The film "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" was shot in the USA, in cities such as New York, Chicago, Wichita, and St. Louis. These locations were chosen to create a vivid and realistic atmosphere of Neal Page's journey as he strives to return home to his family for Thanksgiving. The plot focuses on Neal encountering numerous unexpected obstacles along the way, and the chosen locations perfectly reflect his emotional experiences and comedic situations.
One of the key locations is LaGuardia Airport in New York, where Neal's adventure begins. After Neal ends up in Wichita due to a flight diversion, an important location becomes St. Louis Lambert International Airport: here he faces additional problems — delays and unavailable flights. Another significant location is the Sun Motel in Braidwood, Illinois. This motel is where the main characters Neal and Del spend the night together after a long day of travel. The choice of these filming locations not only adds authenticity to the film but also enhances the comedic elements of the plot. The mix of different cities and modes of transportation helps create a dynamic storyline that captivates viewers throughout the film. Each location becomes not just a backdrop for events but an important element in the development of the characters and their relationship with each other against the backdrop of the holiday travel madness.

 

Filming Locations:

Neal's Office

In the Movie

Scene where Neal sits in a meeting at the office and asks to be let go home for Thanksgiving. The film begins with Neal Page, a successful advertising executive, rushing to return home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. The action takes place in the company's office in New York, where Neal is in a business meeting. He looks confident and focused, planning to finish his business and catch the evening flight. However, his plans begin to fall apart when he encounters problems trying to get a taxi, which creates tension from the start and foreshadows further difficulties.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in a skyscraper known as the General Motors Building. This 50-story office building was built in 1968 and has become an iconic element of New York's skyscrapers. It is located on the southeast corner of Central Park and represents an architectural style that combines modernity and classicism. Inside the building are offices of high-end companies, and on the first floor is the famous Apple Store. The choice of this location for filming is not accidental. The building is in the center of New York's business activity, which emphasizes Neal Page's status as a successful marketing specialist. The scenes filmed here create a contrast between his professional life and personal experiences as he tries to get to his family for Thanksgiving. The location also reflects the atmosphere of tension and stress that people face during the holidays, which perfectly matches the film's plot.

The Street Where Neal Hails a Taxi

In the Movie

Scene where Neal tries to catch a taxi to the airport. Neal is rushing to his flight, but amid the holiday bustle, he cannot manage to get a taxi. He decides to approach a man who has just hailed a cab and asks him to give it up. The man refuses, and then Neal offers him $10 for it; the man again refuses and asks for $75 instead. Neal is upset but forced to agree because he promised his wife he would be home for dinner. This scene sets the tone for the entire story, showing how Neal will face numerous obstacles on his way home.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Park Avenue and East 54th Street in Manhattan. This is one of the busiest places in New York. The area is known for its business activity and proximity to many iconic landmarks: there are office buildings, shops, and restaurants, making it an ideal backdrop for the scene where Neal Page tries to catch a taxi in the city center amid the holiday bustle. The location perfectly suits the scene, helping to better reflect the atmosphere of stress and haste that people face in the run-up to the holidays.

Airport Waiting Area

In the Movie

Scene where in the airport waiting area, Neal meets Del, the man who "stole" his taxi. Del immediately violates Neal's personal boundaries with his friendly but intrusive behavior and offers to make up for it by buying him a sandwich. Neal feels annoyed by interacting with Del but realizes they will be on the same flight. On the plane, Neal and Del end up in the same row, which creates comedic situations as Neal tries to avoid conversation, but Del continues to talk. Their interaction on the plane becomes an important part of the plot, highlighting the contrast between their characters: Neal is controlling and tense, while Del is friendly and open. These moments lay the foundation for their further adventures and the development of their friendship amid the chaos of holiday travel.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at LaGuardia Airport, located in the East Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens. It opened in 1939 and has since become one of the city's major airports, primarily serving domestic flights. The choice of this airport for filming is due to its proximity to Manhattan and high traffic, which perfectly matches the holiday atmosphere and chaos that travelers face. LaGuardia is known for its complex logistics and frequent flight delays, which fits the story's plot well.