The gag-a-second disaster-movie spoof takes place almost entirely aboard a doomed airliner – and filmed across Los Angeles, using studios and city locations, with a Long Beach airport standing in for Chicago’s O’Hare.
Where was Airplane! filmed?
Airplane! was filmed across Los Angeles – studios in Universal City and Culver City, with a Long Beach airport as O’Hare.
Every Airplane! location, explained
1
The airliner – the studios
The plane’s interior was built at studios in Los Angeles.
2
O’Hare – Long Beach
The airport runway scenes used Long Beach, California, as Chicago’s O’Hare.
3
The flashbacks – Malibu
Elaine’s beach flashback used Malibu, and the bar fight used Hollywood.
4
The city gags
The film’s sight gags used locations across Los Angeles.
Planning a visit
Los Angeles – its studios and beaches – is the real, accessible backdrop to the comedy classic.
Airplane! Fun Facts
1
Filmed in Los Angeles The spoof used LA studios and locations, with Long Beach as O’Hare.
2
'Don't call me Shirley' The film’s deadpan gags became endlessly quoted.
3
A parody landmark It’s often ranked among the funniest films ever made.
4
Serious actors, silly lines The casting of dramatic actors delivering absurd lines was key to the humour.
5
A ZAZ classic It came from the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker comedy team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Airplane! filmed?
Across Los Angeles – studios in Universal City and Culver City, with a Long Beach airport as O’Hare.
Where were the airport scenes filmed?
At a Long Beach airport, standing in for Chicago’s O’Hare.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the Los Angeles area is accessible.
Who made Airplane!?
Jim Abrahams and the Zucker brothers.
When was it released?
1980.
