My best flights were on Pan Am between Miami and Rio de Janeiro. I flew that route (among others) so often in the 80s that my frequent flyer points always let me upgrade to business class. They were all 747s, and I normally got a seat in the upper deck.
One time I was upgraded to first class and I was absolutely blown away. Champagne before and after takeoff.
Meals were selected from an extensive menu, and were actually cooked with stovetop and oven (no microwave nonsense here) to order.
Good china, glassware and silverware.
In general, it was easy to see why Pan Am is no longer in business.
Side note: Due to my enormous volume of Pan Am flying, I eventually wound up with a lifetime pass to their Clipper Clubs (airport lounges). When they went belly-up, Delta bought their routes and much to my amazement, I got a nice letter from Delta letting me know that I now had a lifetime membership in Delta's equivalent Crown Room program. Since most flights available to me locally are Delta flights, I have taken liberal advantage of that. And when Delta merged with Northwest, I got another nice letter stating that I still have that delightful privilege.
One time I was upgraded to first class and I was absolutely blown away. Champagne before and after takeoff.
Meals were selected from an extensive menu, and were actually cooked with stovetop and oven (no microwave nonsense here) to order.
Good china, glassware and silverware.
In general, it was easy to see why Pan Am is no longer in business.
Side note: Due to my enormous volume of Pan Am flying, I eventually wound up with a lifetime pass to their Clipper Clubs (airport lounges). When they went belly-up, Delta bought their routes and much to my amazement, I got a nice letter from Delta letting me know that I now had a lifetime membership in Delta's equivalent Crown Room program. Since most flights available to me locally are Delta flights, I have taken liberal advantage of that. And when Delta merged with Northwest, I got another nice letter stating that I still have that delightful privilege.