Class Warfare: Economy Class vs. First Class 1957-2010

In the early years of commercial flight every seat was luxurious, with free drinks, 7-course meals and lots of legroom. In 1957, when flying Economy Class first became an option, it was not so very different from flying First Class. But over the years, especially as a result of airline deregulation in 1978, the gap in cost and service between flying Economy Class and First Class has become a chasm.