United Airlines used to offer 'men-only' flights

Forget business class: If you were an upscale male traveler between 1953 and 1970, United Airlines wanted to offer you an entire "executive" plane.

In the mid-20th century, United appealed to businessmen with "executive flights" across two routes — between New York and Chicago and between Los Angeles and San Francisco — that were "for men only," according to the flying-focused blog Boarding Area. Neither children nor women were allowed on the planes — except for the stewardesses, who catered to the passengers with special meals and complimentary cigars.

Touted as a "club in the sky," the flights also boasted comfortable digs, including provided slippers and a "deep, soft Mainliner seat." See more at Boarding Area.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up