Pan Am, the popular airline from the so-called “golden age” of air travel, will return to the skies in 2025 under the management of American travel company Criterion Travel for a special six-stop flight across the Atlantic and back.
The historic airline, Pan American World Airways, operated its first flight in 1927 and became the dominant international carrier in the United States before declaring bankruptcy and ceasing operations in 1991. During its reign, Pan Am was a driving force in the golden age of air travel, and spacious cabins, gourmet meals and fashionable flight attendants characterized its flights.
Photo: Courtesy of Jon Proctor
Pan Am was not only synonymous with luxury. However, it was the first airline to introduce economy class fares in 1945, helping to democratize commercial air travel. It was also the first airline to operate a commercial transatlantic flight from New York to Marseille in 1939. Numerous references in popular culture have kept the Pan Am brand famous to this day.
Now, older travelers hoping to relive the excitement of flying in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as younger generations looking to get their first taste of flying on the iconic airline, can look forward to a unique 12-day stopover in Pan Am's original destinations with the launch of Criterion's special flight next year.
The price tag will be hefty, though, starting at $59,950 per person for a double booking or $65,500 for solo travelers. That price not only covers flights, but also accommodation and most meals and beverages during the two-week adventure, as well as an exclusive branded gift bag.
Photo: Courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent
The flights will be operated by a Boeing 757 and will feature 50 business class seats with lie-flat seating and an open bar for socializing.
The tour: details
Criterion Travel, an exclusive Oregon-based tour operator, is organizing the trip in collaboration with charter aircraft specialists Bartelings Associates in a partnership with Pan Am Brands, the company that owns the brand rights to the now-defunct airline.
Beginning June 27, 2025, travelers will meet at the iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City before taking off on the first leg of the journey to Bermuda, a regular stopping point and refueling point for Pan Am’s first flights. Here, travelers will be able to bask in the sun on pink-sand beaches and stay at the luxurious Rosewood Hotel.
Photo: Bermuda. Courtesy of Kino on Unsplash
From there, travelers will continue to Lisbon, where they will be able to soak up the culture and history of the Portuguese capital, including an evening of traditional fado music. The tour will then continue to Marseille, the destination of Pan Am's first transatlantic flight, to sample the culture of the South of France and Provençal cuisine.
After Marseille, the Pan Am tour will stop in London, one of Pan Am's most important European hubs at its peak. Guests will stay at the famous five-star Savoy Hotel, while participating in a celebration planned for July 4.
Tower Bridge in London / Photo: Marek Masik/Shutterstock
The final stop on the tour will be Foynes on the west coast of Ireland, another regular stop on early Pan Am flights, where passengers will stay at the stunning Dromoland Castle Hotel nearby. Finally, the special Pan Am tour will return to New York on July 8.
“Since 1927, Pan Am has left an indelible mark on the world,” said Craig Carter, the new CEO of Pan American World Airways LLC and host of next year’s trip. “From humble beginnings as the first commercial carrier of the U.S. Air Mail, Pan Am founder Juan T. Trippe built a vast aviation empire across the globe, connecting the world one flight at a time.”
“Relaunching Pan Am requires a delicate balance between honoring its storied past and innovating for the future so that it resonates with both our longtime fans and new customers.”
