Travel by air is commonplace today and although sometimes we may complain, it is comfortable compared to the early days of air travel in Fairbanks and the rest of Alaska. The following account compares the good old days with the better days of larger passenger planes of the early 1950s prior to the advent of modern jet aircraft.

Note: Alaska Airlines has survived through the years and is still the main carrier within Alaska, along with being a major west coast airline as well. Many airlines have come and gone over the years, and it is good to know that this historic airline is still providing cargo and passenger services to Alaskans and their Alaskan communities. This happy faced History Nugget has been brought to you by the Fairbanks Igloos of the Pioneers of Alaska. You can learn more about them at pioneersofalaska.org .