918. Pilots wrote down their experiences so other pilots could learn from them. What problems did Edgerton have? How long did it take him to fly from Bustleton Field to Washington?

On May 15, 1918, Lt. Howard P. Culver navigated between Philadelphia and Belmont Park, near New York City, during the first scheduled air mail flight, using this liquid-filled compass installed in his Curtiss Jenny. 

This letter was carried on the first scheduled air mail flight. What does the letter predict will happen in the future of travel by plane? 

More About Air Mail

Despite the airlines' cheerful advertising, early air travel continued to be far from comfortable. It was expensive too. 

Flying was loud, cold, and unsettling. Airliners were not pressurized, so they flew at low altitudes and were often bounced about by wind and weather. Air sickness was common. Airlines provided many amenities to ease passenger stress, but air travel remained a rigorous adventure well into the 1940s. 

Flying was very expensive. Only business travelers and the wealthy could afford to fly. Most people still rode trains or buses for intercity travel because flying was so expensive. A coast-to-coast round trip cost around $260, about half of the price of a new automobile. But despite the expense and discomforts, each year commercial aviation attracted thousands of new passengers willing to sample the advantages and adventure of flight. America's airline industry expanded rapidly, from carrying only 6,000 passengers in 1929 to more than 450,000 by 1934, to 1.2 million by 1938. Still, only a tiny fraction of the traveling public flew. 

Noise was a problem in early airliners. To communicate with passengers, cabin crew often had to resort to speaking through small megaphones to be heard above the din of the engines and the wind. The noise in a typical Ford Tri-Motor during takeoff was nearly 120 decibels, loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss.

How Noisy Was It?

• Normal conversation: 60 dB
• Busy street traffic: 70 dB
• Vacuum cleaner: 80 dB
• Front rows of rock concert: 110 dB
• Ford Tri-Motor during takeoff: 120 dB
• Threshold of pain: 130 dB
• Instant perforation of eardrum: 160 dB

"There is still a newness about air travel, and, though statistics demonstrate its safety, the psychological effect of having a girl on board is enormous." -Comment about the addition of stewardesses from an airline magazine, 1935

The first stewardess uniform was made of dark green wool with a matching green and gray wool cape. United Air Lines made this replica and donated it in commemoration of Ellen Church, the first stewardess, and the rest of United's

A nurse from Iowa, Ellen Church wanted to become an airline pilot but realized that was not possible for a woman in her day. So in 1930, she approached Steve Simpson at Boeing Air Transport with the novel idea of placing nurses aboard airliners. She convinced him that the presence of women nurses would help relieve the traveling public's fear of flying. The addition of female flight attendants fundamentally changed the flying experience—sometimes to the detriment of the female flight attendants themselves—and would continue to shape it for years to come.

View Uniform

Learn More About Flight Attendants

 Passengers on T.W.A.'s Douglas DC-2s were given overnight flight bags for transcontinental flights. 

American issued this overnight flight bag to passengers flying on its Curtiss Condors and later on its Douglas Sleeper Transports. 

To ease pressure on passengers' ears during climb and descent, stewards on Eastern Air Lines flights in the late 1930s offered chewing gum from elegant polished steel dispensers. 

Why do your ears hurt?

Your ears pop during takeoff and landing because of tiny tubes, full of air, that connect your ears to your throat. Air pressure changes during ascent and descent cause pressure differences within your head, and those tubes become blocked. When you yawn or swallow, you open the tubes and equalize the pressure. Chewing gum helps you generate saliva to swallow, but you don't really need the gum at all!  

Your ears pop during takeoff and landing because of tiny tubes, full of air, that connect your ears to your throat. Air pressure changes during ascent and descent cause pressure differences within your head, and those tubes become blocked. When you yawn or swallow, you open the tubes and equalize the pressure. Chewing gum helps you generate saliva to swallow, but you don't really need the gum at all!

In 1955, for the first time, more people in the United States traveled by air than by train. By 1957 airliners had replaced ocean liners as the preferred means of crossing the Atlantic.

After World War II, passenger travel surged to new levels. When wartime travel restrictions ended, airlines were overwhelmed with passengers. New carriers emerged, and new technology began to revolutionize civil aviation.

The era of mass air travel had begun—for some. African Americans could choose to fly, but few did. Many airport facilities were segregated and discrimination was widespread. While the airlines were not legally segregated, airports often were. Throughout the South, inferior airport accommodations discouraged African Americans from flying. Until the Civil Rights movement began to bring about change, air travel remained mostly for white people.

Learn More About Air Travel and Segregation

Since the federal government regulated prices, airlines competed by offering various amenities. Whether United's "red carpet service," for which a brochure can be seen here, or American's "service fit for a king and queen," airline advertising made sure passengers knew they would be treated well. As one American Airlines publication noted, "travel by air should be a time of leisure, a chance for you to escape humdrum worries."

View Brochure from Continental

Matchbooks like this one were provided to passengers interested in smoking during their flight. According to one brochure, cigar and pipe smoking were "permitted in the lounge of DC-6Bs only!" 

Airlines provided junior pilot wings link these to children, just one of the amenities for families. 

Airlines provided junior stewardess wings like these to children, just one of the amenities for families.

United Air Lines menu for a gourmet in flight meal. 

Jet Lag Before Jets

Passengers began experiencing physiological problems due to crossing several time zones within a few hours. Shortened or lengthened days or nights upset natural body rhythms and made sleeping difficult. Although later dubbed "jet lag," this was first experienced after long-distance trips on fast piston-engine and turboprop airliners. 

As flying became more popular and commonplace, the nature of the air travel experience began to change. By the end of the 1950s, America's airlines were bringing a new level of speed, comfort, and efficiency to the traveling public. However, with the steady increase in passenger traffic, the level of personal service decreased. The stresses of air travel began to replace the thrill. Flying was no longer a novelty or an adventure; it was becoming a necessity. 

Jet passenger service began in the United States in the late 1950s with the introduction of Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 airliners. 

Some 707 flights were all-first class, others all tourist class, and others a mix separated by partitions.

The jet engine revolutionized air travel. Powerful and durable, jets enabled aircraft manufacturers to build bigger, faster, and more productive airliners. The effects of deregulation, along with the computer revolution and heightened security measures, especially following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, have profoundly changed the nature of the air travel experience.

"Jetting" across the Atlantic briefly became highly fashionable and prestigious, and a new breed of travelers— the "Jet Set"— emerged. But falling fares in the 1970s allowed many more people to fly and undermined the exclusivity of jet travel. 

Sweeping cultural changes in the 1960s and 1970s reshaped the airline industry. More people began to fly, and air travel became less exclusive. Between 1955 and 1972, passenger numbers more than quadrupled. By 1972 almost half of all Americans had flown, although most passengers were still business travelers. A small percentage became repeat travelers, or "frequent flyers."

Today, airline travel is the safest form of transportation. More people die in auto accidents in three months in the United States than have lost their lives in the entire history of commercial flight. It is far safer to fly than it is to get to the airport. 

Because air travel is so safe and accidents so rare, when an incident occurs it is often highly publicized, which heightens the unwarranted perception of danger. 

Since the advent of high-altitude pressurized airliners in the early 1940s, airliners have featured oxygen masks such as this one, as well as evacuation slides and rafts to aid passengers and crew in emergencies. 

View Boarding Pass Examples

Since deregulation, travelers have benefited from low fares and more frequent service on heavily traveled routes; on other routes, fares have risen. But in exchange for low fares, passengers have had to sacrifice convenience and amenities. To offer low air fares, airlines have had to cut costs in other ways, often by reducing, eliminating, or charging for amenities that air travelers once took for granted. 

Computer technology, in particular the Internet, has revolutionized how people plan trips, buy tickets, and obtain boarding passes. Heightened security, especially since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, has made the airport experience more restrictive and time-consuming. 

Hundreds of millions of passengers now fly each year in the United States. But that popularity has also brought crowded airplanes and congested airports and has dulled the luster air travel once had. 

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History of Flight: Breakthroughs, Disasters and More

By: Aaron Randle

Updated: February 6, 2024 | Original: July 9, 2021

For thousands of years, humans have dreamed of taking to the skies. The quest has led from kite flying in ancient China to hydrogen-powered hot-air balloons in 18th-century France to contemporary aircraft so sophisticated they can’t be detected by radar or the human eye.

