There are a lot of heated discussions about babies on-board airplanes, and whether or not parents should give candies to other passengers. However, one thing is certain – airlines have to try to be as pleasant as possible for every traveler, including the babies. According to rare photos from 1953, attempts to provide the best flying experience included awesome engineering solutions for the youngest travelers!

As official vintage photographs suggest, British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) went the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. BOAC (the predecessor of British Airways) has developed hammock-like “skycots” for babies, traveling long-distance. If needed, these skycots would be attached to the luggage rack, allowing the infant to sleep comfortably and safely (the design of the cot prevented them from falling out). However, the child had to be held by a parent for take-off and landing; the same practice continues to this day.

Although today’s airlines provide similar bedding for babies, most of them attach to the bulkhead instead. Maybe we should complain about children on airplanes less, and search for ways to improve the flight for everybody more?

(h/t: vintageeveryday)

Image credits: British Airways Speedbird Heritage Centre

Image credits: Battmann

Image credits: Brian Seed