• A photo of a triangle-shaped red white and blue pennant featuring 4 stars and the American Airlines logo.
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    American Airlines “Flagship Fleet” Pennant

    To evoke the comfort and ease of ocean liner travel, American Airlines called its airplanes “flagships.” Each flagship Douglas DC-3 flew a large pennant from its cockpit when taxiing, before both takeoff and after landing. Shown here is a smaller souvenir pennant that passengers could purchase.

    Their early frequent flyer plan underscored the nautical theme: frequent passengers were designated “Admirals.” They received access to comfortable airport lounges and other benefits. Competing airlines soon followed suit.

  • A photo of a triangle-shaped red white and blue pennant featuring 4 stars and the American Airlines logo.

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National Air and Space Museum

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Smithsonian Institution

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