C'mon guys, we're comparing a luxury elite product of the 30s with a modern low cost option. This is hardly fair. If you want to compare honestly then look at the options for the average working joe in these times;
NOW: they have an uncomfortable but short flight that takes them safely to a country far away for a holiday in the sun
THEN: flying was completely out of the question; any travel to other countries was a dream; they'd be lucky to get holidays at all.
At the other end of the market today's product might be less romantic, but a first class flight today is more comfortable, faster, more dependable and safer than in the old days. If you want to dress for dinner nobody is stopping you and if you'd like to be carried to your hotel I am sure we can arrange that too. Remember that in the old days the competition was ships, so of course they had to have formal dinners. Constant vibrations were a pain but it is still better than three weeks of throwing up.
If someone does start an old time flying boat service it will be like big ships -- no longer a means of transport but a recreation for people with too much time and too much money. I hope one day to be in that category because I would like to try it too.