Below is a timeline of humans’ obsession with flight, from da Vinci to drones. Fasten your seatbelt and prepare for liftoff.

1505-06: Da Vinci dreams of flight, publishes his findings

Few figures in history had more detailed ideas, theories and imaginings on aviation as the Italian artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci . His book Codex on the Flight of Birds contained thousands of notes and hundreds of sketches on the nature of flight and aerodynamic principles that would lay much of the early groundwork for—and greatly influence—the development of aviation and manmade aircraft.

November 21, 1783: First manned hot-air balloon flight

Two months after French brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier engineered a successful test flight with a duck, a sheep and a rooster as passengers, two humans ascended in a Montgolfier-designed balloon over Paris. Powered by a hand-fed fire, the paper-and-silk aircraft rose 500 vertical feet and traveled some 5.5 miles over about half an hour. But in an 18th-century version of the space race, rival balloon engineers Jacques Alexander Charles and Nicholas Louis Robert upped the ante just 10 days later. Their balloon, powered by hydrogen gas, traveled 25 miles and stayed aloft more than two hours.

1809-1810: Sir George Cayley introduces aerodynamics

At the dawn of the 19th century, English philosopher George Cayley published “ On Aerial Navigation ,” a radical series of papers credited with introducing the world to the study of aerodynamics. By that time, the man who came to be known as “the father of aviation” had already been the first to identify the four forces of flight (weight, lift, drag, thrust), developed the first concept of a fixed-wing flying machine and designed the first glider reported to have carried a human aloft.

September 24, 1852: Giffard's dirigible proves powered air travel is possible

Half a century before the Wright brothers took to the skies, French engineer Henri Giffard manned the first-ever powered and controllable airborne flight. Giffard, who invented the steam injector, traveled almost 17 miles from Paris to Élancourt in his “Giffard Dirigible,” a 143-foot-long, cigar-shaped airship loosely steered by a three-bladed propeller that was powered by a 250-pound, 3-horsepower engine, itself lit by a 100-pound boiler. The flight proved that a steam-powered airship could be steered and controlled.

1876: The internal combustion engine changes everything

Building on advances by French engineers, German engineer Nikolaus Otto devised a lighter, more efficient, gas-powered combustion engine, providing an alternative to the previously universal steam-powered engine. In addition to revolutionizing automobile travel, the innovation ushered in a new era of longer, more controlled aviation.

December 17, 1903: The Wright brothers become airborne—briefly

Flying from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first controlled, sustained flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft. Each brother flew their wooden, gasoline-powered propeller biplane, the “Wright Flyer,” twice (four flights total), with the shortest lasting 12 seconds and the longest sustaining flight for about 59 seconds. Considered a historic event today, the feat was largely ignored by newspapers of the time, who believed the flights were too short to be important.

1907: The first helicopter lifts off

French engineer and bicycle maker Paul Cornu became the first man to ride a rotary-wing, vertical-lift aircraft, a precursor to today’s helicopter, when he was lifted about 1.5 meters off the ground for 20 seconds near Lisieux, France. Versions of the helicopter had been toyed with in the past—Italian engineer Enrico Forlanini debuted the first rotorcraft three decades prior in 1877. And it would be improved upon in the future, with American designer Igor Sikorsky introducing a more standardized version in Stratford, Connecticut in 1939. But it was Cornu’s short flight that would land him in the history books as the definitive first.

1911-12: Harriet Quimby achieves two firsts for women pilots

Journalist Harriet Quimby became the first American woman ever awarded a pilot’s license in 1911, after just four months of flight lessons. Capitalizing on her charisma and showmanship (she became as famous for her violet satin flying suit as for her attention to safety checks), Quimby achieved another first the following year when she became the first woman to fly solo across the English channel. The feat was overshadowed, however, by the sinking of the Titanic two days earlier.

October 1911: The aircraft becomes militarized

Italy became the first country to significantly incorporate aircraft into military operations when, during the Turkish-Italian war, it employed both monoplanes and airships for bombing, reconnaissance and transportation. Within a few years, aircraft would play a decisive role in the World War I.

January 1, 1914: First commercial passenger flight

On New Year’s Day, pilot Tony Jannus transported a single passenger, Mayor Abe Pheil of St. Petersburg, Florida across Tampa Bay via his flying airboat, the “St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line.” The 23-mile flight (mostly along the Tampa Bay shore) cost $5.00 and would lay the foundation for the commercial airline industry.

1914-1918: World war accelerates the militarization of aircraft

World War I became the first major conflict to use aircraft on a large-scale, expanding their use in active combat. Nations appointed high-ranking generals to oversee air strategy, and a new breed of war hero emerged: the fighter pilot or “flying ace.”

According to The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft , France was the war’s leading aircraft manufacturer, producing nearly 68,000 planes between 1914 and 1918. Of those, nearly 53,000 were shot down, crashed or damaged.

June 1919: First nonstop transatlantic flight

Flying a modified ‘Vickers Vimy’ bomber from the Great War, British aviators and war veterans John Alcock and Arthur Brown made the first-ever nonstop transatlantic flight. Their perilous 16-hour journey , undertaken eight years before Charles Lindbergh crossed the Atlantic alone, started in St. John's, Newfoundland, where they barely cleared the trees at the end of the runway. After a calamity-filled flight, they crash-landed in a peat bog in County Galway, Ireland; remarkably, neither man was injured.

1921: Bessie Coleman becomes the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license

The fact that Jim Crow-era U.S. flight schools wouldn’t accept a Black woman didn’t stop Bessie Coleman. Instead, the Texas-born sharecropper’s daughter, one of 13 siblings, learned French so she could apply to the Caudron Brothers’ School of Aviation in Le Crotoy, France. There, in 1921, she became the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license. After performing the first public flight by a Black woman in 1922—including her soon-to-be trademark loop-the-loop and figure-8 aerial maneuvers—she became renowned for her thrilling daredevil air shows and for using her growing fame to encourage Black Americans to pursue flying. Coleman died tragically in 1926, as a passenger in a routine test flight. Thousands reportedly attended her funeral in Chicago.

1927: Lucky Lindy makes first solo transatlantic flight

Nearly a decade after Alcock and Brown made their transatlantic flight together, 25-year-old Charles Lindbergh of Detroit was thrust into worldwide fame when he completed the first solo crossing , just a few days after a pair of celebrated French aviators perished in their own attempt. Flying the “Spirit of St. Louis” aircraft from New York to Paris, “Lucky Lindy” made the first transatlantic voyage between two major hubs—and the longest transatlantic flight by more than 2,000 miles. The feat instantly made Lindbergh one of the great folk heroes of his time, earned him the Medal of Honor and helped usher in a new era of interest in the possibilities of aviation.

1932: Amelia Earhart repeats Lindbergh’s feat

Five years after Lindbergh completed his flight, “Lady Lindy” Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean , setting off from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland on May 20, 1932 and landing some 14 hours later in Culmore, Northern Ireland. In her career as an aviator, Earhart would become a worldwide celebrity, setting several women’s speed, domestic distance and transcontinental aviation records. Her most memorable feat, however, would prove to be her last. In 1937, while attempting to circumnavigate the globe, Earhart disappeared over the central Pacific ocean and was never seen or heard from again.

1937: The Hindenburg crashes…along with the ‘Age of Airships’

Between WWI and WWII, aviation pioneers and major aircraft companies like Germany’s Luftshiffbau Zeppelin tried hard to popularize bulbous, lighter-than-air airships—essentially giant flying gas bags—as a mode of commercial transportation. The promise of the steam-powered, hydrogen-filled airships quickly evaporated, however, after the infamous 1937 Hindenburg disaster . That’s when the gas inside the Zeppelin company’s flagship Hindenburg vessel exploded during a landing attempt, killing 35 passengers and crew members and badly burning the majority of the 62 remaining survivors.

October 14, 1947: Chuck Yeager breaks the sound barrier

An ace combat fighter during WWII, Chuck Yeager earned the title “Fastest Man Alive” when he hit 700 m.p.h. while testing the experimental X-1 supersonic rocket jet for the military over the Mojave Desert in 1947. Being the first person to  travel faster than the speed of sound has been hailed as one of the most epic feats in the history of aviation—not bad for someone who got sick to his stomach after his first-ever flight.

