My first transatlantic trip was LGW-JFK on a GK DC-10-10 in March 1978, a bit before Skytrain started, although the aircraft was painted in Skytrain colours. It was an ABC (Advanced Booking Charter), and we received with our tickets a voucher to allow us to stay in the (then) Statler Hilton Hotel in NYC for $30/night. Bargain! The flight was via Manchester both ways - unexpected by us and not very welcome.