Music, Lounges, and Midair Dancing
The Rise of Party Planes
The 1970s were the golden age of commercial flying, and airlines went all out to make traveling by plane more than just getting from one place to another; they tried to dazzle passengers along the way. With the release of Boeing’s 747, airlines had more
space to work with, so some chose to turn air travel into something closer to a night out. Air Canada was all in on the trend. On transatlantic flights between Toronto and Europe, the upper deck of their 747 became
American Airlines even had a piano in the back of the plane. It wasn’t exactly a grand piano, more of a sturdy Wurlitzer organ, but it gave fliers something to gather around. The goal of these airlines was to create a glamorous experience for passengers. But the good times didn’t last long. By the early 1980s, most airlines had traded disco lights for passenger capacity, and the lounges and passenger bars faded out. People were flying more than ever, but the party plane era quietly ended. Still, it’s fun to look back on this period of air travel when the additional space in bigger planes meant bars, lounges, and music. For a little while, at least, flying came with cocktails, conversation, and maybe even a chance to dance down the aisle.
a full-on disco. Passengers danced to 8-track tunes beside mirrored walls. You could hit the dance floor even at 35,000 feet. They weren’t the only ones, either. United Airlines turned its upper deck into the “Friendship Room,” while Qantas called theirs the “Captain Cook Lounge.” Singapore Airlines had the “Raffles Lounge,” which came equipped with slumberettes for anyone looking to lie down after an in-flight drink or two. And
A Window Opens in the Market
Is Now the Moment to Buy or Refinance?
Mortgage rates have kept many people stuck for the last couple of years. If you bought a home in the last two or three years, you might be sitting with a rate in the high sixes or sevens. And if you’ve been holding off on buying altogether, those numbers might have scared you away. But something finally changed. Rates have dropped. As of mid-September, the average fixed mortgage rate is around 6.1%. That’s the lowest in roughly three years. Some housing economists expect rates to stay near this level through the end of the year, though a lot depends on inflation and upcoming Fed decisions. For now, buyers and homeowners are seeing the most favorable rate environment they’ve had in quite a while. Refinancing activity has already jumped, and would-be buyers who had stepped back are giving listings a second look. For the first time in a while, the door may be opening.
We’ve been watching the market closely at Brooks & Crowley, and this is what we’ve been hoping for. Nobody expects a return to those COVID- 19-era rates in the threes, but a meaningful drop like this can make a real difference. If you bought a home recently and you’re stuck with a higher rate, now might be the time to refinance. That might mean a lower monthly payment or shaving years off your loan term. And if you’ve been waiting to buy, this shift may give you the room to move forward. But it’s smart to act fast. Lower rates bring more competition, and we could see that heat up quickly. We work with fantastic local lenders and are happy to connect you with one if you want to explore your options. When you’re ready to move forward, we can help with everything from purchase agreements to closing. Reach out anytime. We’re happy to discuss your situation and help you figure out the best path forward.
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