So I came across an article the other day that had some cool retro airplane cabins and spotted this photo:

Source: http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read.main/3969134/

For those (like me) that needed to do a double take:  yes, that is a piano installed on a Boeing 747! Sometime around 1972, American Airlines introduced their new “LuxuryLiner” fleet; here’s a commercial hitting the highlights:

Here’s a shot of the entire lounge:

Source: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/1344151-traveling-back-70s-3.html

American Airlines’ new “LuxuryLiner” fleet featured many of their McDonnell Douglas DC-10, Boeing 707 and Boeing 747-100 aircraft. The Boeing 747-100s were probably the coolest in that the airline removed 60 seats and placed a living room-sized lounge and piano bar for its coach passengers to enjoy. Just look at how much fun they’re having (in this staged photo by a professional photographer):

Source: http://airlinespastpresent.blogspot.com/

I don’t know about you, but I’d take the above photo any day over the current reality of flying coach:

Source: http://pagesay.com/messed-up-flight-dont-settle-for-a-food-voucher/

The lounges were all equipped with Wurlitzer electronic organs:

Source: http://www.710kmpc.com/photo.htm

And, flying in First Class didn’t suck either:  passengers were able to reserve a table for up to 4 people to eat dinner, hangout etc…

Source: airlinespastpresent.blogspot.com

Here’s another AA commercial from 1972 touting their new fleet: