These vintage photos show what air travel looked like between 1930s to 1950s
Through this photo collection, we take a journey through time to show you what air travel looked like from the 1930s to the 1950s.
While manned, heavier-than-air flight has been around since the early 1900s, it didn’t really take off as a common endeavor for two decades. Post-WWI, the aviation industry really started to grow and many commercial airlines began operating.
The Contract Air Mail Act of 1925 (also known as the Kelly Act) directly contributed to the growth of airlines and the Air Commerce Act of 1926 gave the government the responsibility for promoting air commerce, establishing airways, certifying aircraft, licensing pilots, and issuing and enforcing regulations.
In the early years of flight, pilots and the occasional passenger sat in open cockpits exposed to wind and weather. Even in Europe, where large transports carried passengers in comparative luxury, the ride was harsh, loud, and uncomfortable.
Airliners were not pressurized, so they flew at low altitudes and were often bounced about by wind and weather. Air sickness was common.
Airlines provided many amenities to ease passenger stress, but air travel remained a rigorous adventure well into the 1940s.
Waiter service aboard Imperial Airways ‘Scylla’ during its flight from London to Paris, circa 1935.
The years between World War I and World War II saw great advancements in aircraft technology. Airplanes evolved from low-powered biplanes made from wood and fabric to sleek, high-powered monoplanes made of aluminum, based primarily on the founding work of Hugo Junkers during the World War I period and its adoption by American designer William Bushnell Stout and Soviet designer Andrei Tupolev.
After World War I, experienced fighter pilots were eager to show off their skills. Many American pilots became barnstormers, flying into small towns across the country and showing off their flying abilities, as well as taking paying passengers for rides.
Eventually, the barnstormers grouped into more organized displays. Air shows sprang up around the country, with air races, acrobatic stunts, and feats of air superiority.
The air races drove engine and airframe development—the Schneider Trophy, for example, led to a series of ever faster and sleeker monoplane designs culminating in the Supermarine S.6B.
With pilots competing for cash prizes, there was an incentive to go faster. Amelia Earhart was perhaps the most famous of those on the barnstorming/air show circuit. She was also the first female pilot to achieve records such as the crossing of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Passengers enjoying a drink and a game of cards in the cabin of an Imperial Airways plane in 1936.
Many aviation firsts occurred during this period. Long-distance flights by pioneers such as Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, Alcock and Brown, Charles Lindbergh, and Amy Johnson blazed a trail that new commercial airlines soon followed.
Many of these new routes had few facilities such as modern runways, and this era also became the age of the great flying boats such as the German Dornier Do X , American Sikorsky S-42, and British Short Empire, which could operate from any stretch of clear, calm water.
Preparing lunch on the Imperial Airways airplane ‘Scylla’, 19 November 1936.
After World War II, commercial aviation grew rapidly, using mostly ex-military aircraft to transport people and cargo. This growth was accelerated by the glut of heavy and super-heavy bomber airframes like the B-29 and Lancaster that could be converted into commercial aircraft.
The DC-3 also made for easier and longer commercial flights. The first commercial jet airliner to fly was the British de Havilland Comet.
By 1952, the British state airline BOAC had introduced the Comet into scheduled service. While a technical achievement, the plane suffered a series of highly public failures, as the shape of the windows led to cracks due to metal fatigue.
The fatigue was caused by cycles of pressurization and depressurization of the cabin and eventually led to the catastrophic failure of the plane’s fuselage. By the time the problems were overcome, other jet airliner designs had already taken to the skies.
USSR’s Aeroflot became the first airline in the world to operate sustained regular jet services on 15 September 1956 with the Tupolev Tu-104. The Boeing 707 and DC-8 which established new levels of comfort, safety, and passenger expectations, ushered in the age of mass commercial air travel, dubbed the Jet Age.
In October 1947, Chuck Yeager took the rocket-powered Bell X-1 through the sound barrier. Although anecdotal evidence exists that some fighter pilots may have done so while dive-bombing ground targets during the war, this was the first controlled, level flight to exceed the speed of sound.
Further barriers of distance fell in 1948 and 1952 with the first jet crossing of the Atlantic and the first nonstop flight to Australia.
Day cabin of an Imperial Airways flying boat, most likely of the Short Empire class, in August 1936.
A sleeping berth on an Imperial Airways aircraft in March 1937.
A male flight attendant walks with his arms linked with two female flight attendants in front of a small plane in the 1940’s.
Stewardess in Le Bourget (Seine-Saint-Denis), about 1945.
Baby travels by plane in New York In July 1945.
A Douglas DC-3 airliner of Eastern Airlines (‘The Great Silver Fleet’) seen through the window of a viewing gallery at an airport, circa 1945.
Air hostess Patricia Palley attends to passengers in the decorated cabin of a Pan-American airliner over the Atlantic on December 23, 1946.
19th January 1950: Trainee air hostess, Claire Swan, during a training session in a BOAC mock aircraft.
A female instructor stands at a chalkboard, pointing to a chalk diagram of an airplane while female students take notes at their desks during a stewardess training school, 1950.
Luggage being unloaded from airplane, circa the 1950s.
A Pan American World Airways flight attendant preparing in-flight meals in the galley of an airliner, circa 1950.
A bus in bus docks at New York’s East Side Airlines Terminal. The docks are open on one side to permit exhaust fumes to escape, circa 1955.
Passengers checking in at New York’s East Side Airlines Terminal, circa 1955.
Passengers checking in their baggage at New York’s East Side Airlines Terminal, circa 1955.
New York’s East Side Airlines Terminal which operates on a 24-hour basis to provide transportation to every flight leaving from the city’s various airports, around 1955.
A TWA pilot and stewardess greet the passengers coming off the plane, ca.1950s, Cincinnati, Ohio.
(Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons / Huffington Post / Business Insider Magazine / Odd Stuff Magazine / Pinterest / Flickr).
Updated on: September 10, 2022
Any factual error or typo? Let us know.
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Vintage Air Travel Images Through The Years
Posted: March 13, 2024 | Last updated: March 13, 2024
Air travel milestones through the decades
From the early days of flight and the "golden age of travel," to contemporary budget airlines and COVID restrictions and regulations, air travel has transformed dramatically over the past century.
