Come Fly With Me – Visiting Flight Path Learning Center

When Frank Sinatra sang “Come fly with me” it meant something special. Fun, adventure, and, yes, maybe love was the destination. Now it just means frustration. Security checks, cramped seats, stale air, lost luggage…ugh. Come fly with you? No thanks.

But even though those heady days in the clouds are long gone there is a place that offers a glimpse into that storied past. It’s the Flight Path Learning Center – Museum at LAX.

Betcha didn’t know there was a museum at LAX. Neither did I until a few years ago when it was a stop on a tour I was attending. I instantly fell in love and finally made it back for a second visit yesterday. Luckily, it was as great as I remembered.

Located on the south side of the airport the museum is housed in an old terminal building. This large space provides ample room for the aviation treasures the museum holds. Exhibits on the history of flight, the original five LAX carriers (United, American, Western, Pan Am, and TWA), the future of the airport, World War II aircraft and so much more is available for viewing. Here’s a glimpse of what you will find –

baggage through the years

swag!

space age dinnerware – love it, want it

nice hat

yes, there was photographic proof the parasol was used

love the detail on the hat!

I want sun goggles!

oohh, fancy

free cigarettes

wartime aviation

I want this coat!

and this one!

made of paper, yes, paper!

I wish I had been at the World’s Fair

nice duds!

love the TWA detail

so cute!

one of many, many uniforms on display

the chaf in the right corner was used to disrupt enemy planes

Western Airlines, I wish I remembered you

that mannequin belongs in a Robert Palmer video

up, up and away!

Lots and lots of cool stuff. And I’ve saved the best for last. The museum also has a DC-3 airplane that on view. It was built in the 1940’s and originally used as a commuter plane. Eventually it was purchased by Union 76 and used as a private jet until it was retired in the 1980’s. And the best part? You can go inside!