Damn it's kinda sad how they fell, most other companies who fall fail to adapt but Pan Am literally were victim to circumstance, like the oil embargo, bomb and Congress
especially Congress. You'd think that the US government would actually HELP and American icon but nope, never happened. I think the same thing happened with TWA - not allowed to get domestic "feeder" routes until it was too late.
when you think about it, it’s kinda depressing, being such an iconic airline, trying to pull yourself back up but failing and then boom, your gone in a split second, all memories thrown away. at least it still left a mark🥰
Many airlines have faced the same financial issues, but have survived with better decisions. Hard to admit, but maybe Pan Am made poor choices and suffered the consequences.
@@alexworm1707 Hm I don't think so. Some companies rise above to enter public consciousness. Chevrolet, Microsoft, Coke, Pan Am, Tower Records, Woolworths, and many others are not just brands, they become an identity of a certain period, life style, and generation. I remember Pan Am. It was special and indeed iconic. The personification of the commercialization of jet travel. Perhaps in 30-40 years something like SpaceX will be the Pan Am of space travel and if one day they go out of business, those who took those flights and remember the development years will always hold SpaceX separate and above the others in its own place.
Back in the 80s not everyone could afford a ticket as those were much more expensive. Different passengers, different attitude. For comparable prices and service today, travel business class.
@@ksthebest True travel back then was more expensive and was the price of a business or first class ticket today. I flew on the 747, It had a lounge on top and wider comfortable seats, plus the meals were great. It was a first class experience
I had the privilege of flying for Pan Am in part of its final era as a steward 1979-1985. It changed my life completely and helped me become a citizen of the world, visiting over 50 countries, learning new languages, and making friends that I still have to this day. We former Pan Am people still get together in reunions all over the world. 💙🌐✈️
@@HaiMalonBodoh I remember a ton of leg room, very nice airplane. No air rage..passengers polite to stewardess, no drunks. I believe there was a spiral staircase towards the front of the airplane but not sure. Maui and Kauai were fantastic! I remember the people weren't materialistic and when returning to Dallas, could really tell the difference. Dallas very materialistic houses and cars. .Hawaii more about landscape and modest homes...although cost of living there is very high
Tyler Solvestri That bastard!! I don’t even know why the Pam Am Historical Foundation celebrates that guy. He’s like a hero to them. He’s a thief and a liar.
In theory, Pan Am livery could be resurrected as a small, specialty "boutique airline" that is wholly owned by one of current majors, say, American or Delta. There appears to be a huge nostalgia for what it once was. This means perhaps, using a couple of jet-craft already in the fleet, repainted in the classic livery, and updated to current standards safety and luxury (but not too much)... this would include a replication of service and retro-menu fare, and of course "stewardesses" dressed in vintage costume. Flights would be specific to certain exotic locales as part of a specialized vacation destination package. They could certainly charge a premium full fare, for passengers willing to indulge in the "getting there is half the fun" experience. This would would be quite profitable, if they stick to marketing the authenticity of the journey. But, this would only be possible if underwritten by a successful carrier. Gimmicky? A little, but there are a lot of folks with money that would pay (and dress up) for such a ride, if carefully curated.
Perfectly well said. I would be one of those folks who would be willing to pay to resurrect the airline. The airline was a real American icon. The passengers should be selected and the airline should avoid traveling to problem countries.
Glad I was able to fly Pan-Am before its demise. Btw, Pan-Am was one of the first airlines to introduce long-haul nonstop flights (14 to 15 hours) in the early 80's with its 747SP.
During the 1973 coup in Chile my dad and his family were one of the thousands to leave the country from the fear the regime produced. He left on a Pan Am 747. He will never forget that flight.
Fun fact, the Pan Am International Flight Academy is the one remaining branch of Pan Am, and it's still around. A few years ago, I trained in their simulators in one of their facilities in Minnesota, though that was recently turned into a CAE training facility.
While most airline bankruptcies nowadays can be attributed to poor financial management by the airlines themselves, Pan Am's truly was a victim of circumstance. First came the oil embargo, then the Airline Deregulation Act, then Chernobyl, then Lockerbie, they were basically dealt with blow after blow with circumstances that they had no control over.
Aircraft have become cattletrucks. Just look at Ryan air and easyjet in Europe, cramped space and very cheap tickets. As a service aircraft mechanic i flew all over the world i just wanted a decent normal seat 2nd class or economy plus for the long hauls. I never was a first classer demander like other prima dona mechanics. Sometimes you could take a converted 747 freighter who still had the obsolete 1st class upperdeck. Ok you had to make your coffee or heat your meal yourself in the galley If i had the chanche i always prefered a seat on a cargo 747, often they flew directly home. The least comfertable flights i had in my airforce days. Sitting on a benchseat against the fuselage in a noisey military C130 turboprop across the atlantic. The seat often sucked but the legroom was way beyond excelent. Emotionaly one C130 flight i will never forgot in my life. 2 fallen countrymen in there coffin with our national flag draped carefully over it, was the main cargo! After such a humbling experience you just don't need much anymore.
I was stationed in Frankfurt Germany for nearly 3 years and every September I received a letter from Pan Am that a round trip ticket to Dallas Texas was purchased for me to use whenever I wanted. I went home for Christmas every year to be with my family. I so enjoyed my flights. I was so sad at their demise.
Pan American was one of the reason why James Bond and Beatles brought Traditions of adventures. Some how, I’ve felt that when good times happen, it would or should return to you. This tradition inspired the Beatles. I would say it should be revived after WW2 or the aftermath Tragedy.
Brian, there are millions who think same way. I think the Lockerbie tragedy was the beginning of the end of the most iconic, classy and sophisticated airline. I am so proud to say; PanAm was my employer from 1986-1991, the best time of my life.
