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Flew Quote by Bill Bryson

“The Super Constellations took three days to reach London [from Australia] and lacked the power or range to dodge most storms. When monsoons or cyclones were encountered, the pilots had no choice but to put on the seat belt signs and bounce through them. Even in normal conditions they flew at a…” quote by Bill Bryson
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““The Super Constellations took three days to reach London [from Australia] and lacked the power or range to dodge most storms. When monsoons or cyclones were encountered, the pilots had no choice but to put on the seat belt signs and bounce through them. Even in normal conditions they flew at a height guaranteed to produce more or less constant turbulence. (Qantas called it, without evident irony, the Kangaroo Route.) It was, by any modern measure, an ordeal.””

Bill Bryson

About This Quote

Source Book: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, 1998

Early long‑haul flights were slow, uncomfortable, and subject to turbulence, making travel an ordeal by modern standards.

In simple terms: Early flights were uncomfortable and turbulent.

Key Takeaway

Expect discomfort on early long‑haul flights.

Themes

travel history technology adventure aviation

Mood

reflective nostalgic informative

Type

historical travelogue informative

When to use this quote

  • airline travel
  • historical research
  • flight planning
  • adventure tourism
  • weather awareness

Key Concepts

aeronautics human endurance innovation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How would you describe your worst flight experience?
  • What advances have most improved passenger comfort?
A Different Perspective

Modern aircraft have mitigated most of these issues, but turbulence remains.

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