1. Early 1930s (1930-1933)
- Transcontinental flights (e.g., New York to Los Angeles) cost approximately $185 one-way.
- A round-trip ticket from New York to San Francisco could range from $350 to $400.
- Cross-country flights were considered luxurious and often used by the wealthy.
2. Mid-1930s (1934-1936)
- As aviation technology advanced, airlines introduced more efficient aircraft, leading to a gradual reduction in airfare prices.
- A one-way ticket from New York to Los Angeles dropped to around $165.
3. Late 1930s (1937-1939)
- Airfare prices continued to decline as airlines aimed to attract more passengers during the Great Depression.
- Transcontinental flights could be found for as low as $150 one-way, making air travel more accessible to a broader group of people.
4. Factors Influencing Prices:
- Economic Conditions: The Great Depression had a significant impact on airfare pricing, with airlines often offering discounts to stimulate travel.
- Technological Improvements: Advances in aircraft design, such as the introduction of more fuel-efficient planes, allowed airlines to reduce operating costs and pass on savings to passengers.
- Passenger Demand: As air travel became more affordable and perceived as a safer mode of transportation, passenger demand increased, leading to some upward pressure on prices.
It's worth noting that these airfare prices exclude inflation and are not directly comparable to today's prices without adjusting for the cost of living and economic factors.