Flew Pam Am, LGW - DET around 1990, as a 13 year kid, my sister only 9 years old UNATTENDED. Mum & Dad paid (around) £50 extra for an air hostess to keep an eye on us. To this day, I'll NEVER forget the taste of the Lasagne I had on the way over there OR the ice cream. Got to meet the pilot was shown around the cockpit to. Great days, "thanks" mum & dad xxx
Pan Am was so beautiful and optimistic, it hurts to see the series of unfortunate external factors that brought them down. Im an airport management major but if PanPam was still around Id make it a life goal to be a captain of theirs. Rip
It was glamorous and chic but you get what you pay for and airlines to survive have to be lean and efficient and basically operate a mass bus system in the sky. There are only so many one percenters who could afford Pan Am. Regular people on cheap flights ultimately were able to afford to fly somewhere, not in the fanciest way, but still could afford to fly now with all the airlines being what they are
During the late '70s thru mid-1980's, I piloted repositioning flights for Eastern Air Lines, originating in MIA, with usual destinations being either the NYC Metro area, Boston, or St. Louis. Many times the "livery" which we carried were flight attendants, from many airlines, however, Pan Am staff exceeded even the EAL cabin staff for flight frequency. I always enjoyed hauling Pan Am staff, they were first class, all the way!
There were multiple attempts to resurrect Pan Am, but all failed. A new Pan Am can't survive in today's aviation industry unless it can miraculously outmaneuver and rise above both low cost carriers like Southwest and Spirit and the remaining legacy airlines like Delta and United. Pan Am may no longer be flying, but its legacy provided the foundation for many innovations in today's aviation industry.
Dang. People really did previously dress up for a comercial flight. Busines suits worn by the men and dressy jackets, skirts, and gloves worn by the women. Question for anyone who flew in the 1950s or 1960s. Was flying in those dressy clothes comfortable or uncomfortable?
In 1981, myself and my parents flew PanAm from London Heathrow to Washington Dulles aboard Boeing 747 ‘Clipper Maid of the Seas’ - the same plane that 7 years later was blown up over Lockerbie. I used to have a photo of it, but it has sadly gone missing.
I’ve only flown Pan Am once, a DC-10 from MIA to JFK in the summer of 1982, I was just a kid but already quite fond of aviation. Fond enough to notice there were problems with the cabin layout; randomly colored seat covers, a number of things obviously worn out or simply inop. One could tell the company was not going well by that time, already.
When you have some much bad luck, it’s really unfortunate. But let’s not forget, the brand still lives, delta are big because they bought the foundation of its business. Up for debate, but the US aviation and Boeing as well, had a helping hand because of PAN AM. Pure business minded and passion. Hats of to JT!
As a Kid I only flew with continental, Delta, Northwest and United... whoever flew pan am was really rich for that time since flying was already expensive enough
I remember when I was young flying Pan Am to Germany, Was a great airline and I think it is really sad that they no longer exist. It was a big thing back then to fly Pan Am and it was always a pleasure to fly with them.
Pan Am was long gone by the time I began traveling by airplane. The nostalgia for me was international flights and those who could afford those tickets - - having friends tell me stories about their parents flying Pam Am and the nice experience was fun.
A good book about the history of Pan American is “An American Saga - Juan Trippe and his Pan Am Empire”. One item in it - many governments in Latin America trusted Pan Am in negotiations because Trippe’s first name was Juan - which had nothing to do with being Latin American.
A tremendous loss for the aviation industry and the flying public. Pan Am was the best airlines in the world. I had nothing but great experiences flying this iconic airlines. My first foreign trip was on board a Pan Am jet.. Sorry those are days gone with the wind. The memories, however, still remain. . Loved Pan Am and always will. It is sorely missed. I still have the sleeping mask sealed in a cellophane wrapper. Now I can only dream of this great airlines.
Pan Am was a victim of circumstances beyond their control, terrorist bombings, oil embargoes, airline deregulation, etc. But here's the thing: with their name recognition and reputation, they should have maintained a steady potential consumer base. I believe leadership is always the first line of responsibility for success or failure. Trippe was a truly great leader who could see beyond the horizon and could take advantage of breaking circumstances, not get broken by them. Had he been around through until 1991, he would have found a way through the crises and get them out on top.
So either they searched up Pan Am and found a 747-8i diagram created with the livery or someone photoshopped a diagram to have the livery. Kinda hope for the latter.
@@coyote_foxtrot I'm curious why you'd rather have it be photoshopped? Why would that be better? People also create flight simulator models where they apply a livery to a type that that airline never operated, which the airline nerd in my finds exciting as heck. But from the looks of the graphic, it's more likely to be what you mentioned.
@@BullGator-kd6ge The only miscommunication was the KLM Captain wrongly assuming he had been given takeoff clearance. In fact the KLM gave the misleading radio message to ATC 'we are at takeoff' which doesn't folliow accepted practice.
In 1986 Pan Am also faced a terrorist attack in its Pakistan -India route where the youngest recipient of the Indian bravery award :Neerja Bhanot saved the lives of most of the passengers , many of them being Americans. We are so proud of you Neerja!!
Somebody should bring it back, including the logo which was the best. Every time dad told us four kids we were flying PanAm we all cheered. The Flight Attendants were first class and always gave us toys and special attention.
I knew a fellow in community college who's father did or had worked at Pan Am. He had a card that said he could fly STANDBY to anywhere in the world. He did not have money for food or a hotel at the receiving end. So he never used it as long as I knew him. I did see the photo card. A piece of History!
I had the privilege of flying Pan Am a couple of times. Flying was so great in those days. We went from San Francisco to Honolulu and the "stewardesses" all changed into mumus and leis. All our drinks were in real glasses (this was economy) with orchids and little umbrellas in them. Our food came on real plates with real silverware. It was wonderful. I also loved TWA. Everyone dressed nicely and it was a great way to get from "here to there".
