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Pan Am, the standard-bearer for all airlines forevermore, is returning this summer with a luxurious, private jet expedition for the ages.
In June 2024, we first told you about the exciting revival of Pan Am’s legacy with a luxury private jet journey. With the expedition set to take flight next month, the details for the journey are now finalized. And, if you’re worried that you may have missed out on this opportunity, there’s good news! At the time of this writing, some spots are still available–for a pretty penny (more on that below).
This officially licensed Pan Am Brands experience, organized by Criterion Travel in Beaverton, Oregon, in collaboration with U.K.-based luxury travel company Bartelings, Pan American World Airways, and the Pan Am Museum Foundation, promises to transport participants back to the golden age of air travel.
With its iconic blue and white “Blue Meatball” logo symbolizing a bygone era of elegance and class, Pan Am’s spirit comes alive in this 12-day adventure.
“Tracing the Transatlantic”: A Historic Itinerary
Set for 16-28 June 2025, this incredible journey recreates Pan Am’s transatlantic services that launched in June 1939.
Pan Am’s “flying boats” operated a Northern Route (New York to London via Newfoundland) and a Southern Route (New York to Marseilles, France via Bermuda, the Azores, and Lisbon, Portugal). The itinerary honors the airline’s historic Southern Route, starting and ending at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)—Pan Am’s primary hub and home to the landmark Worldport terminal. Destinations include:
- Bermuda
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Marseille, France
- London, England
- Foynes and Shannon, Ireland: A nod to the Northern Route’s stop in Foynes, with a visit to the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, home to the world’s only full-size replica of a Boeing 314 Yankee Clipper.
- New York: Begin and end the journey at JFK.
According to organizers, most flight segments range from one to 5.5 hours. As a private jet operation, passengers will enjoy access to private terminals for easy customs, security, and immigration processes.
The Aircraft: Modern Luxury Meets Pan Am Nostalgia
The journey takes place aboard a privately chartered Boeing 757-200, configured with 50 lie-flat, business-class seats in a 2-2 layout. “Buddy” seats are scattered throughout the cabin to encourage dining and socializing, echoing the convivial atmosphere of Pan Am’s golden era.
The onboard experience is designed to replicate Pan Am’s legendary service. It features upscale catering, an open bar, and the legendary airline’s unmistakable branding on everything from glassware to swag.
The expedition is limited to 50 (incredibly) lucky passengers. With just 50 people on board an aircraft designed to hold up to 239 passengers, this will guarantee a high-touch, personalized experience that oozes nostalgia while prioritizing comfort.
Guided by a Pan Am Visionary
Craig Carter, CEO of Pan American World Airways and owner of Pan Am Brands, will host the trip, bringing Pan Am’s history to life. Tasked with keeping the airline’s spirit alive, Carter will share insights into Pan Am’s remarkable past, its place in today’s aviation landscape, and plans for the brand’s future.
He emphasizes the journey’s goal: to let travelers “revel in the glamor and nostalgia of our efforts to honor Pan Am’s legacy, with high-end service, stays at top hotels, fascinating destinations, reminisces of Pan Am’s glory days, and iconic Pan Am design, logos, and identity popping up throughout.”
Carter also hints at more themed adventures, including an exclusive around-the-world private jet trip planned for Pan Am’s 100th anniversary in 2027.
A Complete Luxury Experience
Such a grand adventure does not come without an exorbitant price tag. At $59,950 per person for double occupancy or $65,500 for single occupancy, the cost covers 12 nights in deluxe hotels, all meals, guided excursions, gratuities, onboard bar service, and exclusive Pan Am-branded swag.
Travelers will stay at top-tier properties and enjoy curated experiences, such as the Foynes museum visit, highlighting Pan Am’s contributions to aviation. Every nostalgic detail is meant to hearken back to the golden age of travel, highlighting Pan Am’s iconic aesthetic and commitment to class and elegance.
They Don’t Make Them Like Pan Am Anymore
Founded in 1927 by Juan T. Trippe as Pan American Airways, Pan Am began as a scheduled airmail and passenger service between Key West, Florida, and Havana, Cuba.
Trippe’s vision transformed it into an aviation empire, operating as the unofficial U.S. flag carrier through much of the 20th century. Pan Am was a pioneer of firsts: the first airline to fly transatlantic, transpacific, and worldwide routes, the first to operate the Boeing 707, the first to fly the 747, and the first to introduce computerized reservation systems.
Its early fleet of Boeing 314 flying boats, designed for water landings before long runways were standard, epitomized luxury and innovation.
At its peak, Pan Am’s fleet of 226 aircraft served 87 cities across every continent except Antarctica. However, challenges for the storied carrier began in the mid-1970s. Struggles continued throughout the 1980s, including the 1988 Lockerbie bombing of Flight 103, culminating in its bankruptcy in 1991 and, ultimately, its collapse on 4 December 1991.
Today, the Pan Am Museum Foundation and Pan Am Brands keep its legacy alive, and this journey is a testament to their efforts.
Celebrate the Airline that Defined an Era
Pan Am is a brand that represents a still unmatched standard of quality and elegance in the skies.
This journey is more than a luxury trip—it’s a chance to connect with Pan Am’s transformative impact on the industry. From pioneering global routes to setting service standards, Pan Am laid the foundation for modern air travel. “Tracing the Transatlantic” offers a rare opportunity to experience that legacy firsthand, with high-end service and historic destinations that resonate deeply with those who know the industry’s inner workings.
We are excited (and a little bit jealous) of the 50 lucky people who will experience this beautiful tribute to Pan Am’s enduring legacy, bringing the elegance of the “Blue Meatball” back to the skies.
For those who live and breathe aviation, this experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into history while celebrating the airline that defined an era.
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