An overhead view of the gallery.
A display showing various flight attendant uniforms.
America by Air
“Unlike the boundaries of the sea by the shorelines, the ‘ocean of air’ laps at the border of every state, city, town and home throughout the world.”
—L. Welch Pogue
America by Air traces the history of commercial aviation in the United States from airmail to airlines. Exploring the history of air transportation in the United States, this exhibit shows how the federal government has shaped the airline industry, how improvements in technology have revolutionized air travel, how the flying experience has changed, and how different airlines have fared over the course of the history of commercial aviation.
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Location in Museum
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Gallery 102
Take a Look Inside the Gallery
Take a Look Inside the Gallery
Preview the exhibit with a teaser video...
... or take a step inside!
In this Exhibit
Dive Deeper into Commercial Aviation
From the Jenny to the Concorde
The Museum gratefully acknowledges those who have generously supported this gallery.
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
United Airlines
Alaska Airlines
JetBlue
Frontier Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Spirit Airlines
Additional support provided by:
David H. Rowe / Michael Greene / AE Industrial Partners, LP
National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Airbus
Carol and Gary Kelly
Adam Aron, Former Pan Am Executive
Museum Transformation
Be the Spark
A major renovation is underway as we reimagine our galleries and presentation spaces in our iconic National Mall building in Washington, DC. Join us as we inspire a new generation of pioneers and explorers.