So strange how the worlds *most experienced airline,* can go from a Sophisticated luxury airline for all classes, to an airline that was destined to fail...
I flew with the airline as a child, around 1975. As we were landing, I noticed that the crew were smoking, even though the no smoking lights were on. I sat looking at them, then one said, "Hey, that kid is watching us"
Why it is not your fault those people died? They would not want you to be guilty but would want you to make the most of life since it was taken from them by terrorists. You did not cause their death so no need to feel guilt!
My mother was a PAA employee for over 20 years. She took a sabbatical to raise her 2 children. She went back and her benefits were grandfathered! An airline that cares for its employees. The technicians that took care of the aircraft were regarded as the best in the industry. Need proof? Whenever Air Force 1 had a mechanical issue (was only one 707 at the time) it was only serviced (if not at a USAF base) by Pan Am technicians. Really sad to see it disappear, they set the standard.
Pan Am was the victim of its own negligent management and employees. Lockerbie was the proverbial nail in the coffin for the airline. Had the company/employees followed international law and conducted the required Passenger Baggage Reconciliation protocol on PA103 thus avoiding the crash then Pan Am may still have been around today.
There was a lot more going on behind that crash. I flew for Pan Am at the time. When the US shot down the IranAir flight a few months prior, we knew there would be retaliation.
I met a fellow in community college who's father did or who had worked at Pan Am. He showed me a pass that said he could fly STANDBY to anyplace in the world to a certain age. He did not have the money to buy food or hotel at receiving end. So while I knew him he never used it. But I saw the Photo Card. A piece of history!
As someone who grew up flying on planes a lot and wants to work with planes, as well as having multiple family members working for various airlines, this was depressing af to watch. Hats off to Pan Am, their golden legacy was definitely well deserved.
Is very sad how a lot of big and traditional airlines broke in the 90s/00s. Pan Am, TWA, Braniff, Eastern and many others in the US; Varig, Vasp and TransBrasil in Brazil; Canadian Pacific in Canada; Mexicana in Mexico; Swissair, Olympic, Alitalia (little bit later, but still) and others in Europe. Great losses for the global aviation.
It really is so sad when such an iconic business and airline goes bankrupt, I am from Manchester in the U.K. and just last year we lost Thomas Cook which was a similar airline to pan am in many ways and I know many who lost their jobs, it really does hit hard.
I think a lot of people are nostalgic about Pan-Am but I flew with them in 1965-85 the Asian airlines were just getting going and they were trying harder to develop their place in the market, Singapore airlines, Thai airways, and, Cathay Pacific just to name a few made flying enjoyable with their beautiful and attentive customer service from both the men and ladies while the Pan Am crew were much older and gave us the impression that they didn’t want to be there, I know every chance I got I would insist my ticket was changed from Pan Am to the other airlines .
In my mid 60's now I am happy to have fliwn Pan Am to Puerto Rico over 10 times and the UK and Rome. My dad would only fly Pan Am and he was in Love with that airline. He bought me a model Pan Am Boeing 707 plane that moved forward in taxi mode and all exterior lights worked. I used to love to darken the room and run the plane. It looked so real. I often wonder what happened to that plane, it was so cool.
Not just Pan Am, TWA also did the same but bankrupted at 2001. Also before the Lockerbrie incident, and happens in 1977 a deadlier accident happens in Tenerife when a KLM Boeing 747 crash into Pan Am Boeing 747.
Most coming here today will never truly know what they actually missed with Pan Am being gone. Even with today’s top-tier carriers - with lay-flat seating and tons of other amenities.., well, none could compare with Pan Am. Their service, style, worldwide routes and destinations - still have not been matched by any current airline. Gulf carriers are getting close, but they all have needed improvement(s) to stand at the top with Pan American. Many travelers today don’t even recognize that the major US airlines weren’t flying very much internationally then, not even Trans-Atlantic until the early 1980s. Long live TWA... and Pan Am!!!
Flew PanAm 747 from JFK to LHR a few days before the Lockerbie crash. Yet had no hesitation flying back a week later. Just recently rediscovered a key ring with a solid PanAm tag and my name engraved. Still has status value for me. Once had an office in the PanAm Bldg. Just goes to show, how the mighty can fail/fall.
I knew a lady that was hired as a flight attendant for Pan Am airlines. After training she was so excited to wear her uniform she dressed up in uniform and walked around the mall.
Panam used to say, "We know the Pacific best" They sure did, they were in it more than anyone else. I remember one time at Kingsford smith (Sydney Australia) I watched a PamAm 707 take off, it used the whole runway and only got airborne because the runway dropped away from it at the end. One time I was booked from Sydney to LAX on PamAm, my wife said "No Way" so I went to SFO instead, that was a memorable weekend - what I remember of it.
When I was a kid the Bombay (Mumbai) to London leg of my Sydney to London flight was on PAN AM. The way home was very memorable, I still remember the entire 747 rattling in a lightning storm and ceiling panels were missing with wiring casually swinging around.
I never got the chance to fly pan am, I was born after it stopped existing but I wish it came back, such an iconic airline that seemed to give quality service
Me and my parents took a Pan Am flight from Seattle USA to London Heathrow in July 1983 in a 747. We sat behind one of the mid galleys. During the flight we discovered the floor carpets were soaking wet with (coffee I think). My father's jacket was on the floor and was stained and ruined. I was more worried about the aeroplane electrics. It wasn't a reassuring flight, but we (obviously) made it...... But it would seem that things maintenance wise were getting pretty clapped out with Pan Am back in the early '80's. Pan Am did at least provide compensation for the jacket!
