Pan Am’s 2025 Revival: Luxury European Journey
Pan American Airways, a symbol of luxury air travel from its heyday, is making a dramatic return in 2025. Nearly three decades after its last flight, the iconic airline is set to relaunch with a lavish 12-day commemorative journey across Europe, evoking the glamour and sophistication of its early days.
Established in 1927, Pan Am revolutionized air travel, becoming the first to introduce economy class and setting the standard for luxury in aviation with its gourmet meals, stylish flight attendants, and spacious seating. The airline ceased operations in 1991, but its legacy of elegance remains vivid in the collective memory of travelers worldwide.
The revival of Pan Am comes through Pan American World Airways, which acquired the Pan Am brand earlier this year. Partnering with the Pan Am Museum Foundation and officially licensed by Pan Am Brands, this special journey will retrace the airline’s historic transatlantic routes. Craig Carter, CEO of Pan American World Airways, emphasized the brand’s historical significance and future potential, noting, “Since 1927, Pan Am has left an indelible mark on the world… bringing the world closer together one flight at a time.”
Scheduled for June 27, 2025, the exclusive trip will embark from New York City on a chartered Boeing 757 configured with all-business-class seating. The journey will include stops in Bermuda; Lisbon, Portugal; Marseilles, France; London, England; and Foynes, Ireland, before returning to New York on July 8. With only 50 passengers, the experience promises an intimate, high-end travel experience.
Operated by Bartelings, known for its luxury private aircraft tours, and Criterion Travel, specializing in educational travel, this Pan Am journey aims to rekindle the “Golden Age” of travel. Criterion Travel highlights the trip as a throwback to when the journey itself was as significant as the destination, emphasizing a time of luxury and exclusivity.
Passengers will enjoy upscale catering, an open bar, in-flight entertainment streaming, and a dedicated crew for the trip’s duration. Accommodations include stays at some of the world’s most luxurious hotels: the Rosewood in Bermuda, Four Seasons Ritz in Lisbon, the Savoy in London, and Dromoland Castle in Ireland. The French accommodation is yet to be announced. Special events feature an evening of fado music in Portugal, an exclusive dinner at the Flying Boat and Maritime Museum in Ireland, and gala evenings at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.
Priced at $59,950 per person for double occupancy or $65,500 for single occupancy, the package includes flights, accommodations, most meals and beverages, and a branded swag bag. Tickets are available through Criterion Travel’s website.
Looking ahead, Carter hints at future Pan Am journeys, stating that the 2025 trip is just the beginning. The company plans to honor Pan Am’s storied past while incorporating modern amenities to appeal to both long-time fans and new travelers. A special around-the-world private jet journey is also in the works for 2027, marking Pan Am’s 100th anniversary and promising to continue the legacy of luxury travel.
Pan Am’s revival promises to offer an unparalleled travel experience, blending nostalgia with contemporary luxury, and reaffirming the airline’s enduring allure.