Airports In 1970: A Simpler Time For Travel

The 1970s saw the emergence of the disaster film genre, with the release of the film 'Airport' in 1970, which was based on Arthur Hailey's 1968 novel. The film revolves around an airport manager's struggle to keep his airport functional during a snowstorm, while a suicide bomber plans to blow up a Boeing 707 airliner in flight. The film's success inspired several other films with similar themes. Airports in the 1970s had a distinct look and feel, with dark and earthy colours dominating the design of commercial spaces. Security was also quite different from today, with some airports lacking proper security measures, while others had only metal detectors at the gates.

Security was lax, with open access to off-limit areas

In the 1970s, airport security was not as stringent as it is today. While some security measures were in place, they were not as comprehensive or standardised across airports worldwide. The 1970s marked a period of transition for airport security, with the introduction of new regulations and technologies following a slew of incidents in the late 1960s.

Prior to the 1970s, airport security was relatively lax, and security screening was not a common practice. The first serious increase in security appears to have occurred in 1961 after Antulio Ramirez Ortiz hijacked a National Airlines flight to Cuba. This incident highlighted the need for enhanced security measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

However, it was not until the early 1970s, following the Hague and Montreal conventions, that standardised security procedures began to be implemented internationally. These conventions addressed the issue of aviation security and led to the implementation of regulations and security checks at airports worldwide. One notable example was the mandate by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1972 for the use of metal detectors at airports, marking a significant shift towards tighter security measures.

Despite these developments, security in the 1970s was still not as rigorous as it is today. Non-passengers, for example, were allowed on concourses to meet arriving friends or relatives at their gates. This practice has since been greatly restricted due to security concerns. Additionally, the use of plastic security screening trays, which are now known to contribute to the spread of respiratory viruses, highlights how sanitation practices were not as much of a concern in airport security during the 1970s as they are today.

Terminals were architecturally impressive, with unique designs

Airport terminals in the 1970s were impressive architectural structures with unique designs. The 1950s and 1960s saw airports built with large open-air terminals that lacked significant architectural features, focusing more on efficiency than comfort. However, airport terminal architecture evolved in the 1970s, prioritising natural light and ventilation, resulting in more spacious terminals. The terminals of the 1970s aimed to provide passengers with a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

The decade was marked by distinct colour schemes, with dark and powerful earth tones dominating the design of commercial spaces. Bright green, brown, orange, red, and yellow colours were prominently featured in airports. The design choices reflected the values of self-discovery and self-awareness prevalent in American culture at the time.

The layout and design principles of airport terminals are critical to ensuring passenger comfort and efficiency. The flow of passengers through the terminal must be carefully planned to minimise congestion and delays, with separate areas designated for arrivals, departures, and transfers. Terminals must also be accessible for all passengers, including those with disabilities or travelling with large items.

The 1970s witnessed the integration of retail spaces and food courts within airport terminals, transforming them into places that resembled shopping malls more than traditional transportation hubs. This evolution in airport design continued, and by the 1990s and 2000s, the concrete boxes of terminals from the 1960s and 1970s were replaced by glass structures that emphasised "light" and "air".

While some modern terminals, such as Baghdad International Airport and Denver International Airport, are known for their monumental size, others have achieved the status of architectural masterpieces. Terminal 1 at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, the main terminal at Washington Dulles in Virginia, and the TWA Flight Center at New York's JFK Airport are celebrated for their design. Additionally, some terminals reflect the cultural aesthetics of their locations, such as the Pueblo Revival-style terminal at Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico.

Colour schemes were warm and homely

The 1970s were a time of self-discovery and self-awareness, and this was reflected in the design and colour choices of the time. American author Tom Wolfe labelled the 1970s as "the Me Decade". The colour schemes of the 1970s were warm and homely, with dark and powerful earth tones dominating the design of corporate, home, and commercial spaces in the Western world. Bright green, brown, orange, red, and yellow colours were everywhere, from appliances and carpets to wallpaper and sofas.

The same colour schemes were used in commercial buildings such as shopping malls and airports. The idea was to create an environment that felt familiar and comfortable. This was achieved by using colours that were reminiscent of nature and had a cosy, homey feel to them. The 1970s airport colour scheme was a stark contrast to the often sterile and bland colour choices seen in many modern airports, which often favour neutral tones and muted colours.

The warm and inviting colour palette of the 1970s airports created a unique and memorable atmosphere for travellers. The use of bold and rich colours may have even made the airport experience more enjoyable and exciting, especially for those who were embarking on leisure travel. The colour schemes may have also helped to reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with air travel, by creating a sense of familiarity and comfort.

While the specific layout and design of airports in the 1970s may have varied depending on the location and size, the consistent use of warm and homely colour schemes created a unified visual identity for airports during this decade. The choice of earth tones and bold colours reflected the design trends of the time and created a unique time capsule of that era's aesthetics and cultural values.

Check-in areas were different, with physical tickets

In the 1970s, check-in areas at airports were quite different from what they are today. For one thing, physical tickets were the norm, and travellers could buy them at the counter by going from booth to booth to compare prices and choosing the cheapest option. This was a time when air travel was more accessible, with minimal security arrangements in American airports to prevent acts of terrorism. In fact, for some flights with unassigned seating, no reservations were required, and fares were collected in the air.

The check-in process itself was much simpler, with no security checks in place. Travellers could walk right up to the gate to see their friends and relatives off or greet them upon arrival. The only requirement was to hand over any checked baggage at the counter; however, this was rarely necessary, as most people did not bring carry-on bags aside from women's handbags. This was because checked baggage was free, and suitcases were often too large to fit in the overhead bins.

The atmosphere and design of 1970s airports also reflected the values of the time, dubbed "the Me Decade" by American author Tom Wolfe. Bright colours like green, brown, orange, red, and yellow dominated the decor, from appliances and carpets to wallpaper and sofas. The goal was to make travellers feel like they were still at home.

In addition to the colourful decor, smoking was a common sight in airports of the 1970s. The air was filled with smoke, and seats in the terminals and airplanes were equipped with built-in ashtrays. Interestingly, some airlines began dividing cabins into smoking and non-smoking sections, but this was not always strictly enforced.

Boarding involved walking to the gate, with no security

In the 1970s, airport security was non-existent, leading to a rise in plane hijackings. Boarding a flight involved walking straight to the gate with no security checks. This meant that dangerous items could be brought onto planes, and hijackers could board planes with weapons such as guns, knives, and bombs.

The lack of security in airports during this time can be attributed to the belief that giving in to an armed hijacker's demands was the safest option. As a result, pilots were instructed to comply with hijackers' requests, and resources were put in place to facilitate this, such as providing pilots with maps of the Caribbean and rudimentary Spanish language cards. An official Cuba-hijack phone line was even installed at Miami air-traffic control.

The Golden Age of Plane Hijackings saw an increase in hijackings, with 240 hijackings or attempted hijackings between the US and Cuba alone between 1960 and 1974. Most of the planes hijacked during this time were relatively small, carrying about 100 passengers on average. However, in 1973, a hijacker took control of an American Airlines flight from New York to San Juan, taking 379 passengers to Cuba.

In response to the increasing number of hijackings, the US government passed the Anti-Hijacking Act of 1974, which mandated that all airline passengers and their carry-on bags be screened before boarding. This act marked the beginning of airport security measures as we know them today, with the goal of preventing harm to aircraft, passengers, and crew, as well as supporting national security and counter-terrorism efforts.

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