I flew London to jfk 1979 first time on jumbo pan am must have been first one built carpets bare lockers shaking apart very poor even 2 years later went with two even worse so sad 2 iconic carry falling
I only know about this airline because i saw it on the Encyclopedia my parents had bought for me when i was a child (early 1980s). The book had a huge double spread picture of the plane with the logo. I never forgot the image and the name though I never thought it was an American airline. Pan Am and Alitalia. I can never forget because of that book.
Literally the most featured airline in cinema.
Daniel Cuevas so?
Angel Kingsley so nothing? If you removed every comment from the internet for being a mere observation there’d be nothing left.
Fraser Webster Why are you talking to me? I was just asking for the commenter to expand on his statement.
@@angelkingsley5299 like he daid just an observation
@@angelkingsley5299 Shut up!!! Who cares what you think?
Damn it's kinda sad how they fell, most other companies who fall fail to adapt but Pan Am literally were victim to circumstance, like the oil embargo, bomb and Congress
especially Congress. You'd think that the US government would actually HELP and American icon but nope, never happened. I think the same thing happened with TWA - not allowed to get domestic "feeder" routes until it was too late.
Lockerbie had a surprising impact
@@dzerres this.
their European routes took a hit after the Chernobyl disaster i think
Also inept management.
*The RISE and FALL of Pan Am*
Kind of an Ironic title for an Airline Company.
Radian 😂😂
Radian oop
Lol
Not really... You just a nobody trying to hard.
Same bro
when you think about it, it’s kinda depressing, being such an iconic airline, trying to pull yourself back up but failing and then boom, your gone in a split second, all memories thrown away. at least it still left a mark🥰
Many airlines have faced the same financial issues, but have survived with better decisions. Hard to admit, but maybe Pan Am made poor choices and suffered the consequences.
@@mrtodd3620 WE FLEW PAN AM TWICE WE LOVED THAT AIRLINE. WENT TO HAWAII WITH THEM IN 1962 AND AGAIN IN 1967.
Its Just a company
@@alexworm1707 Hm I don't think so. Some companies rise above to enter public consciousness. Chevrolet, Microsoft, Coke, Pan Am, Tower Records, Woolworths, and many others are not just brands, they become an identity of a certain period, life style, and generation. I remember Pan Am. It was special and indeed iconic. The personification of the commercialization of jet travel. Perhaps in 30-40 years something like SpaceX will be the Pan Am of space travel and if one day they go out of business, those who took those flights and remember the development years will always hold SpaceX separate and above the others in its own place.
@@darioinfini U GOT THAT RIGHT.
united: kicks people off
delta: kicks people off
American: kicks people off
I flew Pan am back in the 80s, True quality service
Name checks out.
Back in the 80s not everyone could afford a ticket as those were much more expensive. Different passengers, different attitude. For comparable prices and service today, travel business class.
@@ksthebest True travel back then was more expensive and was the price of a business or first class ticket today. I flew on the 747, It had a lounge on top and wider comfortable seats, plus the meals were great. It was a first class experience
Delta is actually good, AA and UAL are shit
If Pan Am had the chance to fly today, you'd know them kicking ppl off too!
As soon as I saw the title, I thought “Catch me if you can”.
Come Fly With Me, Let's Fly, Let's Fly Awayyyyyyy
That movie was soooooo good
@@ismailshaheen9477 Yep, it was.
I literally watched that movie yesterday then I saw this video recommend
@@musicwalrus5361 Yes, it's a good movie.
I had the privilege of flying for Pan Am in part of its final era as a steward 1979-1985. It changed my life completely and helped me become a citizen of the world, visiting over 50 countries, learning new languages, and making friends that I still have to this day. We former Pan Am people still get together in reunions all over the world. 💙🌐✈️
Wow u have lived a beautiful life
My parents and grandparents and I love Pan Am to this day.
Did Pilots and flight attendants having orgies start in pan am too 👀
Yes, I worked at PanAm Cargo dept. at Taipei Taiwan in 1973-76 we all very proud of the job then
And the old Taoyuan terminal hadn't changed a bit since! Just kidding.
I flew PanAm to Hawaii back in the 1980's.
Ahhhhhh, those were the days!
Boo Boo tell us more
I wish I could fly pan am
@@HaiMalonBodoh I remember a ton of leg room, very nice airplane. No air rage..passengers polite to stewardess, no drunks. I believe there was a spiral staircase towards the front of the airplane but not sure. Maui and Kauai were fantastic! I remember the people weren't materialistic and when returning to Dallas, could really tell the difference. Dallas very materialistic houses and cars. .Hawaii more about landscape and modest homes...although cost of living there is very high
@@BooBoo-pu1jh thank you for sharing :D
really interesting story
do you still remember what kind of food they serve in that time ??
@@HaiMalonBodoh no memories of food 😘
Tenerife, Lockerbie, deregulation = Bye bye Pan Am. A great old brand. It was sad.
Tenerife probably didn't affect Pan Am as much as your comment suggests, after all KLM, the airline at fault, is still flying.
@@binyominsilverman1592 If I could choose one defuct company to bring back I would hands down pick Pan Am.
*Their livery was definetely iconic*
was it grampa?
@@AMPProf yeah kid
The reason they 'fell' is simple: Guy named Leonardo Di Caprio
Minimal. Me Ah yes the environmental hypocrite
You mean, Frank Abegnale Jr lol
Tyler Solvestri That bastard!! I don’t even know why the Pam Am Historical Foundation celebrates that guy. He’s like a hero to them. He’s a thief and a liar.
@@c.r.n7315 How are you so dumb??
The real reason is because...