Click or scroll through this gallery and join us as we take a journey through time to bring you the biggest milestones in commercial aviation history, including plans for air travel to become net zero by 2050 recently announced.
1920s: passengers wait to board a plane in 1929
The story of commercial air travel begins before the 1920s, in 1914, when the world's first scheduled passenger service set off between Tampa and St Petersburg, piloted by Tony Jannus. Though commercial aviation did not take off quickly, more and more companies tried to build on this milestone through the 1920s, with varying degrees of success. Here, passengers wait at Croydon Airport, UK to board a Handley Page W.9 aircraft, a model used by early airlines Imperial Airways and Sabena.
1920s: a Western Air Express airliner in 1928
1920s: Lady Heath pilots a plane for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
1920s: passengers are served drinks on a French Air Union plane in 1929
1920s: an early in-flight movie in 1925
In-flight entertainment systems looked rather different too. Today airplane entertainment is a solitary, hi-tech affair but, in the early days of flight, passengers would typically gather around a single screen if they wanted to catch a movie. One of the earliest films to be shown up high was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World in 1925 with Imperial Airways. Here, passengers on a German airliner also enjoy a movie in the year 1925.
1930s: a woman hands over an airmail parcel to Western Air Express staff circa 1930
The early 1930s continued in a similar fashion to the 1920s, with airlines offering airmail delivery services and also carrying passengers. Flying was still extremely expensive and fairly uncomfortable but, according to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum , the number of airline passengers grew from 6,000 in 1930 to 450,000 in 1934. Here, a woman passes on her mail to the crew of a Fokker F-10 monoplane operated by Western Air Express.
1930s: passengers listen to a broadcast aboard a flight in 1931
1930s: an early Anglo-Australian airliner in 1934
1930s: Eastern Air Lines stewards in the 1930s
In the 1920s and into the early 1930s, the role of flight attendant was one mostly reserved for men, who were usually referred to as "cabin boys." This was soon flipped on its head, though. The first female flight attendant, a nurse named Ellen Church, was employed in 1930 and by the middle of the decade most of these jobs went to women. The women were often trained nurses and there were also strict rules as to their age, height and weight. Before this change, this photo shows an all-male team of air stewards posing before an Eastern Air Lines plane in the early 1930s.
1930s: an Imperial Airways cabin in 1935
1930s: a Douglas DC-3 in flight
1930s: Pan American Airways flies across the Atlantic in 1939
1940s: Pan American World Airways' 'Flying Cloud' clipper
The onset of the Second World War meant developments in commercial aviation were put on the back burner, and all resources were plunged into the war effort. However, by the end of the decade, the industry was recovering, especially since the war had given rise to new runways and military aircraft were able to be converted and put to commercial use. This 1949 shot shows Pan Am's 'Flying Cloud' clipper, the first of a group of planes to begin a service between New York and London in the 1940s.
1940s: passengers aboard a Pan Am Boeing 307 aircraft circa 1945
1940s: poster advertising TWA
As competition increased towards the end of this decade, the major airlines ramped up their advertising. This TWA poster advertises the Boeing 307 Stratoliner, and promises a smooth ride as the aircraft glides above the clouds. The 1940s was ultimately the decade that preceded the so-called "golden age of travel."
1950s: crowds wave off the world's first jet airliner service
1950s: a passenger enjoying lunch on the world's first commercial jet airliner service
1950s: a test flight for the Boeing 707 jet airliner with Pan Am
1950s: the Queen arrives in Bermuda on a BOAC flight in 1953
1950s: an air hostess attends to passengers on a National Airways Corporation flight in 1959
1950s: a movie projector on a United Airlines flight circa 1950
1960s: lunch service on a Lufthansa flight in 1967
The golden age of travel reigned on through the 1960s and, partly since there wasn't much else to do, dinner was a grand affair. Menus often included multiple courses, bread baskets and dishes such as steak or even lobster. In this 1967 snap, passengers are being served food onboard a Lufthansa flight.
1960s: dinner aboard a SAS aircraft in 1969
1960s: The Beatles arrive in London on a Pan Am flight in 1964
1960s: flight attendants line up before a model of Concorde in the 1960s
1970s: the first Concorde flight from London Heathrow to Bahrain in 1976
1970s: the Queen on a Concorde aircraft in 1977
Concorde got the royal seal of approval (the Queen is pictured here onboard a Concorde aircraft in 1977), with its ability to cross the Atlantic in just 3.5 hours. But only a privileged few could afford to ride aboard the Concorde and it ultimately didn't shake up commercial air travel in the way it had been hoped. Cancelled routes, economic setbacks and a devastating crash meant the Concorde was out of service by 2003.
1970s: Laker Airways founder Freddie Laker celebrates the airline's success
1970s: Laker and passengers aboard Laker Airways' Skytrain
Laker Airways' Skytrain offered a lower fare service between London Gatwick and New York's JFK, which began on 26 September 1977. Like many budget airlines today, the "no frills" service meant passengers had to purchase meals onboard and weren't subject to the usual luxuries of air travel in the era. Laker also came up with ways to reduce fuel consumption and engine wear to enable the lower costs. He's pictured here celebrating with passengers aboard the Skytrain in 1979.
1970s: the first scheduled Pan Am Boeing 747 flight
1970s: passengers in the cabin of a Boeing 747
This was the first time that air travel was truly opening up to the masses. Since planes were larger, airlines were able to hold more passengers and therefore sell more tickets at a reduced price. Though flying still wasn't cheap, it was no longer only reserved for the super-rich. This 1970s shot shows the spacious cabin of a BOAC Boeing 747, filled with families, couples and other holidaymakers.
1970s: passengers are served Champagne on a Pan Am 747 flight
1970s: lunch is served aboard a Boeing 747
1970s: a lounge on SAS's Boeing 747-B "Huge Viking"
1980s: Laker celebrates further fare cuts in 1980
1980s: passengers are stranded as Laker Airways collapses in 1982
Laker Airways collapsed in 1982, saddling debts amounting to $374 million. More than 6,000 passengers were left stranded in airports around the world. Here, exasperated travelers and dismayed Laker staff feel the brunt of the collapse on 5 February 1982.