1949: The world’s first commercial jetliner takes off

Early passenger air travel was noisy, cold, uncomfortable and bumpy, as planes flew at low altitudes that brought them through, not above, the weather. But when the British-manufactured de Havilland Comet took its first flight in 1949—boasting four turbine engines, a pressurized cabin, large windows and a relatively comfortable seating area—it marked a pivotal step in modern commercial air travel. An early, flawed design however, caused the de Havilland to be grounded after a series of mid-flight disasters—but not before giving the world a glimpse of what was possible.

1954-1957: Boeing glamorizes flying

With the debut of the sleek 707 aircraft, touted for its comfort, speed and safety, Seattle-based Boeing ushered in the age of modern American jet travel. Pan American Airways became the first commercial carrier to take delivery of the elongated, swept-wing planes, launching daily flights from New York to Paris. The 707 quickly became a symbol of postwar modernity—a time when air travel would become commonplace, people dressed up to fly and flight attendants reflected the epitome of chic. The plane even inspired Frank Sinatra’s hit song “Come Fly With Me.”

March 27, 1977: Disaster at Tenerife

In the greatest aviation disaster in history, 583 people were killed and dozens more injured when two Boeing 747 jets—Pan Am 1736 and KLM 4805— collided on the Los Rodeos Airport runway in Spain’s Canary Islands. The collision occurred when the KLM jet, trying to navigate a runway shrouded in fog, initiated its takeoff run while the Pan Am jetliner was still on the runway. All aboard the KLM flight and most on the Pan Am flight were killed. Tragically, neither plane was scheduled to fly from that airport on that day, but a small bomb set off at a nearby airport caused them both to be diverted to Los Rodeos.

1978: Flight goes electronic

The U.S. Air Force developed and debuted the first fly-by-wire operating system for its F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter plane. The system, which replaced the aircraft’s manual flight control system with an electronic one, ushered in aviation’s “Information Age,” one in which navigation, communications and hundreds of other operating systems are automated with computers. This advance has led to developments like unmanned aerial vehicles and drones, more nimble missiles and the proliferation of stealth aircraft.

1986: Around the world, without landing

American pilots Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager (no relation to Chuck) completed the first around-the-world flight without refueling or landing . Their “Rutan Model 76 Voyager,” a single-wing, twin-engine craft designed by Rutan’s brother, was built with 17 fuel tanks to accommodate long-distance flight.

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To mark 100 years of passenger air travel, our stunning interactive uses live data from FlightStats to show every one of the thousands of commercial planes currently in the air, charts the history of aviation since 1914, and asks what comes next for the industry

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World air passenger traffic evolution, 1980-2020

Last updated 3 Dec 2020

IEA (2020), World air passenger traffic evolution, 1980-2020 , IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/world-air-passenger-traffic-evolution-1980-2020, Licence: CC BY 4.0

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International Civil Aviation Organization (2020). ICAO Economic Impact Analysis of COVID-19 on Civil Aviation.

a) Historical figures are subject to revision and estimates for 2020 will be updated with the evolving situation; and b) For latest update please refer to ICAO Economic Impact Analysis of COVID-19 on Civil Aviation at: https://www.icao.int/sustainability/Pages/Economic-Impacts-of-COVID-19.aspx .

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The Sleek History of Airline Maps

A new book explores the evolution of cartography throughout more than a century of commercial air travel

Jennifer Nalewicki

Travel Correspondent

On January 1, 1914, the first scheduled passenger flights began soaring through the skies between St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida. With the dawn of civil air travel came the need for airlines to find new and creative ways to entice passengers to travel onboard their aircraft, while also spurring a sense of wanderlust among a populace who had previously only traveled via boat or train. One popular way airlines did so was by creating colorful and engaging maps that showcased the different destinations around the world where they flew. Over time, airlines became more and more creative with their maps, adding in hand-drawn illustrations depicting their fleet of aircraft along with detailed drawings of different locales around the world.

In their new Airline Maps: A Century of Art and Design , Mark Ovenden and Maxwell Roberts, who both have backgrounds in cartography, sifted through hundreds of examples of airline maps from both current and defunct airlines and whittled the collection down to what they think are some of the best examples of maps representing a century of passenger flight. Not only is their book a celebration of air travel throughout the decades, but it also serves as a visual reminder of how graphic design has evolved over the last hundred years.

Smithsonian magazine spoke to the authors about the evolution of airline maps, how these maps were used as marketing tools to entice travelers and what the future holds for airline cartography.

What inspired you to write this book?

Ovenden: I began noticing a lot of interesting airline maps out there, and once I started delving into them, the more I realized there’s so much variety and diversity out there—the creativity is actually quite staggering. There hasn’t been a book that’s covered the subject of 100 years of airline cartography before, and the more we looked the more we found. We soon realized that there was a book sitting there. We could’ve easily done three or four books [on the topic].

Roberts: I was initially quite skeptical when Max mentioned the idea to me, since I didn’t realize there was so much diversity of designs out there. We had a fantastic time researching the maps, and we found literally thousands of examples from around the world. We had a hard time whittling them all down; it was like a Pandora’s box of great design out there.

In the early days of commercial aviation, how did airlines use maps and other literature to entice passengers to travel via air?

Roberts: Airlines adopted whatever the graphic design fashion was at the time. For example, the very first flight maps after World War I were designed in the Art Nouveau style. There were also a lot of pictures of aircraft and the places that you could fly to and the people you would likely meet while there. So the maps had two purposes. One, to show you that you can get to places faster than ever before no matter how inconvenient, and the other was to reassure people with friendly, everyday images.

Ovenden: In the first couple of chapters of the book, I was amazed to see how few maps didn’t contain a [picture of] a miniature aircraft on them. If you transport yourself back to the 1920s and ’30s, aviation was still a new technology and the idea of flying was a new way of traveling for the masses, who before then only traveled via train, boat or by walking. So the idea of air flight, especially for ordinary people to take part in, was practically unheard of, which was the reason for the airlines to start putting aircraft imagery on their maps.

How have airline maps evolved over time?

Roberts: This book is not just about the history of maps, it’s also the history of design. Airlines followed whatever design trends were popular at the time, going from Art Nouveau to Art Deco to a more somber style in the 1940s and ’50s. Early on, they used a more sumptuous design to persuade rich people to fly, but after World War II, airlines were trying to encourage ordinary people to fly as it became cheaper for airlines to fly at longer ranges.

Ovenden: Maps started to change in the late 1930s and ’40s when more routes were becoming available and more people were able to fly, therefore making it no longer the domain of the rich. For example, Harry Beck, [who famously designed the London Underground map , also created a route map for Imperial Airways in 1935]. Beck showed the way that you could use diagrams and make them useful for people traveling by air.

Airline Maps: A Century of Art and Design

A nostalgic and celebratory look back at one hundred years of passenger flight, featuring full-color reproductions of route maps and posters from the world's most iconic airlines, from the author of bestselling cult classic Transit Maps of the World .

You scoured museums, archives, websites and more in search of old route maps. What were some of the most surprising things you unearthed?

Roberts: We like the way in which the world gets twisted up. For example, in the 1940s there was sort of an avant-garde thing taking place [in route map design] that shred up the world [from being shaped like a sphere] and making it look like [the petals of] a flower [or other shapes]. Graphic designers were trying new things and distorting [what the world looked like]. A lot of the maps make us laugh and the designs are absolutely hilarious. For example, Svitlet [a Czechoslovakian airline founded in 1948], showed its routes [on the sole] of a flying boot standing down an aircraft.

Ovenden: Another example of [distorting the world] was a map by Scandinavian Airlines [SAS] from the 1950s that shows the Earth being twisted into a spiral. SAS was known for being very innovative with its designs. What definitely came out from our research is seeing that airlines like SAS, KLM, Air France and Air India really put a lot of money and thought into their designs, but then there were also other airlines that perhaps didn’t think things through and weren’t quite as clever.

In the book's introduction, you wrote that “this book, in its own way, tells the story of 20th century design.” Could you elaborate on this idea?

Roberts: At one time, route maps were all hand drawn and painted. The depictions of airplanes and people were absolutely gorgeous, but sadly those began to fade away in the 1960s and ’70s when artistry started to be left behind. As air travel became more mundane, so did the design of the route maps. As we researched, we could see the design fade away. The last chapter was hard to fill.

With the advancements in technology, do you think airline route maps will eventually become a thing of the past?

