I know I briefly mentioned the Flight Path Museum at LAX in my post last week, but I decided it deserved a post of its own. The museum really is a fantastic place.
It’s awesomeness begins with its location. I mean, is there a better place for an aviation museum than in a former terminal? LAX’s Imperial Terminal hasn’t been used for years, but it’s most famous resident was probably MGM Grand Air which flew DC-8s and 727s between LAX and JFK. You can still see the baggage claim areas outside.
Once you’re inside, you’ll be overwhelmed with exhibits. If you grew up in LA as I did, it just brings back so many fond memories. There’s the history of LAX which takes place along the walls and has tons of great photos. Then there are small areas dedicated to the histories of individual airlines that have made a big impact at the airport. My favorite exhibits had to be the PSA and Western ones. Below, you’ll see a shot of the Mexicana one that I snapped when I was there last week. I still remember seeing those golden DC-10s roll off the runways.
The amount of memorabilia they’ve collected over the years is impressive, but that’s not everything. If you used to visit the California Museum of Science and Industry (now the California Science Center) back in the 80’s, you might remember seeing a DC-3 painted in Union 76 colors in the shadow of a United DC-8. Well, that plane has now made its way to the Flight Path and it sits right outside in all its glory.
In a way, it’s also a living museum. Once you’re done with the exhibits, you can just look out the big glass windows to see a great view of aircraft departing and arriving on runways 25L and 25R. They even have some old airline seats in which you can sit to take a break.
Still not convinced it’s worth a visit? It’s free. Yup. No cost at all. And parking is free too. Shocking, I know. But that should be enough to convince you to go if nothing else. The museum is open from 10a to 3p Tuesday through Saturday. To get there, just hop on the 105 West until it turns into Imperial Highway. The entrance will be shortly afterwards on the right hand side.
