Flying Palaces
On November 22, 1935 a Martin M-130 flying boat left the marina in Alameda, California on the first trans-Pacific mail service of Pan American World Airways. The aircraft would begin carrying passengers the following year in rather luxurious comfort. There was a lounge, in fact.
The Martin M-130 (better known as the China Clipper) first carried passengers on October 21, 1936. Although it was the largest flying boat ever, it gave a feeling of grace and style. The Clipper's central lounge, which was wider than a Pullman club car, was fitted with broad armchairs, and its meal service included china and silverware. The first nine passengers paid $1,438.20 for a round trip from San Francisco to Manila. It cruised at 150 miles per hour and had a range of 3,200 miles.
The jumbo jet of the 1930s.
Here's another history of the China Clippers (they have pictures of the interior).
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Blue Crab Boulevard » Flying Backwards — Friday, 24 November , 2006 @ 6:52 am
By Guy, Wednesday, 22 November , 2006 @ 6:08 pm
Truly, a beautiful aircraft. Modern jet airliners look like a tube with two wings. Really great lines.
By Christopher Fotos, Wednesday, 22 November , 2006 @ 9:09 pm
The last beautiful commercial airplane was probably the DC-3.
By Gaius, Wednesday, 22 November , 2006 @ 9:28 pm
Oh, that may be a bit overstating the case, Christopher. There is this for example:
http://www.bluecrabboulevard.com/wp-admin/PhotoImage/NovDec/049-connie-gov.jpg