THE BOEING 377 STRATOCRUISER: A LUXURY STORY
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Boeing 377 Exhibit Case and Diagram at Pan Am Museum
Welcome to Luxury Travel!
The Boeing B377 Stratocruiser was a civilian derivative of the famed B-29 Bomber of World War II.  Unique among the B-29 characteristics was its pressurized cabin allowing it to fly above weather and enemy fighter aircraft.  Pan American was interested in the civilian variant, as a pressurized aircraft would offer passengers a more comfortable flying experience.  The Stratocruiser joined the Pan American fleet in 1949 with its first flight between San Francisco and Honolulu on April 1.  The aircraft soon launched service from New York to London and Paris and Pan American World Airways set a new standard of luxury.

Highlights from the Boeing 377 : A Luxury Story 

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Aboard the double decker Boeing 377, passengers could descend the spiral staircase from the main deck to a fabulous lounge. This was the most deluxe feature of the luxurious Stratocruiser. Here passengers could socialize and enjoy an after-dinner drink and perhaps a game of cards. Although other aircraft of the era had these, none were as large and opulent as the lounge aboard the Pan American World Airways Stratocruiser.
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The Pan American World Airways Stratocruiser had a limited number of sleeping berths for overnight journeys. These berths were curtained for privacy and passengers had the option of having breakfast served "in bed" prior to arrival at their destination. Image on display at Pan Am Museum.
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Located at the rear of the Stratocruiser was a large, state of the art galley which featured multiple ovens, eight urns for containing hot beverages, designated compartments for china and linens, and long stainless steel counters for meal assembly. A unique louvered pass-through door was in place to deliver meals to the cabin.
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Elaborate, multi-course meals were prepared and served aloft. Pan American World Airways had partnered with the famed Parisian restaurant, Maxim’s, to oversee in-flight catering. French cuisine and European elegance became standard when dining aboard these flights.
Original Boeing 377 Propeller Blade

Pan American World Airways produced many promotional and educational films throughout it's long history.  Pan Am Museum's exhibit walls allow you to view many of them.