Mohawk Gaslight Service

[Willy]

I've started yet another around the world flight, this time in different propliners for each leg. I got to Buffalo NY and decided to fly the Mohawk Gaslight Service of 1960-62. In 1960, Mohawk Airlines in an effort to keep their remaining DC-3s turning a profit came up with the idea of the "Gaslight Service". Mohawk's Gas Light Service was somewhat like business class and was originally men only. The planes were outfitted in a special livery, Victorian interior decor and the flight attendants wore "gay ninties" costumes with sequins and ostrich feathers. The customers were served free beer, cheese, pretzels and 5 cent cigars. Eventually Mohawk boxed off the front of the planes for women and children while the men were able to drink and smoke in the remaining club area. Mohawk dropped the service when they sold off their DC-3s.

I found a schedule for this service the other day and tonight I flew Mohawk Flight 1890 from Buffalo to Syracuse via Rochester. Next up will be Flight 1892 from Syracuse to Boston.

Pics are reversed.

 

[Jagdflieger]

I'm looking at flying down to Georgia in a few weeks and I'd sure take a "Gaslight" flight if I could!

While true connoisseurs might question lighting a cigar with a Zippo, I've always kept one, just like our stewerdess above, for lighting an occasional cigar.

 

[tgibson]

Yeah, that was quite the marketing ploy. United also had businessman's special flights, from EWR to ORD (Caravelle) and SFO-LAX (DC-6B, then 727). Men only, and cigars allowed.