Airports In 1987: A Simpler Time For Travel

Airports in 1987 were a world away from the experience of modern air travel. The airline industry had control over security, which was a relatively swift and painless process, with travellers rarely encountering long lines. The main threat to aviation was hijacking, and it wasn't until the Lockerbie bombing of Pan Am 103 in 1988 that tighter screening of checked bags was introduced. In 1987, family and friends could accompany passengers right up to the boarding gate, and non-travellers could wait at the gate for arriving passengers. There was no Wi-Fi or mobile phone signal, so pay phones were popular, and smoking was permitted in most airports. The process of booking a flight was also very different, with no option to book online; travellers had to call the airline, go to their office, or call a travel agent.

Security was a non-event, with minimal training and no long lines

In 1987, security at airports was a non-event, with minimal training and no long lines. The airline industry, with oversight from the Federal Aviation Administration, had control over security until late 2001. U.S. carriers contracted out security to private companies, which employed minimally-trained screeners. The security process was straightforward and efficient, with travellers rarely encountering long lines. Passengers would briefly pass through a metal detector with their shoes and jackets on, and their hand luggage would be quickly scanned by an X-ray machine. This stands in stark contrast to the more rigorous and time-consuming security procedures at airports today, where passengers must remove their shoes and jackets and often encounter lengthy lines due to enhanced screening measures.

The focus of security in 1987 was primarily on preventing hijackings, which were the main threat to aviation at the time. It wasn't until after the Lockerbie bombing of Pan Am 103 in late 1988 that airports began to implement tighter screening of checked bags. This tragic event highlighted the need for more stringent security measures to protect passengers and aircraft from malicious acts.

The security measures of the time also allowed non-travellers to access areas that are now restricted. Family and friends could accompany departing passengers all the way up to the boarding gate, and they could even wait at the gate area for arriving passengers. Airports welcomed these entourages as they generated additional revenue, particularly from food and beverage purchases during flight delays. The absence of Wi-Fi or cell phones also contributed to the bustling atmosphere around pay phones.

The airport concourses of 1987 were described as utilitarian, resembling a bus station more than the glitzy shopping malls of today's airports. The interiors were often characterised by earth tones, with generic bars and restaurants featuring brown signage. The "dwell time" between clearing security and boarding the plane was not a significant concern, as passengers did not require the extensive amenities and entertainment options available in modern airports. Smoking was permitted in most airports, subject to local or state regulations, adding to the unique airport atmosphere of the time.

While the security measures of 1987 may seem relaxed compared to today's standards, they were a reflection of the time and the prevailing threats to aviation. The tragic events of 9/11 and the exploitation of lax security measures by hijackers led to a significant transformation in airport security, with counterterrorism and homeland security officials working tirelessly to enhance defences and protect passengers and aircraft from evolving threats.

Family and friends could accompany passengers to the boarding gate

In 1987, family and friends could accompany passengers right up to the boarding gate. This was because security was a non-event, and travellers were able to roam freely around the airport. Airports welcomed these entourages, as they spent money on food and drink, especially when flights were delayed.

Nowadays, non-travellers are banned from the secure side of the airport, and only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond security. However, some US airports still allow non-ticketed visitors to enter the post-security terminal and go to the gate. For example, San Antonio International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport all offer this service, but visitors need to apply for a special pass.

In the 1980s, security was controlled by the airline industry, with oversight from the Federal Aviation Administration. The process was quick and simple, with travellers passing through a metal detector, keeping their shoes and jackets on, and having their hand luggage scanned by an X-ray machine. There were no long lines, and the screeners were employed by private companies, receiving minimal training and wages.

The main threat to aviation at the time was hijackings, and it wasn't until the Lockerbie bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in late 1988 that airports began to tighten security. Airports started to screen checked bags more thoroughly and ensure that passengers were travelling on the same flight as their belongings.

The whole experience of flying and going to the airport was very different in 1987. There were no online bookings, and if you wanted to book a flight, you had to call the airline, go to their office, or contact a travel agent. There were no cell phones, and communication was done via payphones. Airports also allowed smoking, and many people smoked on the planes.

There were no cell phones or Wi-Fi, so pay phones were popular

In 1987, airports were a very different place. There were no smartphones or Wi-Fi, and the airline industry was regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Security was a much simpler process, with no long lines, and passengers kept their shoes and jackets on as they passed through a metal detector and their hand luggage was X-rayed.

