Global airlines are looking to make their mark as the world's best. Simple Flying took the opportunity to dig into the world's most peculiar and see what else has been offered for the alternative traveler.

The Lords Airline

Yes, you heard that right; a US-based carrier once looked to connect Miami and Israel, providing a direct path to Jerusalem. While El Al now operates a direct service between Miami and Tel Aviv, the Lord's Airline was a bit different, with no alcohol onboard, and offered bibles and religious movies for the flight across the Atlantic. What's more, inflight magazines were to be replaced with Torahs.

During its planning, a quarter of the tickets were destined for missionary work; however, after the airline struggled to gain its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license, the carrier went out of business in 1987.

Smokers Express

Since smoking was once permitted onboard, when the FAA banned a puff onboard in the 90s, two Floridian businessmen decided to break the law and establish their airline, which would allow nicotine at 30,000ft. The airline was restricted to passengers over 21, and passengers were to be treated to hamburgers and free smokes onboard. However, as expected the carrier never got a license from regulators and never came to fruition.

MGM Grand Air

Tiny but opulent, MGM Grand Air and its distinctive lion head logo was founded in 1987 and operated three Boeing 727s and three Douglas DC-8s. MGM Air promised that each flight would never have more than 33 passengers and that five flight attendants would be onboard to look after them. Each aircraft featured contoured swivel seats, private meeting rooms, and gourmet food served on fine china. MGM Grand Air also featured a selection of six first-run movies to watch.

Despite its A-list clientele, MGM Grand Air operated many flights with fewer passengers onboard than crew members. Even a six-grade student can do the maths and tell you the figures did not add up. In late 1992 MGM Grand Air suspended its scheduled service between LAX-JFK and LAX-LAS, attributing its losses to the recession and intense competition from other airlines.

Janet Airlines

Perhaps the most famous, strange airline is the unofficial name for the top-secret airline that transports officials to special access facilities, such as the infamous Area 51. While the information on Janet Airlines is vague, it once advertised for flight attendant roles based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. However, it had a long list of requirements and security details to pass before the hopeful applicant would get anywhere near the aircraft.

Hooters Air

It's all in the name here, expanding on the nationwide Hooters restaurant chain that entices patrons for its hot wings, and 'pretty laides'. The Hooters Air operation was initially based around sports charters, bringing golfers from across the US to Myrtle Beach. At its peak, the airline transported up to 5,000 golfers a week to a then expanded route map, including Las Vegas, Orlando, and Nassau in the Bahamas.

Secondary hubs included Baltimore, Rockford, north of Chicago, and Gary, Indiana. Some passengers became disappointed once onboard, given that the flight attendants were not in the same attire as those custom to the restaurant chain, and even though the airline offered generous legroom of 34 inches, the appeal for the airline dwindled. Losses amounted to more than 40 million dollars before the carrier was grounded in 2006.