Roberts: There are two types of maps. The first is the route map that tells you where your aircraft is traveling; technology has replaced those because you can view a flight path in real time on the seatback screens of an airplane showing you exactly where your aircraft is. Airline service maps, which are more of what this book is about, are there for publicity and for defining a territory and for planning a journey. Technology won’t take away the need to advertise. It’s not so much technology taking away from the maps, I think it’s a loss of excitement of air travel, which is taking away people’s desire to show things in these grand fantastic ways.

Ovenden: I agree, and just occasionally in modern times, you have people who are prepared to make maps using new ideas. We’d love to see more designers do that. During the book launch, we almost set down a challenge now to the airlines around the world that they’ve seen the best of what there is, and that we challenge them to design even better airline route maps.

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• Fear of Flying
• February 4, 2024

Exploring the History of Air Travel: From the Wright Brothers to Modern Aviation

Air travel has become an integral part of modern life, allowing people to travel across the world in a matter of hours. However, the history of air travel is a fascinating and complex topic that dates back over a century. From the Wright brothers’ first flight in 1903 to the present day, the evolution of air travel has been marked by incredible achievements and significant challenges.

The history of aviation began with the development of hot air balloons in the late 18th century, but it was not until the early 20th century that powered flight became a reality. The Wright brothers are credited with building and flying the world’s first successful airplane in 1903, and their invention paved the way for rapid advancements in aviation technology. Over the next few decades, airplanes became larger, faster, and more reliable, leading to the establishment of commercial air travel in the 1920s and 1930s. The advent of World War II further accelerated the development of aviation technology, with military aircraft becoming more advanced and sophisticated than ever before.

The Dawn of Flight

Early Experiments and Theories

The concept of flight has fascinated humans for centuries, with early experiments and theories dating back to the time of Leonardo da Vinci. Sir George Cayley, a British scientist, is widely considered the father of aviation for his pioneering work on the principles of flight. He designed and built gliders and kites to study the properties of lift and aerodynamics.

Otto Lilienthal, a German aviation pioneer, conducted extensive experiments with gliders in the late 19th century. His work greatly influenced the Wright brothers and other early aviation pioneers. Octave Chanute, an American civil engineer, also contributed to the development of aviation with his research on glider design and aerodynamics.

The Wright Brothers’ Legacy

Wilbur and Orville Wright, two American brothers from Ohio, are credited with inventing and building the world’s first successful airplane. In 1903, they achieved the first sustained, controlled flight of a heavier-than-air powered aircraft. The Wright brothers’ legacy is significant not only for their achievement but also for their approach to scientific research and engineering.

The Wright brothers’ biplane design incorporated several innovative features, including a system for controlling the aircraft’s pitch, roll, and yaw. They also developed a wind tunnel to test their designs and conducted extensive research on aerodynamics and flight mechanics.

Advancements in Aircraft Design

Following the Wright brothers’ success , aviation technology advanced rapidly. The development of more powerful engines and improvements in materials and manufacturing techniques led to the design of faster, more efficient aircraft. During World War I, airplanes were used extensively for reconnaissance and combat, further driving innovation in aircraft design.

Today, aviation is a vital part of modern transportation and commerce, with millions of passengers traveling by air every day. The legacy of early aviation pioneers like the Wright brothers continues to inspire new generations of engineers and scientists to push the boundaries of flight.

Commercial Aviation Takes Off

The early 20th century saw the rise of commercial aviation, which revolutionized the way people travel. This section explores the key events that led to the development of the airline industry.

The Birth of Airlines

The first airlines emerged in the 1920s, with Pan American Airways, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines among the pioneers. These airlines were initially focused on carrying mail, but soon expanded to passenger travel.

The Role of Air Mail

Air mail played a crucial role in the development of commercial aviation. In 1925, the Kelly Act authorized the US Post Office to contract with private airlines to carry mail, which provided a reliable source of revenue for airlines. By the mid-1930s, air mail accounted for over half of all airline revenue.

The Impact of World War II

World War II had a significant impact on the airline industry. During the war, airlines played a vital role in transporting troops and supplies. After the war, the airline industry experienced rapid growth as demand for air travel increased.

In conclusion, the development of commercial aviation was a significant milestone in the history of transportation. The birth of airlines, the role of air mail, and the impact of World War II all played a crucial role in the development of the airline industry. Today, air travel is an integral part of modern life, connecting people and places around the world.

The Jet Age and Beyond

Introduction of Jet Aircraft

The Jet Age, which began in the late 1950s, revolutionized air travel. The introduction of jet aircraft made it possible to travel faster and farther than ever before. The first commercial jet airliner was the de Havilland Comet, which entered service in 1952. However, the Comet suffered from a number of design flaws and safety issues, which led to a series of accidents and the eventual withdrawal of the aircraft from service.

The Rise of Jumbo Jets

In the late 1960s, Boeing introduced the 747, the first jumbo jet, which could carry up to 500 passengers. The 747 quickly became the flagship of many airlines and helped to make air travel more affordable and accessible to the masses. The success of the 747 also spurred competition from other aircraft manufacturers, such as Airbus, which introduced its own jumbo jet, the A380, in 2007.

Technological Innovations

The Jet Age also brought about a number of technological innovations in the aviation industry. One of the most significant was the development of the jet engine, which allowed aircraft to fly faster and higher than ever before. Other innovations included advances in navigation and communication systems, as well as improvements in aircraft design and materials.

Today, air travel continues to evolve and improve, with new technologies and innovations constantly being developed. From the early days of the Jet Age to the present day, commercial airliners have played a crucial role in connecting people and cultures around the world.

Air Travel Evolution

Air travel has come a long way since the Wright Brothers’ first flight in 1903. Over the years, there have been numerous advancements in technology, safety, and regulation that have transformed the flying experience. This section will explore some of the key changes that have occurred in air travel over the years.

Changes in Passenger Experience

The evolution of air travel has brought about significant changes in the passenger experience. In the early days of air travel, passengers were few, and the experience was luxurious. However, with the growth of air travel, airlines have had to adapt to cater to the needs of a larger and more diverse customer base.

Today, passengers enjoy a range of amenities, from in-flight entertainment to comfortable seating. The introduction of budget airlines has also made air travel more accessible to a wider audience.

Safety and Regulation Developments

Safety has always been a top priority in air travel, and over the years, there have been significant developments in this area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was established in 1958 to oversee the safety of air travel in the United States. Since then, there have been numerous advancements in safety technology, including the introduction of black boxes, which record flight data and voice recordings.

Regulation has also played a significant role in the evolution of air travel. The FAA sets standards for everything from pilot training to aircraft maintenance, ensuring that air travel remains safe and reliable.

Environmental Considerations

With the growth of air travel, there has been increasing concern about the environmental impact of flying. The aviation industry has responded by investing in new technologies to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in sustainable aviation fuel, which is made from renewable sources. Airlines are also exploring the use of electric and hybrid planes, which could significantly reduce emissions in the future.

Overall, the evolution of air travel has been driven by a combination of technological advancements, safety and regulation developments, and environmental considerations. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for air travel.

Modern Aviation Industry

Current Airline Market

The aviation industry has undergone significant changes over the years, and the current airline market is no exception. Today, the airline market is highly competitive, with numerous airlines vying for a share of the market. The industry is dominated by a few large players, but there are also many smaller airlines that cater to niche markets.

One of the biggest challenges facing airlines today is rising fuel costs. To remain competitive, many airlines have had to adopt new strategies to reduce fuel consumption, such as investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and optimizing flight routes to minimize fuel consumption.

Role of Air Traffic Controllers

Air traffic controllers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of commercial flights. They are responsible for managing the flow of air traffic, communicating with pilots, and providing guidance in case of emergencies.

The job of an air traffic controller is highly demanding and requires specialized training and expertise. They must remain alert and focused at all times, as even a small mistake could have serious consequences.

Future Trends in Aviation

The aviation industry is constantly evolving, and there are several trends that are likely to shape its future. One of the most significant trends is the development of electric and hybrid aircraft, which could significantly reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

Another trend is the increasing use of automation in aircraft, which could improve safety and efficiency. However, this trend also raises concerns about job loss among pilots and other aviation professionals.

Overall, the future of the aviation industry looks promising, with new technologies and innovations likely to drive growth and change. However, it is important for the industry to remain vigilant and adaptable in the face of new challenges and opportunities.