They wanted to land XD
In theory, Pan Am livery could be resurrected as a small, specialty "boutique airline" that is wholly owned by one of current majors, say, American or Delta. There appears to be a huge nostalgia for what it once was. This means perhaps, using a couple of jet-craft already in the fleet, repainted in the classic livery, and updated to current standards safety and luxury (but not too much)... this would include a replication of service and retro-menu fare, and of course "stewardesses" dressed in vintage costume. Flights would be specific to certain exotic locales as part of a specialized vacation destination package.
They could certainly charge a premium full fare, for passengers willing to indulge in the "getting there is half the fun" experience. This would would be quite profitable, if they stick to marketing the authenticity of the journey. But, this would only be possible if underwritten by a successful carrier. Gimmicky? A little, but there are a lot of folks with money that would pay (and dress up) for such a ride, if carefully curated.
Love this idea✈️✈️✈️🌈🌈❤️❤️
Retro planes (with modern security and efficiency features, like you said) would be awesome.
Absolutely magnificent idea!
You should pitch this idea to them, it's actually brilliant!
Perfectly well said. I would be one of those folks who would be willing to pay to resurrect the airline. The airline was a real American icon. The passengers should be selected and the airline should avoid traveling to problem countries.
Glad I was able to fly Pan-Am before its demise. Btw, Pan-Am was one of the first airlines to introduce long-haul nonstop flights (14 to 15 hours) in the early 80's with its 747SP.
During the 1973 coup in Chile my dad and his family were one of the thousands to leave the country from the fear the regime produced. He left on a Pan Am 747. He will never forget that flight.
Glad to see another fellow chilean here
These Rise and Fall series are amongst the best short documentary series I´ve ever found! Congrats to all of you for the very well done videos!
Fun fact, the Pan Am International Flight Academy is the one remaining branch of Pan Am, and it's still around. A few years ago, I trained in their simulators in one of their facilities in Minnesota, though that was recently turned into a CAE training facility.
There's still one in Miami, I believe.
While most airline bankruptcies nowadays can be attributed to poor financial management by the airlines themselves, Pan Am's truly was a victim of circumstance. First came the oil embargo, then the Airline Deregulation Act, then Chernobyl, then Lockerbie, they were basically dealt with blow after blow with circumstances that they had no control over.
Back then seats on the plane had a lot of room and people were very formal. Now 🤦♂️🤕😫
Only the rich could’ve travelled back in the day.
You should be glad how cheap flights are nowadays.
@@hunterrrdrives I remember a coast to coast ticket was around $300 in 1976 dollars. That is over $1300 today.
Inflation has been really rampant, and since more and more passengers have been flying, they need to raise the price to get their money’s worth.
Aircraft have become cattletrucks.
Just look at Ryan air and easyjet in Europe, cramped space and very cheap tickets.
As a service aircraft mechanic i flew all over the world i just wanted a decent normal seat 2nd class or economy plus for the long hauls. I never was a first classer demander like other prima dona mechanics.
Sometimes you could take a converted 747 freighter who still had the obsolete 1st class upperdeck.
Ok you had to make your coffee or heat your meal yourself in the galley
If i had the chanche i always prefered a seat on a cargo 747, often they flew directly home.
The least comfertable flights i had in my airforce days.
Sitting on a benchseat against the fuselage in a noisey military C130 turboprop across the atlantic.
The seat often sucked but the legroom was way beyond excelent.
Emotionaly one C130 flight i will never forgot in my life.
2 fallen countrymen in there coffin with our national flag draped carefully over it, was the main cargo!
After such a humbling experience you just don't need much anymore.
Back then jet fuel was dirt cheap and operating expenses were low
Me: How many times is the whip sound effect going to be used in a row?
Editor: Yes.
Bad DFW Drivers ... yes, what’s that about.
It is so annoying
The editor answered yes when the question involved a number!
I was stationed in Frankfurt Germany for nearly 3 years and every September I received a letter from Pan Am that a round trip ticket to Dallas Texas was purchased for me to use whenever I wanted. I went home for Christmas every year to be with my family. I so enjoyed my flights. I was so sad at their demise.
My friends dad use to be a pilot for Pan Am in the 80's those were wonderful days.
Pan American was one of the reason why James Bond and Beatles brought Traditions of adventures. Some how, I’ve felt that when good times happen, it would or should return to you. This tradition inspired the Beatles. I would say it should be revived after WW2 or the aftermath Tragedy.
I was always curious about what happened with TWA too
TWA 800 happened
I'll never forget how much constant news coverage TWA flight 800 got in the 90s when I was a kid.
Karl-Anthony Towns they merged with American airlines
I'm curious too because I had 500 shares of TWA stock.
Bought out by United Airlines.
I will always love this airline. It didn't deserve to go bankrupt... I wish it was still there
Brian, there are millions who think same way. I think the Lockerbie tragedy was the beginning of the end of the most iconic, classy and sophisticated airline. I am so proud to say; PanAm was my employer from 1986-1991, the best time of my life.
It’s crazy to see such a huge airline go broke
Won't happen today as airlines are bailed out.
Another reason great service and fair prices are long gone.
Not as crazy as a broke airline go huge!
you could say they were too big to be sustainable. That's often why companies go bankrupt
Well they never recover from the bombing
Flew Pam Am, LGW - DET around 1990, as a 13 year kid, my sister only 9 years old UNATTENDED. Mum & Dad paid (around) £50 extra for an air hostess to keep an eye on us. To this day, I'll NEVER forget the taste of the Lasagne I had on the way over there OR the ice cream. Got to meet the pilot was shown around the cockpit to. Great days, "thanks" mum & dad xxx
Pan Am was so beautiful and optimistic, it hurts to see the series of unfortunate external factors that brought them down. Im an airport management major but if PanPam was still around Id make it a life goal to be a captain of theirs. Rip
It was glamorous and chic but you get what you pay for and airlines to survive have to be lean and efficient and basically operate a mass bus system in the sky. There are only so many one percenters who could afford Pan Am. Regular people on cheap flights ultimately were able to afford to fly somewhere, not in the fanciest way, but still could afford to fly now with all the airlines being what they are
I was a passenger on a 747 back in the early 70's...Awesome experience!
