America marks half a century jetting cross country

The flight cost some $231, roundtrip, in 1959 dollars. That would equate to some $1,680 in 2008 dollars. You can get a transcon flight in 2009 for about $1,680 in 2008 or even 2009 dollars, but you can also get one for less, about $300 in today dollars. That takes a little planning, and you can get one for a little less if you're willing to stop in several places. The flight cut about three hours off of the time of the fastest propeller-driven flights. The big difference: American alone now offers 10 non-stops on the route. And today's cross-country flights take a little bit longer, about an hour, mostly because getting into and out of New York airspace takes longer. And your flight probably won't have actresses, and if it does, they'll be up front. Mrs. Shumway recalls a few of the famous on board, and notes that after they landed, the crew of Flight 2 headed for their layover hotel, the Plaza, at Fifth Avenue and Central Park.