1980s: a Ryanair aircraft in 1988
1980s: Richard Branson celebrates the launch of his new airline, Virgin Atlantic Airways in 1984
1980s: a flight attendant serves dinner on a SAS flight circa 1980s
1980s: ashtrays on a commercial flight
1990s: easyJet boss Stelios Haji-Ioannou in 1995
1990s: Ryanair's chief executive promotes low-fare flights
The introduction of Ryanair and easyJet (and also Norwegian in 1993) meant pressure was put on traditional carriers, fares were pushed down and air travel became increasingly more accessible. As travelers also began booking holidays online, competitive pricing became more important than ever.
1990s: a Pan Am aircraft in 1991
2000s: security at Salt Lake City International Airport in 2001
2000s: the door to an aircraft cockpit in 2001
2000s: an easyJet aircraft flying in 2009
Travelers eschewed air travel in the years following 9/11 and, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics , it took until 2004 for air-passenger numbers to reach their pre-9/11 peak. Commercial air travel was recovering by the end of the decade, though, with US air passengers numbering 769.6 million in 2007 – a record high. During this time, it was low-cost carriers that saw the most growth.
2000s: a traveler books flights online
Another significant change during this decade was the way travelers were choosing to book their flights. According to PhoCusWright , a tourism research company, 2009 was the first year that more than half of all travel-related bookings were made online. This placed even more pressure on airlines to be competitive and offer the best value for money.
2010s: a man works on his laptop during a flight
The internet hasn't just infiltrated the booking process. Nowadays it's commonplace for carriers to offer in-flight Wi-Fi, either as part of the package, or for an extra premium. In a major shift from the golden age of travel, this means that flying today is no longer just about pleasure and relaxation – it's also about catching up with work and keeping in touch with people on the ground. Online check-in and smartphone boarding passes have also revolutionized the airport experience over the years.
2010s: a sign for premium economy class in Hong Kong International Airport
2010s: an American Airlines flight in 2017
The main change in the last decade was the sheer volume of travelers: more and more people were flying than ever before, and the sky-high numbers had previously shown little sign of tailing off. In fact, in 2017, the International Air Transport Association had projected that there could be 7.2 billion air travel passengers by 2035 .
2020s: grounded planes at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport, Germany
The COVID-19 pandemic rocked the travel and aviation industry and both passengers and staff had to adjust to a new (and unpredictable) ‘normal’. Ever-changing international travel restrictions left airlines up in the air (figuratively, not literally), and major players including easyJet, American Airlines and British Airways suffered severe financial losses, resulting in job cuts. This photo from 1 June 2020 shows out-of-service planes at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport.
2020s: a passenger undergoes a temperature check at Heathrow Airport
Towards the end of 2020, civil aviation began to resume at a crawling pace, with the announcement of some 'air bridges' or 'travel corridors'. For passengers choosing to fly, airport experiences looked rather different around the world. Protocols and restrictions varied from airport to airport, and from airline to airline, but typically involved mandatory face coverings, contactless check-ins and fewer open airport facilities. A passenger is seen here in July 2020 receiving a temperature check at a BA desk at London’s Heathrow Airport.
2020s: a masked flight attendant on a Brussels Airlines plane
Passengers had to get used to new onboard experiences too. Depending on the airline – and in efforts to reduce touch points and contact between staff and passengers – changes were extended to a lack of inflight meals or trolley services, and the reduction of little luxuries like in-flight magazines, blankets and the like. Masks were mandatory on most flights too, while some carriers blocked the middle seats to allow passengers more space.
2020s: international air travel gets a slow lift off
The aviation industry continued to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic into 2021, though the International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicted a 50.4% uptick in demand for flights from 2020 . With vaccine programs being rolled out around the world, international borders finally opened.
2020s: a passenger holds up an EU 'vaccine passport'
Around the world, testing and vaccines built bridges between destinations in staggered phases. For example, Canada’s borders first opened to double-jabbed Americans, before being unlocked for vaccinated travelers from around the world too. Double-jabbed UK travelers initially could fly to 'amber' European hotspots including France, Spain and Portugal without quarantining on return (though they had to take PCR tests). New Zealand and Australia also formed a 'quarantine-free travel bubble'. EU citizens could download a vaccine 'passport' (pictured) allowing them to cross EU borders with minimal restrictions.
2020s: world's first all-electric plane takes to the skies
In late September 2022, the world's first all-electric plane jetted off for an eight-minute flight above the skies of Washington, USA. Alice, the project name that stuck during planning in 2016, is the brainchild of American-based company Eviation , and will be fit for both passenger and cargo use by 2027. The successful maiden flight reached an altitude of 3,500 feet and the zero-emissions plane was powered by two 640-kilowatt electric motors. It is hoped Alice will operate flights ranging from 150 to 250 miles, and will come in three different configurations: a nine-passenger commuter, a six-seater executive cabin and an eCargo version.
2020s: relaxed uniform policies are welcomed
Cabin crew requirements have changed over the decades; as we've seen already, the 1930s followed strict rules regarding age, height and weight, and since then tailored uniforms and specific hairstyles became the norm. But the 2020s have welcomed a more relaxed approach and in September 2022 Virgin Atlantic ditched gender-specific uniforms allowing crew, pilots and ground staff to choose whichever they feel most comfortable in. Earlier in the year staff were also permitted to keep their tattoos visible, marking the first UK airline to do so.
2050: air travel industry set to become carbon neutral
We don't know for sure what the future holds for air travel. But the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recently announced its support for a net zero goal for the aviation industry by 2050 . However, environmental campaigners say the plans don't go far enough, believing more measures were needed to ensure the 193 member countries of the ICAO meet the goal and hold airlines accountable.
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A Guide to Collecting Vintage Airline Posters
Vintage airline posters offer a unique and nostalgic glimpse into the history of air travel, capturing the excitement and glamour of the golden age of aviation. These posters showcase the beauty of graphic design and often feature stunning illustrations and typography. In this guide, we will explore the appeal of vintage airline posters, their evolution over time, the factors to consider when collecting, and tips for starting and expanding your collection.
