The best was probably Pan Am's first class lounge in a 747. https://vinepair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/pam-am.jpg

Alas, over time, economics dictated that the space be converted to business class seating when that level of service came in.

People reminisce about the golden age of aviation, but most of the modern complaints are actually that airline deregulation drove down prices, and consumers made it very clear that they'll sacrifice service for cheaper fares. You really do get better service if you pay for it, and modern long-haul business class seating would be unimaginable in the 70's, let alone the suites offered by ME3 carriers.

Oh certainly. Not that travel can't still have its unpleasant aspects, e.g. flight delays/cancellations, but pay for TSE Pre, airline clubs, business class seating (especially international lie-flat seating which puts what Pan Am had in first class to shame), etc. and I'm not sure air travel is consistently worse than it was in the 70s.

I agree. A long haul flight in business isn't bad at all.

Now going to and from the airport and all that comes with it? That's a different story...

McDonalds even turned one into seating in Taupo, New Zealand

https://firstwefeast.com/eat/2014/08/this-mcdonalds-plane-in...

Another example in Colorado:

http://theairplanerestaurant.com/index.htm