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Where and when was the first commercial flight in America? Most historians agree it took place on January 1, 1914, in Florida. The airline was called the St. Petersburg-Tampa Air Line, and for good reason: flights began in St. Petersburg and ended up in Tampa. Not surprisingly, the trips didn’t take long — just 23 minutes from start to finish. There wasn’t much of a view, either: altitude was just 15-feet. So what did it cost? It wasn’t cheap, as you’ll see when you keep reading… |
The first passenger (and only passenger on the flight — since there was only room for one passenger) was a former mayor of St. Petersburg named Abram Pheil. He actually bid for the glory of traveling on the inaugural flight — and Pheil’s winning bid was $400.
The normal price of the flight was a rather stiff $175 round-trip. But, at least passengers back then didn’t have to worry about the crazy fuel prices.
$175 in 1914 would equate to about $3600 today.
Rick, most people would be surprised to know that de-regulation didn’t start in 1978. The industry started “de-regulated” from 1914 forward and for over two decades in a completely market driven environment before it was regulated in 1938.
Steve
Comment by Steve Filson — May 5, 2008 @ 8:39 pm
Hi Steve,
I learn something new every day, which makes my job quite fun
Comment by Rick Seaney — May 5, 2008 @ 8:58 pm
What would the $175 airfare in 1914 translate to today in 2008 dollars?
Comment by Dana — May 7, 2008 @ 6:35 pm
Approximately $3600 …
Comment by Rick Seaney — May 7, 2008 @ 6:53 pm