I am looking at a United Airlines timetable dated December 1, 1958. I was regularly flying around the United States in the postwar era and that year I flew to Europe too. Airlines were a comfortable form of transportation for me.
At the time, (1950s) less than 20% of Americans had ever flown on any airplane. Airplanes included stewardesses who were attractive and well dressed and flights almost always included a hot meal. Seats were wide enough for comfort.
The most interesting note on this United Airlines flight schedule is the existence of special flights between Chicago and Washington and New York that were for men only.
I have no idea what happened to this men only part of the schedule.
What I do know is that this would not have been an unusual or illegal activity. The first legal case against men only business related clubs with over 200 members was in 1971.
Smoking was permitted on airplanes in that era. Up until the mid-1970's. The male only flights probably included cigar smoking and drinking (booze).
Frankly, I still find time to smoke cigars and drink good whiskey with men and I appreciate it. Many of the men are young and appreciate the conviviality.
Such a flight would have been convivial for me and others.
The world has changed. In Tokyo most subways coming in from the suburbs have an entire car that is for women only. It is not intended to increase or promote conviviality among women but to reassure women that no men will touch their butts.