During the late '70s thru mid-1980's, I piloted repositioning flights for Eastern Air Lines, originating in MIA, with usual destinations being either the NYC Metro area, Boston, or St. Louis. Many times the "livery" which we carried were flight attendants, from many airlines, however, Pan Am staff exceeded even the EAL cabin staff for flight frequency. I always enjoyed hauling Pan Am staff, they were first class, all the way!
Imagine the documentary they will make one day on the coronavirus effect on air travel.. so sad :(
Well yes...
I think they need to bring Pan Am back into service it'll be popular all over again they can order new aircraft
There were multiple attempts to resurrect Pan Am, but all failed. A new Pan Am can't survive in today's aviation industry unless it can miraculously outmaneuver and rise above both low cost carriers like Southwest and Spirit and the remaining legacy airlines like Delta and United.
Pan Am may no longer be flying, but its legacy provided the foundation for many innovations in today's aviation industry.
Resurrecting airlines is extremely hard to do. Pan Am is one such airline. Another example is Eastern Airlines.
The likes of United and Delta would lobby the life out of such a proposal
@m.dennis oh, honey, especially delta, who drove the final nail into Pan Ams coffin in the first place
Dang. People really did previously dress up for a comercial flight.
Busines suits worn by the men and dressy jackets, skirts, and gloves worn by the women.
Question for anyone who flew in the 1950s or 1960s. Was flying in those dressy clothes comfortable or uncomfortable?
FinalLugiaGuardian the only people flying back then were the rich. In 1958, only about 20% of Americans had ever flown while now it’s about 88%.
Didn't matter if it was comfortable...it was classy.
jason lul Just being frank about it. Who do you suppose made leisure wear fashionable and life more informal? People who grew up in the 50-60s.
jason lul Exactly. If you were born in the 50s-60s, you'd be an adult in the 80s and 90s.
(scoffs) I'm glad that some traditions, no matter how classy, fall by the wayside...
“Years of financial Turbulence” Ha Ha, get it, planes, turbulence, ha ha, heh....
*wheezing sound in the background*
69 likes. Nice
😒😒😒
0:42 what they really mean is: it transported drugs
@TH-cam User WTF???
You’re right in a way
Booze is just another drug, so... sure.
Then : Panam bankrupt.
Today : All airlines bankrupt !
CIRCUMSTANTIAL...
what nooooooo!
Those cabins look so cozy and classy✨. They look like the interiors of some of the most expensive restaurants I've been to.
In 1981, myself and my parents flew PanAm from London Heathrow to Washington Dulles aboard Boeing 747 ‘Clipper Maid of the Seas’ - the same plane that 7 years later was blown up over Lockerbie. I used to have a photo of it, but it has sadly gone missing.
Dulles is my home airport nice👍
I’ve only flown Pan Am once, a DC-10 from MIA to JFK in the summer of 1982, I was just a kid but already quite fond of aviation.
Fond enough to notice there were problems with the cabin layout; randomly colored seat covers, a number of things obviously worn out or simply inop.
One could tell the company was not going well by that time, already.
When you have some much bad luck, it’s really unfortunate. But let’s not forget, the brand still lives, delta are big because they bought the foundation of its business. Up for debate, but the US aviation and Boeing as well, had a helping hand because of PAN AM. Pure business minded and passion. Hats of to JT!
As a Kid I only flew with continental, Delta, Northwest and United... whoever flew pan am was really rich for that time since flying was already expensive enough
Ya same I only flew United,Lufthansa,Quatar and delta
What’s the point of photoshopping a “Pan Am 747-8” when that never existed.
Samuel L. Siskind see what it would’ve looked like
Pan Am really was ahead of its time
@@maxdelater3369 Pan Am was an airline of its time. It failed to adapt to the deregulated market.
@@The_Red_Squirrel Talking about airlines, that joke really did go over your head..
That's the point, you Photoshop it because it doesn't exist duh?
I remember when I was young flying Pan Am to Germany, Was a great airline and I think it is really sad that they no longer exist. It was a big thing back then to fly Pan Am and it was always a pleasure to fly with them.
Pan Am was long gone by the time I began traveling by airplane. The nostalgia for me was international flights and those who could afford those tickets - - having friends tell me stories about their parents flying Pam Am and the nice experience was fun.
A good book about the history of Pan American is “An American Saga - Juan Trippe and his Pan Am Empire”.
One item in it - many governments in Latin America trusted Pan Am in negotiations because Trippe’s first name was Juan - which had nothing to do with being Latin American.
Legends never die
Even if Pan am is closed its still in our hearts❤️
the iconic logo also made it onto the Orion space clipper in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
What a bout Pan am and KML accident.
Yep, the railroad would be a good topic, and R.I.P to Tenerieff.
You mean “KLM?”
@@Claro1993 Yes.
@@Claro1993 yes
That was the pilot of the KLM 747's fault, 100%. Again, Pan Am was a victim.
Ughhh I was just like quietly waiting for them to talk about Tenerife, but they literally skipped from 1976 to 1978 that made me mad
Dang you old! gramps!
KLM was more responsible for Tenerife
Flew Pan AM to Italy in the 80's. Those were the days✈️
A tremendous loss for the aviation industry and the flying public. Pan Am was the best airlines in the world. I had nothing but great experiences flying this iconic airlines. My first foreign trip was on board a Pan Am jet.. Sorry those are days gone with the wind. The memories, however, still remain. . Loved Pan Am and always will. It is sorely missed. I still have the sleeping mask sealed in a cellophane wrapper. Now I can only dream of this great airlines.