The Appeal of Vintage Airline Posters
Vintage airline posters are not just pieces of advertising; they are also works of art that represent a bygone era. They capture the spirit of adventure and romance associated with air travel, evoking images of exotic destinations, luxurious accommodations, and stylish passengers. Collectors appreciate these posters for their vibrant colors, striking designs, and the stories they tell about the history of aviation and travel.
The Evolution of Airline Poster Art and Design
As you explore the evolution of airline poster art and design, it’s essential to appreciate the cultural and technological context in which these posters were created. The changing styles and themes of airline posters are a reflection of the world in which they were produced, offering valuable insights into the history of aviation, travel, and graphic design. By understanding these broader contexts, you can develop a more profound appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating these captivating advertisements.
Early Air Travel
In the early days of air travel, airline posters were primarily used to promote the novelty and excitement of flying. These posters often featured images of daring pilots, magnificent aircraft, and spectacular aerial views. The art deco style was prevalent during this period, resulting in bold, geometric designs that captured the essence of the era.
The Jet Age
The jet age brought significant advancements in aviation technology, allowing for faster and more comfortable flights. Airline posters from this era often showcased the sleek, modern designs of jet aircraft and highlighted the allure of glamorous destinations. The mid-century modern design movement heavily influenced the style of these posters, with clean lines, minimalistic elements, and bold colors taking center stage.
The Modern Era
Contemporary airline posters continue to celebrate the wonders of air travel while incorporating modern design trends and techniques. Digital art and photography have become more prevalent, and artists continue to experiment with innovative styles and themes.
Factors to Consider When Collecting Vintage Airline Posters
Considering the various factors that influence the value and desirability of vintage airline posters is essential for making informed decisions as a collector. By understanding these factors, you can better identify and evaluate potential additions to your collection, ensuring that you make wise investments and build a collection that reflects your passion for aviation history and art. Additionally, being knowledgeable about these factors can help you better appreciate and care for your collection, as you’ll be more attuned to the unique qualities and significance of each poster.
Rarity and Demand
The rarity and demand for a particular poster can significantly impact its value. Limited edition prints, discontinued designs, and historically significant posters tend to be more sought after by collectors.
The condition of a vintage airline poster is crucial to its value. Posters in excellent condition, with vibrant colors and no significant damage, will typically command higher prices.
Historical Significance
Posters that represent a significant event, era, or milestone in aviation history can be more desirable to collectors, increasing their value.
Artist and Design
The reputation and talent of the artist who created the poster can also influence its value. Well-known artists with a history of producing high-quality and visually appealing works may be more collectible.
Tips for Starting and Expanding Your Vintage Airline Poster Collection
After establishing your goals and preferences for your vintage airline poster collection, it’s important to remain flexible and open to discovering new interests along the way. As you learn more about the history and art of airline posters, you may find yourself drawn to particular themes or styles that you hadn’t initially considered. Embrace these discoveries and allow your collection to grow and evolve organically, reflecting your deepening appreciation for the world of vintage airline posters.
Set Your Goals and Preferences
Determine your focus and preferences, such as the era, airline, artist, or design style you wish to collect. This will help guide your search and create a cohesive collection.
Research and Educate Yourself
Learn as much as you can about the history of airline posters and the specific designs that interest you. Understanding the background and context of the posters you collect will enhance your appreciation for them and help you make informed decisions when purchasing.
Network with Other Collectors
Connect with fellow collectors through online forums, social media groups, and local clubs. These connections can provide valuable information, resources, and potential buying or trading opportunities.
Attend Trade Shows, Auctions, and Poster Clubs
Trade shows, auctions, and poster clubs are excellent places to find vintage airline posters and meet other collectors. Attending these events can help you discover rare items, learn about current market trends, and expand your network.
Proper Storage and Preservation
Proper storage and preservation are essential to maintaining the condition and value of your vintage airline posters. Store your posters in a clean, dry, and temperature-controlled environment to prevent damage. Utilize archival-quality materials such as acid-free mats and UV-resistant glass when framing your posters to protect them from light exposure and other environmental factors.
Collecting vintage airline posters is a rewarding hobby that allows enthusiasts to connect with the history of air travel and appreciate the beauty of graphic design. By understanding the different eras of poster art and design, considering factors such as rarity and historical significance, and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can start and expand your vintage airline poster collection with confidence.
- What are the different eras of airline poster art and design? Early air travel, the jet age, and the modern era represent the main periods of airline poster art and design.
- What factors should I consider when collecting vintage airline posters? Consider factors such as rarity, demand, condition, historical significance, artist, and design when collecting vintage airline posters.
- How can I find and connect with other vintage airline poster collectors? Network with fellow collectors through online forums, social media groups, local clubs, trade shows, and auctions.
- How do I properly store and preserve my vintage airline poster collection? Store your posters in a clean, dry, and temperature-controlled environment, and use archival-quality materials when framing them.
- Why is it essential to research and educate myself about the posters I collect? Understanding the history and context of the posters you collect will enhance your appreciation for them and help you make informed decisions when purchasing.
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Collector’s Guide: Aviation & Airline Posters
Nicholas d. lowry breaks down the best selection of aviation and airline designs to collect for the plane spotter in all of us….
People collect aviation posters for a number of different reasons. There are those who focus on military-themed posters from the first and second world wars, that promote the air forces; those who focus on images from the earliest days of heavier-than-air flights; people who are enchanted by the wonderful destinations illustrated by different airline companies that lie at the end of their routes; and those who relish the joy of finely rendered aircraft, distributed by companies seeking to promote their technological prowess and their fleets of planes.
There are incredible images in each of these categories, but my favorite is the last category. Below is a selection of images related to the planes themselves.
