As millions crowd our airports for the traditional Thanksgiving trek home over the river and through the woods, the tension mounts at the thought of long lines, insufferable crowds, and the dreaded delays that inevitably await the weary and wary traveler.
Gloom is cast before the holiday even begins.
But for the Post-War population, the new air travel was a breeze.
For the modern mid-century family, the notion of flying home for the holidays was a novelty and a grand experience at that.
They could ditch their De Soto which was now as dated and old-fashioned as traveling by sleigh.
Fun is Never Out of Season …All year round, travel is better by air
American Airlines advertisement 1949
Flying High with TWA
“Over the River and Over the woods. To grandmothers house we go,” this 1951 TWA ad announces gaily.
The gleeful modern family fairly bursting with pep and anticipation couldn’t wait to board their flight to visit Grandma. Why let old-fashioned distance keep a family apart?
“There’s a new road now to an old tradition. It’s the TWA high way home for Thanksgiving. And what a blessing it is to families separated by too many rivers and too many woods….and so many years!”
“If you’ve let distance and lack of time keep you away too long, try traveling this high way. Find out how TWA can make it very near to someone dear- for even an ocean apart is only hours apart…by skyliner!”
TWA went out of their way to make flying a family affair! Flying was no longer just for Dad and his business trips. Once the airline, started their Family Budget Plan, “…parents have had cause to cheer'” boasts TWA in this 1949 ad. “for now they can take the whole family by air at down to earth prices.”
By traveling on a Monday Tuesday or Wednesday, they could save substantially. “As head of the family,” they explain “Dad pays full fare. Mother and the children under 22 go for only half fare each”…and best of all crying infants and toddlers under 2 could fly free of charge!
Tempting you further, TWA promises, “The flight is a delight, the service supreme, with delicious hot meals served free. Best of all…and oh how mother loves this!…you’re there long before the kids start to fuss or fidget!”
Snowbound for the Holidays
“Snowtime’s no time to give up flying!”
Vintage American Airlines Ad 1950
Compare the cheery disposition of Mr. and Mrs. Modern who have chosen the up -to-date way to travel to visit Grandmother with their neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Outdated who chose the more antiquated mode of travel- their automobile.
Hampered by a snow storm they are unable to dig out in time for the turkey. Mrs. Outdated, with visions of stuffing and cranberries dancing in her head, looks longingly at the speeding plane in the sky, carrying the wise Moderns to the destination.
Modern Means of Transportation
Vintage ad American Airlines 1949
“Don’t Give Up- Go Up,” declared American Airlines in this 1949 advertisement , touting the benefits and wonders of the new air travel that most post-war families had yet to experience.
“Air Travel- and only air travel can often make the difference between the accessible and the impossible. This is especially true during the holidays when the earthbound are frequently snowbound. Hence, wise travelers plan to go by air.”
“Also, air travel is little affected by the challenge of distance and time. The miles on the map lose their menace- the hands of the clock become friend instead of foe when you use this modern means of transportation.”
“So when holiday travel plans seem likely to get ‘bogged down’ don’t give up- go up.”
You Might Also Enjoy
Little Sally’s Big Visit to Her Grandparents
Little Sally’s Big Visit to Her Grandparents PT II
Little Sallys Big Visit to Her Grandparents PTIII
Little Sally’s Big Visit to Her Grandparents PT IV Radio Daze
Envisioning The American Dream 
I remember several Thanksgivings where family made it so far by plane, had weather cancellations, then we had to drive on treacherous roads to rescue them from airports in neighboring towns.
Another time, the nearest airport family flying in from the West Coast to land in because of weather was 272 miles east of where I live. They ended up spending two days travelling to Thanksgiving dinner, missed it because they booked a cheap flight, and encountered the weather delay plus additional delays because they were on standby.
My mother was very upset with them for not spending a little more money for the flight and booking one that was so close to the holiday. “They both make good salaries,” she said, “I just can’t believe they are so cheap!”
Aw, Thanksgiving! What would it be without a little family drama?! Airplanes just add to it sometimes.
LikeLike
That’s quite a Thanksgiving travel story. The furthest away my family lived was less than an hour, so it was never something I had to deal with.
Sally Edelstein
http://www.sallyedelsteincollage.com http://www.retroarama.com http://www.envisioningtheamericandream.wordpress.com
LikeLike
I grew up in that era and can tell you there was still plenty of stress involved in Thanksgiving travel. It wasn’t all Norman Rockwell. True, things were a lot more pleasant when there were far fewer people on the face of the earth and we were an unthreatened, somewhat isolated country; but, hey, you still had to deal with your relatives once you got there!
LikeLike