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While today's passengers travelling First Class with British Airways would expect on board wifi and entertainment on demand, in 1974, it was different story.

To mark its 40th anniversary, the airline has released iconic photographs showcasing its top-price cabin through the ages - revealing how high flyers would be treated to a free packet of Benson & Hedges, and a seven-course meal.

From cabin staff wearing bow-ties, and food being dished up in the aisle of the plane, to passengers wearing three-piece suits, the insightful images indicate how both BA and passengers have changed over the years.

How it was: A photograph from inside the First Class cabin of a British Overseas Airways Corporation plane in the late 1960s

This month marks the 40th anniversary of the merger between the British Overseas Airways Corporation and British European Airways, which led to the creation of British Airways.

In the late 1970s, the airline introduced a new style in in-flight catering for its First and club class passengers, going back 400 years to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I for inspiration.

The aim was to provide travellers with a style of service that was different from other airlines while at the same time retaining a specifically English flavour.

Passengers were offered dishes inspired from over the centuries, including real ale and Posset (an Elizabethan drink made from hot milk, spice and liqueur).

No iPads here: A British Airways' First Class cabin in the mid 1970s boasted a healthy selection of fruit and some complimentary cigarettes

In the 1980s, the sleeper seat was introduced and the First Class cabins were revamped with chrome fittings, spotlights and heavy drapes.

Tables were redesigned to swivel away from the passenger, allowing freedom of movement, even when the table was laid for a six-course meal.

Travellers were given a complimentary hot towel, fruit juice and champagne, along with magazines, playing cards, newspapers and most notably cigarettes.

The 1990s brought fully reclining seats, which gave flyers the feeling of having their own bedroom, five-course meals and international food menus, while the Noughties introduced larger video screens.

Dated: First class style in 1989

The nineties brought with it autumnal colours, plush upholstery and fully reclinable seats, a shot from inside First Class, taken in 1995

Luxury at 35,000 ft: British Airways' First class seats pictured in 2009. By now video screens were larger and suites more spacious

As of 2010, a new £100m cabin was unveiled, featuring impressive mod-cons, such as electric blinds, a 31-inch suite, a 6.6-inch bed, a 15-inch television screen, turndown service, a 200-thread count Egyptian cotton mattress, Anya Hinsmarch washbags filled with DR Harris products, pyjamas and a light blanket.

Also introduced was the afternoon tea service inspired by iconic London hotel, The Dorchester, a la carte dining, informal Bistro dining and English cooked breakfast and lengthy wine list.

Changing with the times: As of 2010 the British Airways First Suite features all mod cons, including electric blinds, Egyptian cotton sheets and charging port

Make yourself at home: Inside British Airways' slick modern day First Suite