If you want to take a trip overseas, you head to LAX. But for a trip back in time, go see Ethel Pattison at the Flight Path Museum. 

At 92, she’s actually older than the airport, which turned 90 in October.

“This is when the Beatles came in 1964,” she explained, pointing to a picture she snapped of the group when they visited Los Angeles.

Pattison started in LAX's Public Relations Department, and until 9/11, gave airport tours. Now, she’s been at the airport longer than any other employee, 62 years. She knows just about every inch of the facility and takes pride in showcasing LAX’s rich history spread throughout the museum.

“This is the LAX room,” she explained.

It was filled with all kinds of vintage memorabilia including one-of-a-kind airline posters and a variety of colorful uniforms.

“People covet them, so we have to keep our eye on them,” she said, referring to the posters.

“This is the Davy Crockett issue for American Airlines… didn’t necessarily have to wear the hat, but it’s there,” she said with smile.

She even found my dad’s name on an old newspaper ad. He worked for Western when they merged with Delta in the 1970s.

Next, she showed off a vintage DC-3 airplane. It was the same model Pattison worked on during the 1950s when she was a stewardess for United.

“It’s a tail landing gear, so you have to walk uphill.”

Back then, women couldn’t be flight attendants once they got married, and so she had to give up her airline career.

“He was a dentist and he came out here and practiced dentistry and then I got a little job at the airport and here I am!”

To honor her years of service, the city dedicated a rose garden at the airport in her name in 2006. So, the next time your flight’s delayed, stop by the Flight Path Museum and say “hi” to Ethel. She’ll be glad you did. As for when she plans on retiring…

“When I can’t be of help, and so far I can be very helpful,” she explained.