The flights were more expensive, but:

1) Flights were never canceled because they did not have enough passengers
2) Flights were rarely full, always lots of empty seats
3) You got meals at no cost
4) There were an ample number of flight attendants to serve the passengers
5) No TSA screening to enter the gate area
6) You could get to the airport an hour before your flight
7) No cost to get a preassigned seat or to check baggage
8) You didn't have to remove your shoes or belt or empty your pockets
9) Didn't need a photo ID to get on a plane
10) You could smoke a cigarette on the flight, this is something GOOD that has changed
11) Airlines cared about their customers and employees, now it seems that only profits are important