Boeing Future of Flight: What to Know Before Visiting the Everett Factory Tour

Boeing Future of Flight is an aviation museum and education center owned by Boeing. It is located right next to the giant Boeing factory in Everett—recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest building in the world by volume, where large commercial airliners (such as the Boeing 777 and 787) are assembled. Although technically a different city, this location is part of the Greater Seattle Area and most tourists visit it during a trip to Seattle.

If you are planning to visit Boeing Future of Flight, a little preparation can make the experience much more enjoyable, as a visit requires some advance planning due to strict safety protocols.

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Quick Facts

• Location: 8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo, WA 98275;
• About 30 miles north of Seattle;
• Free parking;
• Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM;
• General admission includes exhibits and Sky Deck;
• Factory tour tickets include general admission as well:
  • Adults: $14 General Admission / $46 Factory Tour;
  • Youth (ages 6–15): $7 General Admission / $32 Factory Tour;
  • Children (5 and under): Free;
  • Seniors (65+ with ID): $12 General Admission / $37 Factory Tour;
  • Military (with ID): $12 General Admission / $37 Factory Tour;
  • Boeing Employees (with ID): $6 General Admission / $20 Factory Tour.

Here are the most important things to know before you go:

1. It Is More Than Just a Museum

The attraction combines:

• Interactive aerospace exhibits;
• The Sky Deck overlooking Paine Field Airport.
• The Boeing Store.
• The famous Boeing Everett Factory Tour.

Many visitors come primarily for the factory tour, but the exhibits and aircraft-viewing areas are worth exploring as well.

Also, don’t miss the Boeing Store, located right inside the Future of Flight tour center. It is the official retail space for Boeing and an easy stop before or after your factory tour.

• An ideal spot to hunt for unique aviation collectibles, die-cast scale models, and STEM-focused toys.
• Features a massive selection of signature Boeing apparel and travel accessories.

2. The Factory Tour Is the Main Attraction

The Boeing Everett Factory is the world’s largest building by volume and is where Boeing assembles aircraft such as the 777 and 787. Guided tours typically last about 80–90 minutes including transportation.

Tip: Keep in mind that there are no restroom breaks available once the 80-minute factory tour begins, and no food or drinks (including water) are permitted.

3. Paper Plane Café: A Convenient Stop for Lunch or Coffee

If you get hungry during your visit, the Paper Plane Café is located inside the museum near the main exhibit hall and Sky Deck entrance. It offers a convenient place to grab a quick meal, snack, or coffee without leaving the facility.

The menu includes breakfast sandwiches, quiche, turkey and avocado sandwiches, Italian sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, croissants, pizza, clam chowder, and macaroni and cheese. Coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and caramel macchiatos are also available.

The café is particularly useful if you plan to spend several hours at Boeing Future of Flight. Between the exhibits, Education Lab, Sky Deck, Boeing Store, and factory tour, many visitors end up staying much longer than expected.

Paper Plane Café highlights

• Convenient location inside the museum.
• Affordable quick meals and snacks.
• Espresso drinks, coffee, tea, and specialty beverages.
• Indoor seating with views of the facility.
• Great stop before or after the Everett Factory Tour.

For most visitors, the café provides everything needed for a quick lunch without interrupting the experience.

4. Buy Tickets in Advance

The guided Everett Factory Tour is incredibly popular and sells out weeks in advance, so securing your tickets online ahead of time is essential. The museum requires you to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour, and latecomers will forfeit their reservations.

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5. There Are Strict Tour Restrictions

You cannot bring any personal items onto the factory tour—this means absolutely no phones, cameras, video equipment, purses, or backpacks. Complimentary lockers are provided in the lobby to secure your gear before boarding the tour bus.

Before entering the factory:

• No bags or backpacks are allowed on the tour.
• No photography or video recording is permitted inside the factory.
• Free lockers are available for personal items. 

6. Height Requirements Apply

For families traveling with younger guests, be aware that every person must be at least 4 feet (48 inches / 122 cm) tall to enter the factory floor. There are no exceptions, and carrying children is strictly prohibited. Additionally, anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

7. Allow At Least 3–4 Hours

A good visit usually includes:

• 80–90 minutes for the factory tour.
• 1–2 hours for exhibits.
• Time on the Sky Deck watching aircraft operations.
• A stop at the Boeing Store.

Rushing through in under two hours often means missing much of the experience. 

8. Bring a Camera — But Not Everywhere

Photography is allowed throughout the exhibits and on the Sky Deck, where you can often see:

• Boeing test aircraft;
• Commercial airliners;
• Private aircraft using Paine Field.

However, cameras cannot be used during the factory tour itself. 

9. It Is Not the Same as Seattle’s Museum of Flight

Many visitors confuse Boeing Future of Flight with the Museum of Flight south of Seattle.

The Museum of Flight focuses on aviation history and historic aircraft, while Boeing Future of Flight focuses on modern aerospace technology and factory operations.

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10. Food Options Are Limited

There is a café inside the facility, but outside food and drinks (including water bottles) are generally not permitted inside. 

11. The Best Time to Visit

For the best experience:

• Visit on a weekday if possible.
• Book an earlier factory tour.
• Spend time on the Sky Deck afterward when aircraft activity is often easier to observe.

You’ll generally encounter fewer crowds than during peak weekend afternoons.

Facility Hours

• Monday – Sunday: 8:30am – 5:30pm
• Holiday Closures: 11/26, 12/24, 12/25, 12/31 and 1/1
• Public Tour Closures (Future of Flight open): 08/16
• Address: 8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo, WA 98275
• Call: +1 (800) 464-1476
• Email: info@boeingfutureofflight.com

One tip many visitors overlook: check the weather forecast before your visit. On a clear day, the Sky Deck offers excellent views of aircraft movements around Paine Field, making it one of the best aviation spotting locations in the Seattle area.

12. Education Lab: A Hidden Gem for Families

One area that many visitors overlook is the Education Lab, located in the Boeing Future of Flight Museum. During your visit, this space will feature hands-on activities designed to teach fundamental aerospace and engineering concepts in a fun, interactive way.

The Education Lab gives kids the opportunity to directly interact with aviation and STEM topics, rather than just observe exhibits. Kids can participate in simple project tasks, experiment with aircraft-related concepts, and learn how engineers solve real-world problems. Large screens display content about the factory and aviation, and Boeing staff are on hand to help lead the activities and answer questions.

Why visit the Education Lab?

• Interactive STEM activities for children;
• Hands-on aviation and engineering challenges;
• Educational demonstrations led by staff;
• A good break from walking through exhibits;
• Included with museum admission.

For families, this area can easily become one of the most memorable parts of the visit.