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Opportunities for industry leaders as new travelers take to the skies

Travel fell sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic—airline revenues dropped by 60 percent in 2020, and air travel and tourism are not expected to return to 2019 levels before 2024. 1 “ Back to the future? Airline sector poised for change post-COVID-19 ,” McKinsey, April 2, 2021; “ What will it take to go from ‘travel shock’ to surge? ” McKinsey, November 23, 2021. While this downturn is worrisome, it is likely to be temporary. McKinsey’s latest survey of more than 5,500 air travelers around the world shows that the aviation industry faces an even bigger challenge: sustainability.

The survey results indicate emerging trends in passenger priorities:

About the survey

We asked about 5,500 people in 13 countries, half of them women, to answer 36 questions in July 2021. Each had taken one or more flights in the previous 12 months. More than 25 percent took at least half of their flights for business reasons; 5 percent had taken more than eight flights in the previous 24 months. They ranged in age from 18 to over 75 and hailed from the US and Canada, the UK, Sweden, Spain, Poland, Germany, Saudi Arabia, India, China, Japan, Australia, and Brazil.

Topics included concerns about climate change and carbon emissions, carbon reduction measures, and factors influencing tourism stays and activities.

We compared the results to those of a survey asking the same questions that we conducted in July 2019.

• Most passengers understand that aviation has a significant impact on the environment. Emissions are now the top concern of respondents in 11 of the 13 countries polled, up from four in the 2019 survey. More than half of respondents said they’re “really worried” about climate change, and that aviation should become carbon neutral in the future.
• Travelers continue to prioritize price and connections over sustainability in booking decisions, for now. This may be partly because no airline has built a business system or brand promise on sustainability. Also, some consumers may currently be less concerned about their own impact because they’re flying less frequently in the pandemic. That said, almost 40 percent of travelers globally are now willing to pay at least two percent more for carbon-neutral tickets, or about $20 for a $1,000 round-trip, and 36 percent plan to fly less to reduce their climate impact.
• Attitudes and preferences vary widely among countries and customer segments. Around 60 percent of travelers in Spain are willing to pay more for carbon-neutral flights, for example, compared to nine percent in India and two percent in Japan.

This article outlines steps that airlines, airports, and their suppliers could take to respond to changing attitudes and preferences. The survey findings suggest that airlines may need to begin with gaining a deeper understanding of changes across heterogenous customer segments and geographies. With those insights in hand, they could tailor their communications, products, and services to differentiate their brands, build awareness among each passenger segment, and better connect with customers.

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The survey findings point to fundamental and ongoing changes in consumer behavior.

After a decade of steady growth in passenger traffic, air travel was hit hard by the pandemic. International air travel immediately fell by almost 100 percent, and overall bookings declined by more than 60 percent for 2020, according to Airports Council International. At the time of writing, revenue passenger miles have returned to close to pre-pandemic levels in the United States, but still lag behind in other markets. 2 “COVID-19: October 2021 traffic data,” International Air Transport Association (IATA), December 8, 2021. In its October 2021 report, before the Omicron variant emerged, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecast that the industry’s losses would be around $52 billion in 2021 and $12 billion in 2022. 3 “Economic performance of the airline industry,” IATA, October 4, 2021.

Furthermore, travelers’ preferences and behaviors have changed sharply during the pandemic, particularly around health and safety requirements. An Ipsos survey for the World Economic Forum found that, on average, three in four adults across 28 countries agreed that COVID-19 vaccine passports should be required of travelers to enter their country and that they would be effective in making travel and large events safe. 4 “Global public backs COVID-19 vaccine passports for international travel,” Ipsos, April 28, 2021. And a 2021 survey by Expedia Group found that people buying plane tickets now care more about health, safety, and flexibility than previously. But, there is also renewed interest in travel as nearly one in five travelers expected travel to be the thing they spent the most on in 2021, one in three had larger travel budgets for the year, and many were looking for new experiences such as once-in-a-lifetime trips. 5 “New research: How travelers are making decisions for the second half of 2021,” Skift, August 26, 2021.

Comparing McKinsey’s 2019 and 2021 survey results, sustainability remains a priority as respondents show similar levels of concern about climate change, continue to believe that aviation must become carbon neutral, and want their governments to step in to reduce airline emissions. Some changes were more striking. The share of respondents who say they plan to fly less to minimize their environmental impact rose five percentage points to 36 percent. In 2021 half of all respondents said they want to fly less after the pandemic. Changes in opinion varied across markets. Passengers in the UK, US, and Saudi Arabia, for example, were more likely to feel “flygskam,” (shame about flying) while those in Spain, Poland, and Australia felt significantly less guilty about flying.

It is worth tracking these trends in each market and demographic, because passengers’ experiences and opinions are increasingly relevant: passengers spend far more time online, increasingly trust each other’s recommendations more than traditional marketing, and can reshape brand perceptions faster than ever. 6 “ Understanding the ever-evolving, always-surprising consumer ,” McKinsey, August 31, 2021. In some markets consumers may reward airlines that meet rising demands for environmental sustainability—and punish those who fall behind.

The Australian airline Qantas may be acting on a similar belief. In November 2021, it announced a new “green tier” in its loyalty program. The initiative, based on feedback from passengers, is “designed to encourage, and recognize the airline’s 13 million frequent flyers for doing things like offsetting their flights, staying in eco-hotels, walking to work, and installing solar panels at home”. Qantas states that it is one of the largest private-sector buyers of Australian carbon credits, and it will use program funds to support more conservation and environmental projects. 7 “Qantas frequent flyers to be rewarded for being sustainable,” Qantas media release, November 26,, 2021. “A look at how people around the world view climate change,” Pew Research April 18, 2019. Washington Post-Kaiser Family Foundation climate change survey, July 9 to August 5, 2019.

Given these shifting trends, it may be helpful for all industry stakeholders to maintain a deep and up-to-date understanding of consumer segments in each market that they serve. Three main findings about today’s travelers emerged from the 2021 survey:

Finding 1: Most travelers now have concerns about climate change and carbon emissions—and many are prepared to act on these concerns

Concern about carbon emissions from aviation did not rise much during the pandemic, probably in part because air travel declined so sharply. About 56 percent of respondents said they were worried about climate change, and 54 percent said aviation should “definitely become carbon neutral” in the future.

While these numbers have increased only one or two percentage points since 2019, the share of respondents who rank CO 2 emissions as their top concern about aviation—ahead of concerns such as noise pollution and mass tourism—rose by nine percentage points to 34 percent. More than 30 percent of respondents have paid to offset their CO2 emissions from air travel.

Finding 2: Price and connections still matter much more than emissions to most travelers

Of the nine major factors travelers consider when booking a flight, carbon emissions consistently rank as sixth-most important across customer segments. This may be partly because most airline marketing centers around low cost or superior service, and pricing and revenue management are targeted at price and best connection. Most booking websites allow prospective travelers to sort by price and number of connections, for example, but not by carbon footprint. Google Flights has made a first step, showing average CO2 emissions per flight and improving transparency for travelers.

Travelers might begin to make different choices if emissions featured more prominently in the booking process—particularly if more airlines offered CO 2 reduction measures that delivered genuine environmental impact.

Finding 3: Attitudes vary widely by demographics and geography

Beliefs about the seriousness of climate change, and how to respond to it, vary across demographics and geographies (exhibit). Although younger people are generally more aware of the predicted consequences of climate change, older cohorts have become more concerned about climate change since the 2019 survey. In some countries, large majorities see climate change as a major threat, while that represents a minority view in other countries.

The survey shows that frequent travelers feel slightly more shame about flying than other respondents—37 percent compared to 30 percent—but show a much lower intention to reduce their air travel to minimize their climate impact, at 19 percent compared to 38 percent.

According to Pew Research, more than 80 percent of people in Greece, Spain, France, and South Korea believe climate change is a major threat, compared to around 40 percent of those in Russia, Nigeria, and Israel. 8 “A look at how people around the world view climate change,” Pew Research April 18, 2019. According to 2019 polling by the Washington Post and Kaiser Family Foundation, more than three-quarters of Americans believe it represents a major problem or a crisis—but fewer than half are willing to pay to help address it. 9 Washington Post-Kaiser Family Foundation climate change survey, July 9 to August 5, 2019.

These numbers may change quickly in the next few years as discussions about climate change become less abstract as oceans rise and storms, forest fires, and droughts become more severe. Instead of being one topic of concern among many, millions more people around the world may come to see climate change as today’s greatest challenge.

