This bird’s about to go extinct in the US (Image: United)
United is running its final 747 flight between San Francisco and Honolulu on Tuesday, November 7 to commemorate the retirement of its 747 fleet. Only economy tickets were intially available on the flight– business class seats in the upper deck or “bubble” were not sold so everyone can climb up the stairs for a final look-see.
United says this journey will serve as “the ultimate throwback for customers, employees and invited guests as it recreates the first 747 flight operated by United in 1970. From a 1970s-inspired menu to retro uniforms for flight attendants to inflight entertainment befitting of that first flight, passengers will help send the Queen of the Skies off in true style. The original United 747 aircraft that first made this journey from San Francisco to Honolulu was named the “Friend Ship,” the same name bestowed on this farewell flight.”
Seats on this special, one-way trip, United flight 747, were available for purchase now at united.com — roundtrip fares (returning four days later) were going for $521 today (not bad!). Award seats were going for 45,ooo miles one way. You could have gone for 62,500 round trip (returning on a different plane). UPDATE: In the course of writing this post, fares soared to over $1,000 round trip for the final 747 flight, so keep checking– and let us know what you are finding in the comments below…) UPDATE #2: Within an hour of this posting, the United 747 flight was sold out and no longer appearing on United.com.
The Nov 7 flight (aptly numbered UA 747) departs SFO at 11:00 am and arrives Honolulu at 2:45 pm
Seat chart from United’s final 747 flight on Nov 7– still somewhat open!
Those lucky enough to sit in first or business class will be selected by a drawing that will take place at the gate prior to boarding for an opportunity to occupy one of a select number of seats in the upper deck during the flight.
From United: “The journey will begin with a gate celebration at 9 a.m. local time at San Francisco International Airport, featuring a Boeing 747 gallery, remarks from United employees and executives, as well as refreshments. The flight will depart San Francisco International Airport at 11 a.m. local time, landing at Honolulu International Airport at 2:45 p.m. local time. Upon landing in Honolulu, local employees will welcome the aircraft with final festivities to close out the historic day. Customers and fans of the Queen of the Skies are encouraged to use the #UA747Farewell hashtag in social media posts.”
United’s final international 747 roundtrip will take place a week earlier between San Francisco and Seoul. It departs SFO on Saturday, October 28 and returns from Seoul on October 29. United’s 747s are still flying between SFO and Shanghai, London and Frankfurt until the end of October.
United’s final international 747 roundtrip.
Will you go? Please leave your comments below.
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