1912 - Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin set up the first commercial airline,

using a form of the dirigible to transport more than 34,000 passengers

before World War I.

1920s - The first small commercial airlines had begun to carry mail.
European governments heavily subsidized the establishment of such
well-known commercial airlines as British Airways, Air France, and KLM.

1927 - Public interest in air travel grew after Charles A. Lindbergh 's
transatlantic flight.

1930 - Improved air safety and Boeing's and Lockheed's decision to

produce airplanes that were especially designed for commercial airlines
helped the number of passengers grow from only a few thousand.

1939 - Aircraft played a vitally important role in World War II, developing
in size, weight, speed, power, range, and armament. Aircrafts were
being developed for the purpose of war, rather than commercial flight.

Late 1940s - Jet-engine craft became the norm for fighters and proved
their superiority as commercial transports beginning in the ’50s.

1960s - Passengers could also fly without any form of ID. That meant that they
could just show up to the airport half an hour before departure and walk straight
up to the gate. Even loved ones could walk all the way to the gate without a ticket
to send people on their way.

1970 – start of the Jumbo Jet which opened up the skies for millions of travelers
who previously couldn't afford it, as airlines being able to fly large amounts of
passengers meant being able to sell tickets at a more reasonable price.

Early 1980s - flying was pretty fun. You could smoke, meals were
included, and you could check as many bags as you wanted.

1990s - Air travel in the 90s meant that all passengers of age, economy class
included, could indulge in free liquor on international and domestic flights. Meals,
though bad, were also included, seats were outfitted with phones (this was the pre
cellphone era, remember), and in-flight entertainment was in its nascent stages.

2001 - Air travel changed drastically. Before the attacks, the TSA didn't even exist.
Travelers could go through security with items including liquids, small pocket knives, and
large jackets. Passengers could also keep their shoes on. All that changed after the
attacks, and airport security became what it is today. Cockpits doors also started becoming
reinforced and locked, and only ticketed travelers were allowed at airline gate areas.

Present day - Flying is all about having the same conveniences we are
used to on the ground — from touchscreen TVs to USB chargers in
every seat.