Communication was also very different, and there was a lot more personal interaction with the airlines. Without cell phones, people relied on pay phones to make calls, and these were often in high demand at airports. People used pay phones to call and arrange to be picked up, or to let someone know they were landing soon. There was no option to text or use apps to communicate, so these pay phones were popular. As one person recalled, if you were unsure of where to meet someone, you might get paged over the airport loudspeaker, which could be embarrassing!

The process of booking a flight was also very different. Without the internet, people had to call the airline, go to their office, or call a travel agent. This meant that comparison shopping was difficult, and you had to rely on the information provided by the agent.

The airport experience was also much more relaxed, with far less focus on shopping and dining. Airports were more utilitarian, and people spent less time in them. There was also smoking in airports, which was subject to local and state regulations.

Airport concourses were utilitarian, not glitzy shopping malls

In 1987, airport concourses were a far cry from the glitzy shopping malls of today, with their array of award-winning dining options and high-end boutiques. Instead, they served a more utilitarian purpose, facilitating travel without the frills. This was a time when air travel was more accessible, with far more airlines serving a smaller number of passengers.

The focus of airports in 1987 was primarily on functionality, with little attention given to the aesthetic or luxurious aspects that have become prevalent today. The airport experience was akin to "taking the bus", as described by travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt. The metric of "dwell time", which is crucial to airports today, was not even a consideration back then. The time spent by passengers beyond the security checkpoint was not extended, as there were fewer amenities and distractions.

Security procedures were less stringent and faster, resembling those of a stadium today. The absence of shoe, jacket, and belt removals expedited the process, and travellers rarely encountered long lines. The screening of hand luggage was a brief affair, with an X-ray scan and metal detectors serving as the primary measures. The main threat to aviation security at the time was hijackings, and it wasn't until the Lockerbie bombing of Pan Am 103 in late 1988 that tighter screening of checked bags was implemented.

The airline industry had control over security until late 2001, outsourcing it to private companies that employed minimally-trained, minimum-wage screeners. The more relaxed security measures also allowed for greater freedom of movement within the airport. Travellers could be accompanied by family and friends all the way up to the boarding gate, and non-travellers could wait at the gate area for arriving passengers. This freedom of movement also contributed to the utilitarian nature of airport concourses, as these visitors to the airport generated additional revenue through their food and drink purchases, especially during flight delays.

The 1980s also saw a wave of airline mega-mergers, which resulted in significant disruptions and delays. Thousands of passengers experienced lost luggage and were stranded at airports for days. Despite these challenges, the airport concourses of this era reflected a more straightforward and less commercialised approach to air travel, prioritising functionality over glamour.

There were more airlines serving fewer passengers

In 1987, there were more airlines serving fewer passengers. According to the DOT's Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 421 million people flew in the US in 1987, compared to over 700 million in 2016. Despite the lower number of passengers, there were at least ten major airlines still in operation in the 1980s, including Pan Am, Eastern, and TWA. Today, four large airlines control more than 80% of the market.

The airline industry in 1987 was marked by a wave of mega-mergers, which resulted in significant delays and disruptions. One of the biggest mergers was between Continental Airlines, People Express, and Texas International, dubbed the "big bang" by insiders. These mergers led to increased confusion, with thousands of passengers losing their bags and camping out at airports for days.

The process of booking flights was also very different in 1987. Without the convenience of online booking, passengers had to call the airline, visit their office, or go through a travel agent to make a reservation. This often involved loud and cumbersome equipment, with agents using large IBM computers to find reservations.

Airport security was also less stringent in 1987, with travelers rarely encountering long lines. The security checks were basic, consisting of a quick pass through a metal detector, with shoes and jackets on, and a brief scan of hand luggage by an X-ray machine. This was because the main threat to aviation at the time was hijackings, and it wasn't until the Lockerbie bombing of Pan Am 103 in 1988 that airports began to implement tighter screening procedures.

The overall airport experience in 1987 was also quite different from today. Airports were more utilitarian, with limited shopping and dining options. Smoking was permitted in most airports, as bans on in-flight smoking didn't start to take effect until the late 1980s. Additionally, friends and family could accompany departing passengers all the way up to the boarding gate, and non-travelers could wait in the gate area for arriving passengers.

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