The Mile High Club refers to people who have sex on an airplane while it is in flight. The Club originated in the early days of flight. Maybe even Wilbur Wright’s “solo” flight made him the very first “member” in the Club. The first recorded mention of doing “it” on a plane can be traced back to the early 1920s, when a group of pilots and upper class passengers were rumored to have had sexual relations on a flight from London to Paris. Given the distance, that must have been a quickie. Lady Victoria Sackville, the notoriously famous bisexual lover of Virginia West, bragged about making love in the lavatory of an airplane in the early 30’s. Were they the first lesbian clubbers?
However, it wasn't until the 1960s that the term "Mile High Club" was coined and the concept gained widespread notoriety. During this time, commercial air travel was becoming more accessible to the general public and the idea of sex, even with “strangers in the night,” on a long distance flight became an appealing erotic challenge and goal for many interested in voyeuristic acts. In the 1980s, the Club gained even more attention when it was mentioned in the popular TV show "Cheers." In the episode, character Sam Malone boasts about his membership, inspiring a surge in copycats and wannabes.
Why is joining the Club so alluring? The main reasons are the thrill of breaking social norms and engaging in forbidden or taboo activities. The idea of doing something risqué in a public place, such as an airplane, adds to the excitement and sense of danger. And there are no fees or annual dues to pay and membership is open to all who dare!
There is also the feeling of exclusivity, like skydiving or base jumping. The Mile High Club is not open to just anyone; only those who have the courage to risk getting caught and being embarrassed, even arrested, can be members.
Despite its popularity, the Club has faced criticism and backlash over the years. Many people view it as inappropriate and disrespectful to other passengers and crew members. In some cases, those caught engaging in such activities on a plane have faced legal consequences. It is worth noting that engaging in sexual activity on an airplane is considered a violation of Federal Aviation Administration regulations and could result in criminal charges.
Despite these controversies, the Mile High Club remains a popular concept and continues to be a topic of fascination for many people. It has been featured in numerous movies, television shows, and other forms of media, further contributing to its allure. The Club is here to stay and will soon leave our stratosphere for the Moon and Mars.
