The Pan Am Experience: Stepping back in time

Frank B Mormillo travels back to a more stylish era of air travel aboard the Pan Am Experience.

The entrance to the Boeing 747 forward fuselage. The exterior of the aircraft is represented by a painted canvas, though the interior is constructed from parts and fittings from real jumbo jets. All photos Frank Mormillo
All photos Frank Mormillo

Many people are nostalgic for eras gone by and the Pan Am Experience gives you the chance to relive air travel in the 1970s. The attraction is in Los Angeles, California, and the fun begins when you check in at one of the airline’s counters which sits alongside those of other carriers from that period. Boarding passes, ticket holders and carry-on baggage tags are given out, then visitors are directed to the Clipper Club for pre-dinner drinks. This area is adorned with vintage Pan Am memorabilia from the famous airline, including authentic uniforms, airline seats, handbags and artwork. When the final boarding call is made, the ‘passengers’ board their ‘aircraft’.

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