We take flying the Atlantic for granted today, sitting in our fast aircraft watching movies, eating, drinking and relaxing high above the clouds. Back in the early twentieth century, the fastest way to cross from Europe to America was on an airship such as the Hindenburg.
The first commercial flights started in 1928 on the Graf Zeppelin. When Hindenburg entered transatlantic service in 1936, it took between two and three days to cross the ocean, almost twice as fast as ocean liners such as Queen Mary and Normandie, which took five days.
Hindenburg Video
Following on from last weeks video on the Russian Tupolev Tu-144 supersonic airliner is another one from the same people. This time it is all about why we are no longer flying on the giant airships.
People who know about aviation will know that Hindenburg caught fire and burned to the ground in Lakehurst, New Jersey on 6 May 1937. That is just one reason we are no longer flying in airships.
Passengers were offered cabins with bunk beds, a piano lounge, bar, and writing room. In addition, there were promenade decks where you could take in the view. The accommodations on board were not as luxurious as on ocean liners, however it was the fastest way to cross.
Of course, conventional aircraft began to fly further in the 1930s. The flying boats carried more passengers much faster and economically they made more sense.
Overall Thoughts
Considering the massive size of airships like Hindenburg, they would have been an amazing sight to see above a city skyline. It isn’t something that would be easily missed!
Have you ever flown in an airship or blimp? It’s something I haven’t done yet, but would like to someday. Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Not 1 mention of Airlander? You know the giant hybrid blimp that can lift about 50 tonnes? The one with, cargo, military and passenger applications?
Yes, I know the one – it doesn’t really fit into the theme of German airships though! Thanks for the comment!
I have flown in a blimp around NYC, it was very cool. Because it was so low we could open the windows, and it was very quiet
That sounds like a pretty awesome experience! Certainly on my bucket list to do at some stage. Thanks for the comment!
You can ride a zeppelin in Friedrichshafen. Also a wonderful zeppelin museum there
Thanks for the tip, I’ll check it out!