This classic Eastern Air Lines commercial from the 1960’s (guessing around 1964, since that is when the 727-100 entered service) highlights the Boeing 727 entering service with the airline. They tout it as “being as quiet as a library.” Hmm… I am not sure what library they are hanging out in, but those Boeing 727-100’s without hush kits are not known for their silence. Well, at the time, they were quieter than other jets, but as much as a library? Haaardly.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & FOUNDER - SEATTLE, WA. David has written, consulted, and presented on multiple topics relating to airlines and travel since 2008. He has been quoted and written for a number of news organizations, including BBC, CNN, NBC News, Bloomberg, and others. He is passionate about sharing the complexities, the benefits, and the fun stuff of the airline business. Email me: david@airlinereporter.com
David, I think the noise comment referred to cabin noise, especially First Class cabin noise, and they were quiet up front. A seat back next to the engines was a different matter though.
I had the unfortunate experience of flying on Northwest’s 727s between Detroit and Phoenix a few times in the early 90s before they were retired. Quiet is not a word I would use to describe the 727, especially the time that I was unfortunately relegated to the very last row in coach, right between the three engines. That many well have been the longest 4 hours of my life.
Quiet in the 60’s was relative. I rode on a Convair 880 in 1965 and believe me even first class was louder on takeoff than any seat on the 727. At that time it was quiet.
Carl, you obviously do not know what you are talking about.
I worked there for 20 years, and was there til the end.
How can you make such a statement, and not even mention Charlie Briant or Skip Copland, or Marty Shurgrue.
Guess you only read the union propaganda.
It depends on two factors: 1) You must be seated from the middle to the front, and 2) the aircraft must have extra sound proofing. I’ve been on several 727s–some are noisy while others are fairly quiet.
David, I think the noise comment referred to cabin noise, especially First Class cabin noise, and they were quiet up front. A seat back next to the engines was a different matter though.
I had the unfortunate experience of flying on Northwest’s 727s between Detroit and Phoenix a few times in the early 90s before they were retired. Quiet is not a word I would use to describe the 727, especially the time that I was unfortunately relegated to the very last row in coach, right between the three engines. That many well have been the longest 4 hours of my life.
Quiet in the 60’s was relative. I rode on a Convair 880 in 1965 and believe me even first class was louder on takeoff than any seat on the 727. At that time it was quiet.
Referred to by Eastern as the Whisper Jet, a.k.a. whisperjet.
Eastern Airlines was a great airline until Mr. Bormann committed professional suicide by giving away the airline to a murderer: Frank Lorenzo!
Carl, you obviously do not know what you are talking about.
I worked there for 20 years, and was there til the end.
How can you make such a statement, and not even mention Charlie Briant or Skip Copland, or Marty Shurgrue.
Guess you only read the union propaganda.
It depends on two factors: 1) You must be seated from the middle to the front, and 2) the aircraft must have extra sound proofing. I’ve been on several 727s–some are noisy while others are fairly quiet.
I commuted between DEN and LGA more times than I can remember in the era of the 727. It was, and still would be, my favorite airplane!!