The Invention of Flights & Early Days of Air Travel
After their initial flight in 1903, the Wright Brothers were met with skepticism at home and virtually ignored by the American press. But Europe was a different story. After demonstration flights in France in 1908, they were lauded as heroes across the continent. They courted military contracts on both sides of the Atlantic, with Wilbur traveling to Europe and Orville staying back in America to do demonstrations for the U.S. Government. They crisscrossed the ocean as they attempted to lure patrons to their project. Upon their successful return from Europe, they were first greeted by President Taft in the White House and then returned to their hometown of Dayton for a massive two-day celebration that included parades, concerts, fireworks and receptions, but (perhaps ironically) no flying demonstrations. The poster below is an exceptional historical document
Perhaps the most fanciful and enchanting of all aviation posters is an image from 1910 of a pilot flying in an open-air cockpit, dropping roses on the French Cote d’Azur. In the early days aviation competitions were all the rage, and this poster advertises a 15-day extravaganza in the south of France. Its brilliance derives from the ingenious, deceptively-simple idea of putting the viewer higher up than the plane, looking down toward the ground.
The down-from-above technique was used again, and again, quite effectively circa 1933 in an image for Imperial Airways, where the viewers can see the sinews of the Ganges River flowing through Delhi, beneath the wings of a Handley Page 42, the Hannibal (recognizable by its call letters G-AAGX and nicknamed “the banana” because of its ungainly shape).
Imperial Airways operated between 1924 and 1939 and were responsible for some of the most memorable aviation posters, such as the poster from 1939 of a fleet of Short S-23C Empire Class Flying Boats led by the “Canopus.” Ultimately 31 of these aircraft went into service, each one’s name beginning with the letter “C”. The military-style formation of these planes ominously foreshadows the war that would descend over Europe just a few short months after the poster was released.
Italian Aerial Lines & Aeroput Jugoslavija Posters
Within Europe, Italy was one of the last countries to develop its commercial aviation industry. However, by the mid-1930s, Italy had progressed far beyond most of Europe, ranking only behind Germany and France in the number of passengers carried annually. A poster for Italian Aerial Lines seems to predate 1934 when three of Italy’s largest airline companies banded together to form a single, government-owned company, Ala Littoria.
Founded in 1927, Aeroput was the national airline of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. In a 1931 poster, a de Havilland DH.80A Puss Moth monoplane flies through a daytime sky, while on the opposite side of the poster, a train travels along the same route by night. The message, and the effect, is literally, “Earth roads are tiring, airways are resting.” In other words, spend a comfortable day traveling by air, and not an uncomfortable night, or longer, traveling by train. The call numbers on the side of the aircraft UN SAA indicate that it was introduced into the Aeroput fleet in 1931. The small plane could seat three people and was used as an air taxi.
Related Reading:
Qantas empire airways posters.
Left: Rhys Williams, Qantas Empire Airways , circa 1938. Sold November 2022 for $8,125
Qantas Empire Airways came into being in 1934, the result of a merger between Britain’s Imperial Airways and Qantas. It operated until 1947, when the company was purchased by the government, and it became Australia’s flagship airline. The incredible aircraft pictured on this poster does not seem to have ever existed and was most likely the artist’s rendition of a futuristic vessel, in keeping with the slogan of the poster, “Out of a Great Past a Greater Future.”
TWA Posters
A unique, graphic, bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon, seen through the window of a TWA plane, identifiable via the lettering on the wing tip. The image was so popular that TWA used it with several different variants of text. Note also the curtains around the window, an indication of the earlier, genteel days of air travel.
TWA’s exceptional twilight bird’s-eye view of New York City exists with several text variations and different colored borders. In an awkward bit of marketing, the livery on the side of the Constellation reads “Trans World Airline” – the company’s official name that it stopped using two years earlier, in 1950. The smaller text in the poster correctly cites its new name in the plural, Trans World Airlines. “Sky-Tourist” was an early euphemism for economy class. The aircraft is one of the mythical of midcentury aviation, a Lockheed Constellation (Connie), with its triple-tail configuration and dolphin-shaped fuselage.
Pan Am Posters
Left: Paul George Lawler, Fly South Swa Isles / Via Pan American , circa 1938. Sold November 2022 for $40,000.
One of the most iconic and desirable of all the early Pan Am flying boat posters, the image of the Boeing 314 Flying Clipper landing in a tropical lagoon, captured and continues to capture the imagination of travelers. The location shown on the poster is an imaginary composite of several renowned bays throughout the South Pacific. It has been speculated that the view may be Tahiti, Pago Pago or Diamond Head; however, the physical characteristics depicted do not coincide with the actual geography of any of these islands.
Larger than life, the Honolulu Clipper is disgorging passengers, all of whom are smiling at the warm island welcome they are receiving. Considered “one of the most coveted airline posters [the image] celebrates the arrival in Honolulu from San Francisco of Pan American’s most advanced, largest and last flying boat, the Boeing 314. Faster, pressurized landplanes would soon make it obsolete, but the Boeing 314 briefly took transoceanic flying to a new level of luxury with its dining lounge, sleeping berths for everyone and aft honeymoon suite” (Airways p. 80).
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Vintage airline posters | 10 nostalgic time travel gifts.
Last updated on March 24th, 2021.
Vintage airline posters
Without running the risk of sounding like my grandmother, I’m really missing the good old days of air travel.
The days of roaming carefree around the airport, sans mask — but always with a bottle of hand sanitizer. A time when I practiced social distancing in the airport, but simply because I preferred it that way.
An old soul by nature, there’s one thing satisfying my nostalgia for travel days gone by: vintage airline posters.
Travel glory days
Bright, bold and very retro, these vintage airline posters are a delight to look at. It makes little difference that I wasn’t alive at the time; just seeing them makes my old travel soul happy.
Ideal for Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or just because, these vintage airline posters make a unique, and special, gift.
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1. Imperial Airways — New York
Ever heard of Imperial Airways? You’re not alone.
The British commercial airline operated from 1924 to 1939. It was a pioneer in long-distance plane travel, primarily running flights from the UK to former empire destinations.
One such flight was from London to New Delhi — a journey that would take around 8 days. The airline eventually merged into the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) in 1939.
Decades later, it would merge with British European Airways to finally become British Airways.
Vintage on print — vintage airline posters
This poster shows the popular Imperial Airways flight from London to New York. While no year is stated in the description, its style suggests it could be from the early 1930s.
An A4-sized print, the poster comes is delivered on premium quality glossy photo paper. To protect the poster, it’s shipped in a board-backed envelope and marked ‘do not bend’ on the front and back.
