Gift Ideas for Aviation Lovers: Experiences and Keepsakes They Will Treasure

Some people never lose the thrill of watching a plane climb into the sky. They know the difference between a 707 and a 747, they request window seats, and they can lose an afternoon in an airport observation area. Finding a present for an aviation lover can be harder than it looks, because they often own the obvious things already. This guide collects gift ideas for aviation lovers of every kind, from experiences they will remember for years to small keepsakes, plus tips on choosing and presenting the gift so it feels personal.

Start with what kind of aviation fan they are

“Loves planes” can mean many different things. A few minutes of thought about which kind of enthusiast you are buying for will point you to a much better gift:

• The nostalgic traveler loves the glamour of the golden age of air travel: uniforms, airline posters, silverware and the feeling that flying was an occasion.
• The history buff wants the stories behind the aircraft, the routes and the people who built commercial aviation.
• The hands-on fan builds models, runs a flight simulator at home or dreams of taking the controls.
• The frequent flyer spends a lot of time in airports and would appreciate anything that makes travel more comfortable or more fun.
• The movie lover gets excited every time a film or TV show is set on board an airplane.

Many aviation lovers are a mix of several of these, which is good news: it gives you more to work with.

Experience gifts for aviation lovers

Experience gifts are often the most memorable choice, especially for someone who already has a shelf full of model planes. They create a story, and many of them can be shared with you.

A retro dinner flight aboard a 1970s 747

For the nostalgic traveler, few presents compare to stepping back into the era when flying was glamorous. The Pan Am Experience recreates a 1970s-style Pan Am “flight” and dinner aboard a detailed Boeing 747 interior at Air Hollywood, the aviation-themed film studio in the Los Angeles area. The evening begins at a First & Clipper class check-in desk with a 70s-style boarding pass, ticket jacket and carry-on tags. Guests relax in the Clipper Club among vintage Pan Am memorabilia, then board, where uniformed stewardesses welcome them with a cocktail, perform a safety demonstration and serve a gourmet multi-course meal on authentic china and glassware. Entertainment includes period music, fashion shows and a trivia contest.

The aircraft never leaves the ground, so it suits nervous flyers as well as seasoned travelers. At the end of the flight, passengers are offered an optional tour of production sets at Air Hollywood, which is a treat for movie lovers too. About 7 to 10 days after the flight, guests receive a link to a private photo gallery of their evening, a lovely keepsake that extends the gift.

An introductory flight lesson

Many local flight schools offer introductory or “discovery” flights, where a certified instructor takes a guest up in a small aircraft and may let them handle the controls. It is an ideal gift for the hands-on fan who has always wondered what it would be like to fly. Check reviews and booking terms with the school directly before you buy.

A day at an aviation museum or air show

Southern California has a strong aviation heritage, and there are museums and air shows across the region. A planned day out, with tickets, lunch and time to explore at their own pace, makes a thoughtful gift for the history buff.

A private celebration

If the gift is for a milestone birthday, anniversary or retirement, consider turning it into a party. The Pan Am Experience is available for private events: the 747 seats up to 48 guests for dinner, and the Clipper Club can host up to 150 guests for cocktails or 125 for a seated banquet. Our guide to aviation-themed party ideas for adults has more inspiration.

Keepsakes and things to unwrap

Sometimes you want a gift that comes in a box. These ideas work well on their own or alongside an experience:

• Books on aviation history. Histories of commercial aviation, biographies of aviation pioneers and illustrated guides to classic airliners are perfect for the history buff.
• Model aircraft. Display models of a favorite airliner, or a build-it-yourself kit for the hands-on fan.
• Retro travel-inspired art. Mid-century travel posters have a distinctive, colorful style. Look for original artwork or properly licensed prints from reputable sellers.
• Flight simulator accessories. A yoke, throttle quadrant or rudder pedals can transform a home simulator setup.
• Travel comforts. A quality carry-on, a stylish passport holder or a vintage-inspired flight bag for the frequent flyer.

Gifts for movie lovers who love planes

Countless films and TV shows have been filmed in airplane cabins and airport terminals, and many of those scenes were shot on studio sets rather than real aircraft. Air Hollywood has been building and renting aviation sets to film, television and commercial productions since 1998. For a fan who enjoys behind-the-scenes stories, pair a movie night with our article on how Hollywood airplane sets make flying feel real, or plan a visit to the Pan Am Experience, where the optional post-flight set tour includes the original cockpit from the film Airplane!

How to present an experience gift

An experience gift does not come with much to unwrap, so the presentation matters. A few ideas:

• Make a homemade boarding pass. Print a card with the passenger’s name, a “destination” and a date, and tuck it into an envelope. It builds anticipation and suits a retro flight perfectly.
• Pack a little carry-on. Put the card in a small travel bag with a related item, such as a book or a vintage-style scarf or tie to wear on the day.
• Plan the outfit together. Many guests enjoy dressing in 1960s and 1970s style. Our guide on how to dress for a retro 1970s flight experience is full of ideas.
• Turn it into a date. Experience gifts are often best shared. See our unique date night ideas in Los Angeles for more inspiration.

Practical tips before you book

• Check dates first. Scheduled Pan Am Experience flights are announced on the Tickets page, and you can join the Pan Am Experience Insider list on airhollywood.com to hear about new dates first.
• Know the policy. Pan Am Experience tickets are non-refundable. If plans change, you can pass the seats on to someone else, or call 818-890-0444 to discuss options.
• Mention dietary needs early. Guests with dietary restrictions can request a roasted chicken or vegetarian pasta entree in place of the Chateaubriand when booking.
• Plan the journey. The experience takes place at Air Hollywood, 27615 Avenue Hopkins, Valencia, CA 91355, in the Los Angeles area.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good experience gift for someone who loves airplanes?

Immersive experiences make memorable gifts. Options include an introductory flight lesson, a day at an aviation museum, or a 1970s-style dinner “flight” aboard a recreated Boeing 747 at the Pan Am Experience in the Los Angeles area.

Does the Pan Am Experience plane actually fly?

No. The aircraft is a detailed 747 interior built inside a Southern California film studio, so the whole flight takes place safely on the ground. That makes it a good gift for nervous flyers too.

Can I give Pan Am Experience tickets to someone else?

Tickets are non-refundable, but you can gift your seats to someone else. If you cannot attend and cannot pass the tickets on, call Air Hollywood at 818-890-0444 to discuss options.

Can I book the Pan Am Experience for a group celebration?

Yes. The 747 seats up to 48 guests for dinner, and the Clipper Club holds up to 150 guests for cocktails or 125 for a seated banquet. Send an inquiry through the Private Events page.

Give a gift that takes off

The best gifts for aviation lovers celebrate what they love about flying, whether that is the history, the hands-on thrill or the glamour of a bygone era. If the person on your list dreams of the golden age of air travel, check upcoming Pan Am Experience flight dates, read what happens during the experience, or browse our frequently asked questions. Planning something bigger? Ask about a private event.