The Brian Lehrer Show 100 Years of 100 Things: Commercial Aviation
May 6, 2025
Bob van der Linden, a commercial aviation curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, shares fascinating insights into the history of civilian air travel. He discusses the challenges faced by early airlines and the crucial role of airmail services. The conversation unveils the origins of flight attendants, spotlighting Ellen Church's groundbreaking contributions. Listeners are treated to nostalgic stories from early flights, contrasting past luxuries with today's travel habits, and reflecting on how air travel perceptions have evolved over a century.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
First Scheduled Commercial Flight
- The first scheduled commercial flight was in 1914 from St. Petersburg to Tampa, Florida, lasting only three months.
- It was a flying boat carrying one passenger plus the pilot, costing five dollars per flight.
Airlines Growth Differences
- European airlines grew quickly post-WWI with government subsidies and converted bombers for passenger service.
- In the U.S., private airlines struggled without subsidies until the Post Office started airmail contracts in 1918.
Flight Attendants’ Origin Story
- Ellen Church, a nurse, proposed flight attendants to Boeing Air Transport to help passengers with air sickness.
- Her presence increased passenger comfort and helped alleviate fears about flying's dangers to families.