2. TWA — San Francisco
Trans World Airlines, more commonly known as TWA, operated from 1930 to 2001. The American airline only flew domestic routes, before branching out to the rest of the world in 1939.
This poster was designed by renowned American artist, David Klein. He’s best remembered for the travel posters he designed for TWA in the 1950s and 1960s.
Bold colors and iconic images, Klein’s work played a big role in the promotion of air travel.
This canvas print poster measures 24X16in and is delivered on an 18mm pinewood frame.
3. Northwest Airlines — Hong Kong
Featuring the iconic Hong Kong junk boat, and a glamorous Chinese woman, is this offering from Northwest Airlines (NWA).
The company started in 1926, becoming a major player in the trans-Pacific market after WW2. Before merging with Delta Air Lines in 2010, NWA carried more passengers across the Pacific than any other US airline.
It first began by transporting mail in 1926 from Minneapolis to Chicago, before switching to passengers in 1927. Its first international flight was to Winnipeg, Canada, a year later.
Choose your size — vintage airline posters
The vintage travel poster comes in 4 different sizes: A4 (297x1210mm) all the way to a grand A1 (841x610mm).
A high-quality poster, it comes on 180gsm matte photo paper.
4. Sabena Airlines — Texas
The Societé Anonyme Belge d’Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne, or Sabena Airlines, was Belgium’s national carrier from 1923 to 2001.
Its first commercial flight was from Brussels to London, via Ostend, in July 1923. Sabena Airline’s transatlantic route to New York took place in June 1946, after which it would expand its US destinations.
An international collaboration — vintage airline posters
As shown on the poster , Sabena Airlines operated in conjunction with Braniff International Airways.
The American airline was founded in 1930. It primarily operated routes to the midwestern, southwestern United States, Mexico and Central and South America.
Braniff had several hubs in the US, the main ones being in Dallas, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami and Kansas.
With its wild-western style font and iconic Texan landscape, this vintage airline poster’s a great one for the collection.
5. British European Airways — Switzerland
From the days when using stereotype images was the norm, comes this cartoon-style poster from British European Airways (BEA).
The airline operated from 1946 to 1974 before the merger with BOAC to become British Airways.
Promoting the cultural tradition and beauty of Switzerland, this colorful vintage airline poster also highlights another interesting fact.
First in flight — vintage airline posters
The Viscount 800 was part of a fleet of British planes which used turbine engines. In fact, BEA operated the world’s first turbine-powered flight with a Viscount 630 prototype from London to Paris.
Post WW2, it became one of the most successful fleets for several reasons. From panoramic windows to comfortable cabin conditions, passengers enjoyed flying BEA.
6. Air India — India
With elephants, flag bearers and mythical birds, this vintage airline poster from Air India has it all. It’s also one of the only posters that cleverly incorporates its name into its slogan.
The airline was founded in 1932, first named Tata Airlines after the name of its founder, J.R.D. Tata.
After WW2, Tata Airlines became a public limited company, changing its name to Air India. Its first international long-distance flight took place in June 1948 from Bombay to London.
7. Aerolineas Argentinas — Buenos Aires
A top 5 destination of mine for years now, I couldn’t not include this fabulous vintage airline poster of Buenos Aires.
Showcasing drawings of the beach, landmarks and its famous gauchos, this poster’s a must for fellow Argentine-philes.
Aerolineas Argentinas was founded in 1949, and is the country’s largest airline as well as its flag carrier.
In late 1950, the airline operated a weekly flight from Buenos Aires to Frankfurt via several cities. These included Rio de Janeiro, Natal, Dakar, Lisbon and Paris.
This glossy poster comes in A4 size and is delivered in board-backed envelopes to avoid any damage.
“ Bright, bold and very retro, these vintage airline posters are a delight to look at. ”
8. east african airways — kenya.
Another vintage airline poster with an elephant taking centre stage, this time, of the African variety.
‘Make a date with the sun’ is a fitting slogan for a poster promoting Kenya as a travel destination.
East African Airways (EAA) was founded in 1946, and was jointly run by 3 countries: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Routes were primarily to destinations in the region such as Mombasa, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.
The airline launched its first international weekly service to the UK in 1957, which at first was operated by BOAC. EAA later branched out to other European destinations, as well as to countries in the Indian subcontinent.
9. United Airlines — China
United Airlines was formed in 1931 following a merger of 4 airlines. As of May 2019, United had the third largest fleet in the world, after American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
With the Oriental-style font and butterfly symbolism, this vintage China poster will brighten up any living space.
Digitally printed on premium satin card, the poster’s available in A3 and A4 (210mm x 297mm or 297mm x 420mm). There’s also the option to order it with or without a frame.
10. Pan-American — Glasgow
Capturing the charm and spirit of Glasgow is this vintage airline poster from Pan American World Airways (Pan Am).
A young woman dressed in traditional Scottish attire performing a dance dominates the image. In the background, a man plays the bagpipes against the green of the Scottish highlands.
It starts in Florida — vintage airline posters
Founded in 1927 in Key West, Florida, Pan Am was the largest international airline of the United States.
The company was famous for its clipper planes that they used in the late 1930s and 1940s. A seaplane service in 1937 launched the service between the US to the UK and France.
The company ceased operations in 1991 after filing for bankruptcy. Delta Air Lines later acquired Pan Am’s transatlantic routes, quickly becoming a major carrier across the Atlantic.
What do you think of these vintage airline posters? Is there one that appeals to you in particular? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.
66 thoughts on “ Vintage airline posters | 10 nostalgic time travel gifts ”
Really enjoyed this as I love vintage travel of all kinds 🙂
You and me both Carole 🙂
These are great posters and you definitely aren’t the only one missing flying. Never will I take travel for granted after this
I completely agree, it’s made us appreciate the small things about traveling
Wow so interesting and very quaint. I particularly like the Pan Am one of Glasgow.
It’s a good one and very colorful!
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Canada - vintage tourism posters.