This shift seems to be apparent in government action, especially in mature economies. The US, for example, announced its intention to exit the Paris Agreement in June 2017 but pledged to rejoin in April 2021. 10 “Climate change: US formally withdraws from Paris agreement,” BBC, November 4, 2020; “President Biden sets 2030 greenhouse gas pollution reduction target,” White House fact sheet, April 22, 2021. And in September, the White House set a goal for the country to produce 3 billion gallons of sustainable aircraft fuel annually by 2030—up from about 4.5 million gallons produced in the US in 2020—which would cut carbon emissions from flying by 20 percent compared with taking no action. 11 “Biden administration advances the future of sustainable fuels in American aviation,” White House fact sheet, September 9, 2021.

Taking stock of the pandemic’s impact on global aviation

How the industry can be cleared for takeoff.

Travelers’ attitudes and behaviors appear to be in flux, and will likely continue to change. Depending on the world’s progress in preventing and treating COVID-19, the industry will likely take at least a couple of years to recover from the downdrafts caused by the pandemic.

In this unique moment in aviation history, airlines may be able to communicate in new ways to inspire passengers to join the fight against climate change. Based on McKinsey’s experience in aviation and other industries around the world, there may be an opportunity for carriers to make it “easy to do good”. When following such an approach, experience shows that customers are drawn to straightforward language, demonstrations of what the industry is doing in this area, and the tangible benefits of those efforts. The most compelling stories are positive and connect with customers’ emotional needs.

As in the early days of travel advertising, airlines could reinforce the idea that the journey is the destination—that “getting there is half the fun.” By inviting customers to get involved in creating a greener future and own the solution, they could forge new partnerships and deepen loyalty.

Actual progress will be essential; organizations that talk about sustainability without demonstrating action may quickly be held to account. Simply keeping pace with trends or regulatory requirements will offer no advantages. Airlines that move boldly, such as by replacing rather than modifying a loyalty program with some kind of “planet-positive” scheme, will stand out from competitors.

The survey results and McKinsey’s work in the industry lead us to believe that the market is ready for a forward-thinking airline to chart a route to a cleaner future for the industry. Leading airlines that build a business strategy and brand promise on sustainability will likely attract a growing share of business and leisure travelers, fresh capital and talent, and new allies across the industry, government, and society at large.

In the years ahead, more customers will be willing to pay for sustainability, particularly if airlines can engage them with interesting approaches, such as gamification in frequent flyer programs, opt-out rather than opt-in offsets, “green fast lanes” for check-ins and security control, and customized emission-reduction offers. Decarbonization could become the standard to reach and maintain next-tier levels in loyalty programs. Passengers will be able to join the global decarbonization team and transform flight shame into flight pride.

Like many private flyers, corporate customers will look for ways to mitigate their CO 2 footprint. Passenger and cargo airlines could craft attractive decarbonization programs to engage the rising numbers of corporates aiming to significantly reduce their scope 3 emissions from air transport.

No single set of approaches will be effective in every geography or with every passenger segment. But airlines with a deep understanding of their customers’ changing needs and desires will continue to outperform those that don’t. Such organizations could recruit more of their passengers to the decarbonization team while protecting their brands, the future of aviation, and the planet itself.

Mishal Ahmad is a manager in McKinsey’s New Jersey office, Frederik Franz is a senior associate in the Berlin office, Tomas Nauclér is a senior partner the Stockholm office, and Daniel Riefer is an associate partner in the Munich office.

The authors would like to thank Joost Krämer for his contributions to this article.

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Economy | San Jose airport passenger rebound shows signs…

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Economy | san jose airport passenger rebound shows signs of losing altitude, weaker passenger pattern emerges at san jose aviation hub.

The airport handled 930,522 passengers in March — 13.4% above the passenger totals for February, but 3.6% below the passenger activity reported for March 2023. Over the 12 months that ended in March, the airport reported it handled 12.05 million passengers. That was down 0.4% from the 12.1 million passengers the South Bay travel hub accommodated during 2023.

The airport’s performance over the most recent 12-month period is far below the record heights San Jose achieved in 2019, the final year before the outbreak of the coronavirus and the resulting collapse of the worldwide travel industry due to government-imposed business shutdowns and transportation restrictions. The airport reported 15.65 million passengers in 2019, nearly 23% more.

“Prior to the pandemic, a significant portion of San Jose Airport’s traffic was driven by business travel,” airport officials said in emailed comments. “We suspect that the slow rebound in business travel, which is yet to fully recover globally, is having a significant impact on our recovery.”

The three major regional airports are all facing a feeble post-coronavirus recovery. Over the year-long period that ended in February 2024, Oakland International Airport handled 11.27 million passengers. That was 16% below the 13.38 million passengers Oakland accommodated in 2019.

San Jose airport officials, in the statement, also acknowledge the changes in air travel, saying, “We have welcomed the arrival of low-cost carriers, ZIPAIR and Spirit Airlines, that have entered the market to meet the growing demand for more leisure and family travel,”

ZIPAIR has added a flight between San Jose and Japan, which means six weekly departures from San Jose to Tokyo Narita International Airport.

Spirit Airlines has added nonstop flights between San Jose and the destinations of Los Angeles; Portland, Oregon; and the Baltimore-Washington region.

“Post-pandemic, we are adapting to the market,” the statement said.

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March 2024 Air Passenger Travel

March 2024 international air passenger travel to and from the united states.

»Air Passenger Enplanements Up 14.6% Year Over Year in March 2024  »Air Passenger Travel Between the United States and Europe Up 8.5% in March 2024

Data recently released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) show that in March 2024 : U.S.-international air traffic passenger enplanements 1 totaled:

• 22.553 million in March 2024, up 14.6 percent compared to March 2023, with enplanements reaching 105.7 percent of pre-pandemic March 2019 volume.

Originating Non-Stop Air Travel in March 2024

• 5.003 million in March 2024, up 16.8 percent compared to March 2023.
• This represents 96.2 percent of pre-pandemic March 2019 volume.

On a related note, overseas visitor arrivals 2 totaled  2.706 million in March, the 13th consecutive month overseas visitor arrivals exceeded 2.0 million. March overseas visitor arrivals reached 93.8% of pre-pandemic March 2019 volume, up from 86.6% in February 2024. ( See the March I-94 Advance Release )

• 6.427 million in March 2024, up 13.9 percent compared to March 2023 and exceeding March 2019 volume by 19.5 percent.

World Region Highlights in March 2024 (APIS/I-92 arrivals + departures)

• Total air passenger travel (arrivals and departures) between the United States and other countries were led by Mexico 4.080 million, Canada 2.909 million, the United Kingdom 1.578 million, the Dominican Republic 1.034, and Japan 880,000.
• (U.S citizen departures were up +10.5 percent compared to March 2019, while European citizen arrivals were down -5.2 percent.)
• (Asian citizen arrivals to the U.S. were down -32.6 percent compared to March 2019, but U.S. citizen departures were up +3.9 percent.)
• South/Central America/Caribbean totaled 6.137 million, up 17.8 percent over March 2023, and 14.7 percent compared to March 2019.
• Top U.S. Ports serving international locations were New York (JFK) 2.785 million, Miami (MIA) 2.258 million, Los Angeles (LAX) 2.001 million, Newark (EWR) 1.257 million, and San Francisco (SFO) 1.253 million.
• Top Foreign Ports serving U.S. locations were Cancun (CUN) 1.413 million, London Heathrow (LHR) 1.409 million, Toronto (YYZ) 1.181 million, Mexico (MEX) 696,000, and Paris (CDG) 630,000.

1 APIS/ “I-92” (arrivals + departures)

2 ADIS/I-94 (with stays of 1-night or more in the United States and visiting under certain visa types)

Interested in an interactive data visualization of these statistics? Please visit our APIS/I-92 International Air Passenger Monitor for a more comprehensive and customizable experience.

The APIS/I-92 Program provides information on non-stop international air traffic between the United States and other countries. The data has been collected from the Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection’s Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) since July 2010. The APIS based “I-92” system provides air traffic data on the following parameters: number of passengers, by country, airport, scheduled or chartered, U.S. Flag, foreign flag, citizens and non-citizens. Visit the APIS/I-92 Data Program home page for more information on airline travel to and from the United States.

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New airline rules will make it easier to get refunds for canceled flights. Here's what to know.