Pan Am was a victim of circumstances beyond their control, terrorist bombings, oil embargoes, airline deregulation, etc. But here's the thing: with their name recognition and reputation, they should have maintained a steady potential consumer base.
I believe leadership is always the first line of responsibility for success or failure. Trippe was a truly great leader who could see beyond the horizon and could take advantage of breaking circumstances, not get broken by them. Had he been around through until 1991, he would have found a way through the crises and get them out on top.
I remember that from the Catch me if you can movie lol
Just A Dio Who's A Hero For Fun
the real guy had a Ted talk about his story in pan am
Flew with Pan Am 1989 February from Vienna - New York - Tampa.
Was remarkable friendly, good quality service.
The plane in the thumbnail didn't even exist 10 years ago. Pretty sure Pan Am never flew a 747-8i.
Yep, last boeing 747 their flew is boeing 747-200
So either they searched up Pan Am and found a 747-8i diagram created with the livery or someone photoshopped a diagram to have the livery. Kinda hope for the latter.
@@coyote_foxtrot I'm curious why you'd rather have it be photoshopped? Why would that be better?
People also create flight simulator models where they apply a livery to a type that that airline never operated, which the airline nerd in my finds exciting as heck. But from the looks of the graphic, it's more likely to be what you mentioned.
Imon I feel like it’s a bit comforting to think someone spent some time on the graphics I guess?
Nice to know someone else also caught that mistake.
Are y’all not gonna talk about Pan Am Flight 1736?
The worst aviation crash in history?
That surely did something with their business.
KLM (spefically a single Captain) was entirely pespoible for that accident.
@@pasoundman What about fog, and miscommunication between pilots and ATC
@@BraveKnightOnline No way. The Pan Am 747 was blameless and the KLM wrongly assumed it had been given takeoff clearance bec ause it was in a hurry.
@@BullGator-kd6ge The only miscommunication was the KLM Captain wrongly assuming he had been given takeoff clearance. In fact the KLM gave the misleading radio message to ATC 'we are at takeoff' which doesn't folliow accepted practice.
Pan Am is a perfect example of victim blaming. They literally did nothing wrong at Tenerife and Lockerbie.
Pan Am today
Pan Am tomorrow
Pan Am forever
The same with Lufthansa
MY FIRST FLY WAS ON PAN AM: GUATEMALA CITY TO LOS ANGELES WITH ONE STOP IN MÉXICO CITY....IT WAS A DREAM COME TRUE! ✈️
Wow, that's fascinating. I never had any idea how big Pan Am was, how influential, or what happened to it.
A great airline,still fondly remembered to this day✈️🌐
In 1986 Pan Am also faced a terrorist attack in its Pakistan -India route where the youngest recipient of the Indian bravery award :Neerja Bhanot saved the lives of most of the passengers , many of them being Americans. We are so proud of you Neerja!!
Somebody should bring it back, including the logo which was the best. Every time dad told us four kids we were flying PanAm we all cheered. The Flight Attendants were first class and always gave us toys and special attention.
My dad still says, Pan Am had the best service in US aviation history. It's sad that company went bankruptcy.
I knew a fellow in community college who's father did or had worked at Pan Am. He had a card that said he could fly STANDBY to anywhere in the world. He did not have money for food or a hotel at the receiving end. So he never used it as long as I knew him. I did see the photo card. A piece of History!
I had the privilege of flying Pan Am a couple of times. Flying was so great in those days. We went from San Francisco to Honolulu and the "stewardesses" all changed into mumus and leis. All our drinks were in real glasses (this was economy) with orchids and little umbrellas in them. Our food came on real plates with real silverware. It was wonderful. I also loved TWA. Everyone dressed nicely and it was a great way to get from "here to there".
Again great video you guys put together I actually enjoyed it thanks
So strange how the worlds *most experienced airline,* can go from a Sophisticated luxury airline for all classes, to an airline that was destined to fail...
I flew with the airline as a child, around 1975. As we were landing, I noticed that the crew were smoking, even though the no smoking lights were on. I sat looking at them, then one said, "Hey, that kid is watching us"
Short story of Pan Am Company
30s 40s 😎🤑🧐
60s 70s 🤨😬
80s 😰
91s 🥴💸
As child, I flew from the UK to India twice in the 80's on a Pan Am plane; 1982/3 and 1984.
Very stylish airline!
7:08 I've been too Lockerbie, when your really there guilt smashes you like a brick.
Why it is not your fault those people died? They would not want you to be guilty but would want you to make the most of life since it was taken from them by terrorists. You did not cause their death so no need to feel guilt!
My mother was a PAA employee for over 20 years. She took a sabbatical to raise her 2 children. She went back and her benefits were grandfathered! An airline that cares for its employees. The technicians that took care of the aircraft were regarded as the best in the industry.
Need proof? Whenever Air Force 1 had a mechanical issue (was only one 707 at the time) it was only serviced (if not at a USAF base) by Pan Am technicians.
Really sad to see it disappear, they set the standard.
Pan Am was the victim of its own negligent management and employees. Lockerbie was the proverbial nail in the coffin for the airline. Had the company/employees followed international law and conducted the required Passenger Baggage Reconciliation protocol on PA103 thus avoiding the crash then Pan Am may still have been around today.
They were. At the time.
There was a lot more going on behind that crash. I flew for Pan Am at the time. When the US shot down the IranAir flight a few months prior, we knew there would be retaliation.
I met a fellow in community college who's father did or who had worked at Pan Am. He showed me a pass that said he could fly STANDBY to anyplace in the world to a certain age. He did not have the money to buy food or hotel at receiving end. So while I knew him he never used it. But I saw the Photo Card. A piece of history!
