This groovy drinks menu looks like it could have come from a fashionable bar. Actually, it did. However, this bar was in the air – on Pan Am ’s legendary Clipper Service.

The Clippers – the name harkened back to the 19^th century fast-sailing clipper boats – were first put into service for the American airline in 1938.

By the 1950s Pan Am was flying international travelers all around the world and this colorful menu was used as part of its “President” Service on flights from New York to London and Paris.

Drinks were complimentary for those traveling in President Service, but tourist passengers were charged 75c a drink. Cigarettes cost 25c a packet – of course, it would be unthinkable now to imagine passengers being allowed to smoke on board.

We love the colors of this menu and the different shaped glasses and also like the entreaty – please no tipping.

Pan Am went out of business in 1991.

Courtesy Private Collection.