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Aimee Picchi

Updated on: April 25, 2024 / 12:56 PM EDT / CBS News

New consumer protection rules will soon entitle airline passengers to automatic refunds when flights are canceled or significantly delayed, while also requiring airlines to reveal  junk fees  upfront.

In total, the new rules could save travelers $500 million annually, Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Wednesday, describing the regulations as "the biggest expansion of passenger rights in the department's history."

They take aim at some of the most common complaints against airlines, such as delays and difficulties getting refunds. Airlines will also have to disclose all possible fees, such as added costs for seat selection, when advertising a fare.

The regulations are likely to effect in October, officials said. Here's what to know about the new rules and what they mean for you.

You'll get an automatic refund for delayed or canceled flights

The first rule mandates that airlines promptly refund customers when flights are meaningfully disrupted or delayed. Airlines will have to refund customers the full ticket prices, including airline-imposed fees, as well as government taxes and fees.

In theory, passengers are already entitled to such refunds, but in practice airlines don't always provide them, Buttigieg noted. He said the new rule benefits infrequent fliers in particular, who may be less familiar with their rights. 

This rule will save customers the hassle of dealing with a chatbot or completing a cumbersome claims process to receive refunds they're entitled to anyway when flights don't take off as scheduled.

Airlines often offer customers compensation in the form of vouchers or miles with values that are less than the flight's original cost. And passengers often must engage with customer service agents or chatbots to secure refunds, which can lead them to give up on the process altogether, according to Buttigieg.

How long of a delay will qualify for a refund? 

The new rule defines what constitutes a "significantly changed" flight: a delay of at least three hours for a domestic flight, and at least six hours for an international flight. That was previously left to the discretion of the airline. 

The rule says passengers will get automatic refunds in those cases as long as they don't accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered by the airline.  

Passengers will also be entitled to refunds for other significant flight changes, according to the Department of Transportation. 

These changes include flights whose departure or arrival airports change, that add connections or downgrade passengers to a different level of service. If a flight requires a passenger with a disability to make a connection at an airport or on a flight that is less accommodating, that also qualifies for a refund.

How long will it take to get a refund?

Airlines will have seven days to automatically refund passengers who purchased their tickets with a credit card, and 20 calendar days for other payment methods, the Transportation Department said.

"No more defaulting to vouchers or credits when consumers may not even realize they're entitled to cash," Buttigieg said. 

Can I get a refund for delayed bags? 

Yes, checked bag delays are also covered. 

When bags aren't delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight's arrival at its gate, passengers will get a refund for their checked bag fee.   On international flights, bags that don't arrive within 15 to 30 hours, depending on a flight's length, are covered by the rule. 

What other refunds will be available? 

Airlines must also refund the costs of services customers paid for but then didn't receive on the flight, such as wifi, seat selection or in-flight entertainment, the Transportation Department said.

For instance, if passengers buy wifi access but it doesn't work properly, they are entitled to a refund for the service.

What is happening with surprise fees? 

Transportation officials also announced a second rule on Wednesday that targets "junk" or surprise fees, which are charges that aren't typically disclosed to a consumer ahead of purchase. 

Under the rule, airlines must disclose all fees the first time that airfare is advertised on an airline's site. Hyperlinks don't count, according to the agency.

The rule is designed to protect consumers against confusion caused by "drip pricing"  by requiring airlines to disclose how much these additional fees will cost up front. That includes amounts airlines charge consumers to check bags, carry on bags, select seats, and change or cancel flights.

The rule is designed to help make it easier for passengers to estimate the full cost of flying so they can make an informed purchase.

Are seats guaranteed if I buy a ticket?

Under the second rule, airlines will also have to make clear to customers that if they buy a ticket, they're guaranteed a seat — even if they don't fork over additional money to choose where on the plane that seat is located. 

How will I know I'm seeing the actual flight price?

The second rule also bars airlines from advertising artificially low prices that don't factor in mandatory fees. 

The Transportation Department said this will end "discount bait-and-switch tactics" that dangle deceptive discounts to convince travelers to buy tickets.

What do airlines say about the new rules?

Airlines for America, a trade group for large U.S. carriers, noted that refund complaints to the Transportation Department have fallen sharply since mid-2020. 

A spokesperson for the group said airlines "offer a range of options — including fully refundable fares — to increase accessibility to air travel and to help customers make ticket selections that best fit their needs."

The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023.

While Buttigieg said airlines aren't "enthusiastic" about being held to a higher standard, he believes the new rules will build passenger confidence in companies and ultimately benefit the industry as a whole.

Buttigieg also said he hopes the new rules will push carriers to improve the consumer experience. For example, if an airline knows it will automatically owe customers refunds for canceled flights, it might invest more in precise scheduling, and ultimately reduce the number of cancellations overall. 

—With reporting by the Associated Press.

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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Here are the 'unwritten rules' of air travel

A new report has an ominous warning for air travelers.

"No matter what you do on a plane, you're probably annoying another passenger," it states.

The report, published Thursday by the data intelligence company Morning Consult , examined 12 types of behavior on flights, finding that most travelers (>50%) were bothered by all but one.  

"When the unwritten rules of airlines etiquette are broached, it can lead to conflict," writes Lindsey Roeschke, a travel and hospitality analyst at Morning Consult who authored the report.

Nearly one in five respondents said concerns about other passengers' behavior may deter them from taking a trip.

The most off-putting behaviors

According to the report, the most aggravating in-flight behavior is the invasion of personal space — be it encroaching on an armrest, leg room area or crossing the invisible boundary that separates passenger seats. Some 77% of people in the survey said they were "bothered" by it, with 51% saying they were "very bothered."

In second place are unhygienic behaviors, such as clipping fingernails or taking off shoes, according to the survey of more than 2,200 Americans. However, not everyone objects to removing shoes on flights , with less than half of people in Asia (49%) and just over a third of those in the United Arab Emirates (38%) deeming the practice unacceptable in a YouGov survey published in April.

Passengers who are visibly sick rank third on the list, as Covid-19 and other contagious illnesses can affect passengers long after a flight ends.

Rounding out the top five of irritating behaviors is listening to devices without headphones, followed by visible intoxication.  

Getting on and off the plane

People who try to exit the plane before the rows ahead of them irritate more than two-thirds (67%) of American travelers, while those who block the aisle while boarding are nearly as reviled (66%). Getting up to retrieve items from the overhead bin while passengers are still boarding, counts here too.

Exiting has several other unspoken rules, including refraining from edging your way into the aisle too early and retrieving your bag prematurely ("yanking your bag out of the overhead bin while people are still waiting in the aisle is a surefire way to make yourself a menace"), according to CheapAir.com.

Passengers wearing backpacks can wear them on frontward when getting on and off the plane to prevent accidentally hitting seated people in the face — an occurrence so common that some flyers say it's reason enough to book a window seat .

Reclining seats and crying babies

Though it's No. 9 on the list, 62% of American travelers said they are bothered by passengers who recline their seats on daytime flights of short to medium length.

What was once a common practice has morphed into a hot-button issue, with newer rules of etiquette deeming seat reclining a flying faux pas in almost all circumstances — an assertion with little consensus among flyers.

While the issue continues to flare up on flights — including a recent viral video in which a woman repeatedly yells " I'm allowed to put my seat back! " — current advice implores passengers to ask or alert the person behind them before reclining.

The once-quintessential flying irritant — a bawling baby — comes in at No. 10 on the list. The report notes that most passengers are forgiving of crying infants and misbehaving kids when parents are trying their best to calm the children down.

Still, some 57% of respondents expressed interest in flying in a child-free section of a plane, if one existed.

Irritability and passenger age

Morning Consult's report also showed that irritability on airplanes increased with age, with baby boomers showing higher levels of annoyance nearly across the board.

Gen Zs — who are currently about 11 to 26 years old — were the least bothered by every measured behavior but one, leading Roeschke to conclude: "Cross your fingers for a Gen Z seatmate, as they're less bothered by most behaviors. But if you want to switch seats, find a Gen Xer."

The biggest gap between the generations were views toward intoxicated people, who irritated 83% of boomers but only 55% of Gen Zs, followed by visibly sick passengers, potentially highlighting the health risks that diseases like Covid-19 pose to older people.

The report surmised differences in irritability could be because Gen Zs have spent far less time on places.

But also: "Perhaps it's [also] because their relatively limited life experience hasn't left them bitter and cranky yet," it said.

Or perhaps it's because baby boomers have memories of what once was — the only generation of the four in the survey that flew during the " Golden age of travel ."  