Visit Historical and Gay - Montreal, Canada
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Niagara Falls - Ontario, Canada - New York, USA
Canada - River Log Driving
Jean Doré
Banff in the Canadian Rockies - Lake Louise National Park, Canada - Canadian Pacific Railway Company - 1936
James Crockart
Canada for Big Game! Travel Canadian Pacific Railway
Peter Ewart c.1950
Canadian Pacific Railway Company - CP FP9A 4040 Diesel Locomotive Train - CPR Logo Beaver Shield
Peter Ewart
Canada - Aviation - Maple Leaf Landscape
Jean Marie Nabrin
Montreal - The Paris of North America - Fly TCA (Trans-Canada Air Lines)
Jacques Le Flaguais
Winter at the Chantecler Hotel - Woman Skier - High in the Laurentian Mountains - Sainte Adèle, Quebec Province, Canada
Largest and Fastest to the Orient - Canadian Pacific Steamships
James McKell c.1924
Canada - Geese
Vintage Travel Poster
Niagara Falls New York - c. 1968
Vintage Airline Travel Poster
Toronto, Canada - c. 1968
Cruise the Great Lakes - Canadian Pacific Steamships - c. 1939
Norman Fraser
Alaska - and the Yukon - Canadian Pacific Steamships - c. 1936
British Columbia - The Vacation-Land That Has Everything! - c. 1947
Banff Springs Hotel - Canadian Rockies - Canadian Pacific Railway - c. 1930's
Percy Trompf
Québec - Château Frontenac - Canadian Pacific Railway Company - Saint Lawrence River - c. 1950
Quebec, Canada - Ski Fun in the Provence of Quebec (La Province de Québec) - c. 1930
Victoria, Canada - The Empress Hotel - a Canadian Pacific Hotel - c. 1950
Lake Louise Canada - Canadian Rockies - Canadian Pacific Hotel - c. 1935
Charles James Greenwood
Province of Quebec (La Province de Québec) - Fly Fishing Fisherman - c. 1930
The Royal York Hotel - Toronto, Canada - Canadian Pacific Hotels - c. 1929
The Royal York, Toronto - Lake Ontario - Canadian Pacific Hotel - c. 1950's
Across Canada (A Través del Canadá) - Canadian Pacific Railway - c. 1947
Mount Stephen, British Columbia - Home via Canadian Pacific Railway - c. 1930's
Banff, Canadian Rockies - Indian Days - Canadian Pacific Railway - c. 1930's
Banff, Canada - Rockies - Canadian Pacific Railway - c. 1925
Game Birds - Canadian Pacific Railway - Mallard Ducks - c. 1941
Thomas Hall
Travel Canadian Pacific Railway - Royal Hudson 2850 Steam Locomotive - c. 1942
Québec - Château Frontenac - Ski Resort - Canadian Pacific Hotel - c. 1938
Thomas (Tom) Hall
Canada for Big Game - Canadian Pacific Railway - Moose - c. 1939
Golf at Saint Andrews - The Algonquin - Canadian Pacific Hotel - c. 1939
Trout Fly Fishing - Canadian Pacific Railway - Brook Trout Fish - c. 1942
Antilles - Empress of Canada - Canadian Pacific Navigation - c. 1969
Vintage Cruise Ship Poster
5 Day Great Lakes Cruises - Canadian Pacific Navigation - c. 1939
St. Lawrence Seaway - New York, Quebec, Montreal - Canadian Pacific - c. 1938
Holidays in Canada - Canadian Pacific - c. 1925
Leonard Richmond
Canada for Holidays - Canadian Pacific - c. 1937
Trans-Canada Limited - Canadian Pacific Railway - c. 1925
Canada - Scenic Dome Route - Canadian Pacific Railway - c. 1955
Ski - Travel by Train (Voyagez Par Train) - Canadian Pacific Railway - c. 1950's
Visit Canada - Grizzly Bear - Canadian Pacific Railway - c. 1938
Visit Canada - Bull Moose - Canadian Pacific Railway - c. 1930's
Banff, Canada - Indian Days - Canadian Pacific Railway - c. 1926
W. Langdon Kihn
Banff to Badger Pass Trail Ride - Canadian Pacific Railway - c. 1935
Mediterranean Cruise - Canadian Pacific Steamships - c. 1924
George E. McElroy
Holidays In Canada - Canadian Rockies - Canadian Pacific Railway - c. 1930
Kenneth Shoesmith
The Empress Hotel - Victoria, Canada - Play Golf - Canadian Pacific - c. 1938
Ski Canada - Canadian Pacific - c. 1941
Banff, Canada - Lake Louise - Ski the Canadian Rockies - Canadian Pacific - c. 1938
John Vickery
Canada Winter Sports (Sports d'Hiver) - Canadian Pacific - c. 1940
Visit Canada - Skiing - Travel Canadian Pacific - c. 1955
35 Happy Cruises - Canadian Pacific - c. 1935
Fred W. Purvis
Canada's Maritimes - St. Andrews By the Sea - Canadian Pacific - c. 1950
Duchess Steamships - Canadian Pacific - Neptune - c. 1929
Percy Angelo Staynes
Canadian Pacific Steamships - c. 1942
West Indies Cruises - Suntan - Canadian Pacific Steamships - c. 1936
Route to Japan and China - Canadian Pacific
Go Empress to the Orient - Honolulu, Japan, China - Canadian Pacific - c. 1934
Maurice Logan
The Seas are Free Again - Canadian Pacific Steamships - c. 1945
White Empress of the Pacific - To And From The Orient - Canadian Pacific Steamships - c. 1930
Chateau Lake Louise - Canadian Rockies - Canadian Pacific Hotel - c. 1938
A .C. Leighton
Digby Pines - Nova Scotia - Canadian Pacific Hotel - c. 1940
Golf - Empress Hotel - Victoria, British Columbia - Canadian Pacific - c. 1939
Château Frontenac - Québec, Canada - Canadian Pacific Hotel - c. 1947
The Royal York - Toronto, Ontario - Canadian Pacific Hotel - c. 1946
Cruise to the West Indies - The Empress of Britain - Canadian Pacific Steamships - c. 1930's
The Province of Québec - Trout Fishing - c. 1930
Travel by Railways Across Canada - Canadian Pacific Railway - c. 1947
Cruise the Great Lakes - Canadian Pacific Steamships - c. 1940's
Empress of Britain - Canadian Pacific Steamships - c. 1920's
J. R. Tooby
Go Empress - To Canada and United States - Canadian Pacific - c. 1950
Trans-Canada Limited - Fastest Train Across The Continent - Canadian Pacific - c. 1924
G. Y. Kauffman
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Check out our vintage airline travel prints selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our prints shops.