Theres still a great nostalgia for pan am
Maybe one day itll come back
As someone who grew up flying on planes a lot and wants to work with planes, as well as having multiple family members working for various airlines, this was depressing af to watch. Hats off to Pan Am, their golden legacy was definitely well deserved.
Is very sad how a lot of big and traditional airlines broke in the 90s/00s. Pan Am, TWA, Braniff, Eastern and many others in the US; Varig, Vasp and TransBrasil in Brazil; Canadian Pacific in Canada; Mexicana in Mexico; Swissair, Olympic, Alitalia (little bit later, but still) and others in Europe. Great losses for the global aviation.
Kind of a sad history. Sad to see the industry innovator no longer around. It deserves to still exist.
It really is so sad when such an iconic business and airline goes bankrupt, I am from Manchester in the U.K. and just last year we lost Thomas Cook which was a similar airline to pan am in many ways and I know many who lost their jobs, it really does hit hard.
I think a lot of people are nostalgic about Pan-Am but I flew with them in 1965-85 the Asian airlines were just getting going and they were trying harder to develop their place in the market, Singapore airlines, Thai airways, and, Cathay Pacific just to name a few made flying enjoyable with their beautiful and attentive customer service from both the men and ladies while the Pan Am crew were much older and gave us the impression that they didn’t want to be there, I know every chance I got I would insist my ticket was changed from Pan Am to the other airlines .
Somewhere in a parallel universe:
*What would happen if Pan Am went bankrupt?*
parallel universes don't exist though.
Hmm, that means they had lots of international routes and donestic routes
@@bitterlemonboy wrong
In my mid 60's now I am happy to have fliwn Pan Am to Puerto Rico over 10 times and the UK and Rome. My dad would only fly Pan Am and he was in Love with that airline.
He bought me a model Pan Am Boeing 707 plane that moved forward in taxi mode and all exterior lights worked. I used to love to darken the room and run the plane. It looked so real. I often wonder what happened to that plane, it was so cool.
Even if Pan Am is gone, General Arnold's legacy still lives to this day.
Not just Pan Am, TWA also did the same but bankrupted at 2001. Also before the Lockerbrie incident, and happens in 1977 a deadlier accident happens in Tenerife when a KLM Boeing 747 crash into Pan Am Boeing 747.
2:27: Pan Am: The most experience airline
KLM: Am I a joke to you?!
Most coming here today will never truly know what they actually missed with Pan Am being gone. Even with today’s top-tier carriers - with lay-flat seating and tons of other amenities.., well, none could compare with Pan Am. Their service, style, worldwide routes and destinations - still have not been matched by any current airline. Gulf carriers are getting close, but they all have needed improvement(s) to stand at the top with Pan American. Many travelers today don’t even recognize that the major US airlines weren’t flying very much internationally then, not even Trans-Atlantic until the early 1980s. Long live TWA... and Pan Am!!!
Business Insider: Tells the Pan Am Flight 103 incident
Pan Am flight 1736: Am i a joke to you?
Wow the uniform is amazing
A big thoroughly establisged company like Pan-Am doesnt just flop and sink.
There has to be errors or lapses of judgement that lead up to it.
Flew PanAm 747 from JFK to LHR a few days before the Lockerbie crash. Yet had no hesitation flying back a week later. Just recently rediscovered a key ring with a solid PanAm tag and my name engraved. Still has status value for me. Once had an office in the PanAm Bldg. Just goes to show, how the mighty can fail/fall.
I knew a lady that was hired as a flight attendant for Pan Am airlines. After training she was so excited to wear her uniform she dressed up in uniform and walked around the mall.
Panam used to say, "We know the Pacific best" They sure did, they were in it more than anyone else. I remember one time at Kingsford smith (Sydney Australia) I watched a PamAm 707 take off, it used the whole runway and only got airborne because the runway dropped away from it at the end. One time I was booked from Sydney to LAX on PamAm, my wife said "No Way" so I went to SFO instead, that was a memorable weekend - what I remember of it.
Me: reads title
Me again: thinks about Pan Am
Me thinks: ...hunger games?
@Yürüyen Ansiklopedi Yes, I obviously know that. When I commented that, I meant it sounded like and seemed like Panem.
When I was a kid the Bombay (Mumbai) to London leg of my Sydney to London flight was on PAN AM. The way home was very memorable, I still remember the entire 747 rattling in a lightning storm and ceiling panels were missing with wiring casually swinging around.
Pan Am in 1991: *collapsed like U.S.S.R*
TWA: Lol, he just fall but i will still continue XD
*10 years later*
Pan Am (dead): You just got Vectore'd
what
I never got the chance to fly pan am, I was born after it stopped existing but I wish it came back, such an iconic airline that seemed to give quality service
Me and my parents took a Pan Am flight from Seattle USA to London Heathrow in July 1983 in a 747. We sat behind one of the mid galleys. During the flight we discovered the floor carpets were soaking wet with (coffee I think). My father's jacket was on the floor and was stained and ruined. I was more worried about the aeroplane electrics.
It wasn't a reassuring flight, but we (obviously) made it...... But it would seem that things maintenance wise were getting pretty clapped out with Pan Am back in the early '80's.
Pan Am did at least provide compensation for the jacket!
I flew London to jfk 1979 first time on jumbo pan am must have been first one built carpets bare lockers shaking apart very poor even 2 years later went with two even worse so sad 2 iconic carry falling
9:36 im pretty sure i heard him say "This Legandary HAIRLINE"
*flashbacks to my crazy obsession*
I only know about this airline because i saw it on the Encyclopedia my parents had bought for me when i was a child (early 1980s). The book had a huge double spread picture of the plane with the logo. I never forgot the image and the name though I never thought it was an American airline. Pan Am and Alitalia. I can never forget because of that book.