Unruly passengers

The number of reported unruly passenger incidents in the United States has rapidly dropped by more than 80% from record highs in early 2021, according to the data from the Federal Aviation Administration. That year, nearly 6,000 unruly passenger reports were lodged — mostly related to mask mandates — much higher than the 1,736 reports lodged as of Oct. 29, 2023.

In the past year, the number of reported unruly passengers incidents has been about two for every 10,000 flights, according to the FAA.

However, that's still considerably higher than before the pandemic — which saw 1,161 reports in 2019 and only 544 in 2017 — a phenomenon that is perplexing industry insiders.

Yet, this data doesn't reflect the in-flight incidents that don't reach the level of a "report."

"The public does not hear about the 99% of would-be incidents that are resolved by flight attendants without event," Association of Flight Attendants President Sara Nelson told NBC News via email . "We deescalate conflict as aviation's first responders on nearly every flight."

What kind of flight behavior is ‘unacceptable?' It may depend on where you’re from

Data from the International Air Transport Association shows unruly incidents are rising, rather than retreating. An IATA report published in June estimated one unruly incident for every 568 flights in 2022, up from one in every 835 flights in 2021.

Incidents commonly involve non-compliance, verbal abuse and intoxication, with the most common forms of non-compliance involving smoking or vaping onboard, seatbelt issues and exceeding carry-on baggage allowances, according to IATA's report.

Physical violence — occurring once every 17,200 flights — is also rising, according to the IATA.

Simple Flying

Superjumbo hopes: global airlines flies its first airbus a380 to the uk.

The first Global Airlines Airbus A380 is now on British soil.

• Global Airlines debuts its first A380 in Scotland, making Prestwick Airport history with the giant jet's arrival.
• The Airbus A380 flew low and with landing gear down during its crossing, indicating potential equipment issues.
• Global Airlines plans to revolutionize flying with its Airbus A380 fleet, focusing on top-notch customer service and an unconventional flying experience.

UK startup Global Airlines, the startup nobody ever believed would fly, has begun suspending disbelief as its first Airbus A380 touches down on British soil. The aircraft, carrying its new registration 9H-GLOBL, took off from Montreal at 03:30 EST this morning and touched down at Scotland’s Prestwick Airport just before 17:00 local time.

This flight was not just a first for Global Airlines but for Prestwick, too. Located around 30 miles southwest of Glasgow, it is the quieter of the city’s two airports, only really frequented by Ryanair for commercial services. Indeed, despite having a runway of almost 10,000 feet (9,797, to be exact), it has never seen the arrival of an Airbus A380 before.

Which Passenger Planes Have The Shortest Takeoff Distance?

The A380 had been stored at Mojave Air and Space Port since December 2022 and last flew commercially in February 2020. It is an ex-China Southern superjumbo aged 11 and a half years. Having transferred ownership to Global Airlines in January this year, the aircraft took a few test flights in mid-February before embarking on its transatlantic crossing.

The journey started yesterday, April 30th, as 9H-GLOBL took off from Mojave just before 06:00. It arrived in Montreal just before 16:00, staying overnight before being refueled for its final leg.

A celebrated arrival

As the Airbus A380 emerged from the clouds above Scotland, press and plane spotters gathered on the airport outskirts to witness this special arrival. But as it drew closer, it became clear this was still very much a China Southern airplane in full livery. That was a disappointment, given some of the photos the airline has shared of A380s in its house livery, but it didn’t detract from the excitement of the moment.

Eagle-eyed spotters noted that the aircraft maintained a 27,000-foot altitude during the crossing and kept its landing gear down for the flight. This suggests something wasn’t quite right with the equipment. Commentary on social media indicates that the landing gear needs replacing after so long in storage.

At its peak, around 10,000 people were tracking the flight on Flightradar24, demonstrating the enthusiasm for this unusual airline startup. Global Airlines intends to do something no other airline has ever done - to operate a fleet of Airbus A380s, and only Airbus A380s.

The Global Airlines business plan

Founded in 2021, Global Airlines is led by serial entrepreneur and travel personality James Asquith. It plans to have a hub in London, with early marketing materials suggesting it could target Gatwick. The exact operations of the airline are yet to be disclosed, but it has previously indicated it will function as a full-service carrier, with first and business class provision, and an aim to take the pain out of flying.

From the airline’s website,

"We are revolutionizing commercial flying. We’ve all suffered for far too long with long security queues, late flights, lost luggage, inedible food and constant poor customer service. Global Airlines offers fast relief from the aches and pains associated with commercial air travel. We bring joy at every interaction and delight at every touch point. Take a deep breath, welcome aboard.

"Whether you are flying for business or leisure, Global Airlines do things differently. From catering and customer relations through to scheduling and ground operations. Simply put we are unconstrained by the usual aviation paradigms."

Airbus A380 Startup Global Airlines: Everything You Need To Know

The airline has shared that it plans to have approximately 471 seats onboard and that it is targeting four A380s as its launch fleet. Around 470 seats is relatively lightly loaded for an Airbus A380 - Emirates’ three-class A380s have closer to 500 onboard, with 14 closed first class suites included.

Global announced at the end of 2023 that it would partner with London-based Factorydesign to create its interiors. That’s the same company that developed the Delta One Suites for the A330neo, Virgin Atlantic’s ‘The Loft’ in Upper on the A350, and some of Etihad’s highest-end products, including ‘The Residence.’

The airline has previously mooted flying from London to New York and Los Angeles as initial routes. These are some of the most congested and competitive air routes in the world, so it will need to work hard to differentiate itself in terms of product, price, or both in order to find its passengers.

Without its AOC, Global is working with Portuguese wet lease specialist Hi Fly to get its business plan going. That company remains the first (and only) ever to operate a second-hand A380 , so it is in an excellent position to help this airline get off the ground. With the first A380 in the UK now, it looks like Global Airlines is really happening, despite all the odds.

This proposal would help the DOT 'more easily penalize airlines' that damage wheelchairs

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg unveiled a new proposal Thursday aimed at improving air travel for passengers with disabilities.

Under the proposed rule set forth by the Department of Transportation, airlines would be mandated to adhere to stringent standards, guaranteeing prompt and dignified assistance for passengers with disabilities. Enhanced training protocols for airline staff (and their contractors), coupled with specified actions to safeguard passengers and their wheelchairs during transport, aim to underscore the DOT's commitment to passenger safety and accessibility.

"It's an important part of how we change the way that airlines operate and change the way that travelers with disabilities can move around the country and around the world," Buttigieg said during a call with media. "This news compliments a range of actions by the Biden-Harris administration to make transportation more accessible, including launching the first Bill of Rights for airline passengers with disabilities and publishing a final rule that will increase the size and accessibility of airplane bathrooms ."

The proposed rule would cover wheelchairs and assistive devices as defined by the DOT , like crutches, canes, walkers, prosthetics, and hearing aids, among others.

During USA TODAY's yearlong series highlighting the people behind airline damage to wheelchairs, over 30 respondents said some version of the phrase "breaking my wheelchair is like breaking my legs."

Airlines damaged thousands of mobility aids this year: Here's how 30+ flyers were affected

What does the proposed rule tackle?

• Penalties for mishandling wheelchairs, and other assistive devices: The proposal would make those mishandlings an automatic violation of the Air Carrier Access Act, allowing DOT to "more easily penalize airlines and hold them accountable when a passenger’s mobility device is damaged." It would also require airlines to promptly repair or replace damaged wheelchairs and provide a loaner.
• Safe assistance: The rule would require enhanced airline employee and airline contractor training that includes hands-on training, for those who physically assist passengers with mobility disabilities or handle passengers’ wheelchairs. This includes the prompt return of a delayed wheelchair to the passenger's final destination within 24 hours.
• Improved standards on planes: The rule proposes improved performance standards for onboard wheelchairs on twin-aisle aircraft and small aircraft and notifications after loading and unloading a wheelchair.

"This is about making sure that both the physical safety of passengers and the physical condition of mobility devices are contemplated and dignified," Buttigieg added.

The announcement has already garnered widespread support from Assistant to the President Stephen Benjamin, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., disability advocates, aviation workers, and stakeholders convening for a discussion at the White House.

"This is really about helping passengers be better empowered to make use of the rights and protections that they already have," asserted Buttigieg.

The proposed rule will be seeking comments from the public for 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register.