Air shows sprang up around the country, with air races, acrobatic stunts, and feats of air superiority. The air races drove engine and airframe development—the Schneider Trophy, for example, led to a series of ever faster and sleeker monoplane designs culminating in the Supermarine S.6B.
Reprint of a Vintage Airline Travel Poster - Continental to Houston. (936) $20.00. $25.00 (20% off) FREE shipping. Airline Travel Posters on Magnets. Vintage, Flying Clippers, Pan American World Airways, Exotic Travel. Eight Different Choices.
Vintage Airline travel poster art from countries and airway companies around the world. An impressive quantity of skill and effort is involved in locating the original art, creating digital scans which are then carefully restored to their original beauty and brilliance. Finally they reproduced using the finest canvas or paper, inks and most ...
The story of commercial air travel begins before the 1920s, in 1914, when the world's first scheduled passenger service set off between Tampa and St Petersburg, piloted by Tony Jannus.
Vintage airline posters offer a unique and nostalgic glimpse into the history of air travel, capturing the excitement and glamour of the golden age of aviation. These posters showcase the beauty of graphic design and often feature stunning illustrations and typography. In this guide, we will explore the appeal of vintage airline posters, their ...
Are you looking for some retro travel inspiration or vintage aesthetic videos? Check out this video, where I take you on a tour of some vintage air travel fe...
Vintage air travel: Photos from golden age of flying. By Barry Neild, CNN. 2 minute read. Updated 11:10 AM EST, Fri December 28, 2018. Link Copied! Smooth ride: This publicity photo was used to ...
Imperial Airways operated between 1924 and 1939 and were responsible for some of the most memorable aviation posters, such as the poster from 1939 of a fleet of Short S-23C Empire Class Flying Boats led by the "Canopus.". Ultimately 31 of these aircraft went into service, each one's name beginning with the letter "C".
Choose your size — vintage airline posters. The vintage travel poster comes in 4 different sizes: A4 (297x1210mm) all the way to a grand A1 (841x610mm). A high-quality poster, it comes on 180gsm matte photo paper. 4. Sabena Airlines — Texas.
Offered is a vintage travel poster for United Airlines from the 1950s. This advertisement poster. Category 1950s North American Vintage Airline Posters. Materials. Paper. View Full Details "Colorado" Vintage United Airlines Travel Poster by Joseph Feher. H 19.25 in W 12.75 in D 0.75 in.
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Sizes, Prices and Condition Rating of vintage posters. "Propeller Propaganda" is the nickname I gave my original vintage airline poster collection. This website is dedicated to poster artists, printmakers and designers, who participated in creating traveling dreams. Click on the posters below and explore my collection!
Fly to Hawaii by Clipper - Surfer, Diamond Head Crater - Pan American World Airways - Vintage Airline Travel Poster by Mark Von Arenburg c.1940s - 8in x 12in Vintage Metal Tin Sign. 4.6 out of 5 stars 54. $14.98 $ 14. 98. FREE delivery Wed, Sep 20 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. Only 16 left in stock - order soon.
Glamour in the Skies: Vintage Air Travel Photos. By Stephanie Valera April 19, 2023. ... With the long lines, TSA pat-downs and luggage restrictions that come with air travel today, it may be hard ...
Washington, DC - Delta Air Lines - c. 1960's. Fred Sweney. 25 options available. $12.98 - $199.98. Vintage Airline Travel Posters from Delta Airlines | Classic Aviation Tourism Posters.
Boeing Super 727 Jet Airplane - United Airlines - Vintage Airline Travel Poster by C. Bail c.1969 - Master Art Print (Unframed) 9in x 12in. Paper. 4.2 out of 5 stars 8. $12.98 $ 12. 98. FREE delivery Nov 22 - 29 . Or fastest delivery Nov 20 - 24 . Options: 25 sizes. Small Business.
Florida - 1970's Vintage Airline Travel Poster. Tyler Strohl Jun 11, 2022 Item quality 5.0. Shipping 5.0. 5 out of 5 stars. Listing review by awahrer. Great quality and fast shipping! Purchased item: Florida - 1970's Vintage Airline Travel Poster. awahrer Jan 26, 2022 ...
Vintage Original Airline and Travel Posters for Your Home or Office. Vintage, original, and amazing airline posters from the 1950s and 60s. And impossible to find. This is art from a different era, when flying was glamorous and only for the jet set. We have sourced vintage originals from flea markets, dealers and other secret spots.
We sell reproductions of vintage posters. British Railway posters, travel posters from around the globe, military and political posters, advertisng and music posters plus our own range of modern vintage style railway posters. Check out www.vintagepostershop.co.uk for our range of over 4000 vintage posters.
Polar Route from Europe - Fly Canadian Pacific Airlines - Links 5 Continents - c. 1950's. Vintage Airline Travel Poster. 24 options available. $12.98 - $199.98. Vintage Airline Travel Posters from Canada | Classic Aviation Tourism Posters.
As air travel became more popular, airlines saw an opportunity to enhance the passenger experience and boost revenue with improved meal services. The 1960s and 1970s in particular marked a golden era for airplane food, with carriers competing to offer the most lavish meals, sourced from high-quality ingredients and prepared with the finesse of ...
Peru - Pan American World Airlines - c. 1950's. Springett. 24 options available. $12.98 - $199.98. Vintage Airline Travel Posters from Latin America & Caribbean- Classic Aviation Tourism Posters.
Vintage Airline Travel Poster. 25 options available. $12.98 - $199.98. Cruise the Great Lakes - Canadian Pacific Steamships - c. 1939. Norman Fraser. 25 options available. $12.98 - $199.98. Alaska - and the Yukon - Canadian Pacific Steamships - c. 1936. Vintage Travel Poster.