For the typical airline traveler, “flying” and “luxury” don’t exist in the same sphere. While U.S. airline travel is now far more affordable relative to average income than it was before deregulation in 1978, anything that was once glamorous and exciting has eroded away for the economy-class traveler, who endures crowded gates, cramped seats, limited (and pricey) food options and unhappy fellow passengers. First-class travelers get more creature comforts, but still must tolerate long security lines and unexpected delays.