The slow death of the Boeing 747
Apr 20, 2015, 3:59 pm
#31
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: SEA
Programs: Million Miles achieved | 2017 Delta Platinum, United NADA, Global Entry, PreCheck, NEXUS
Posts: 1,295
My first experience in a 747 happened at LAX in the 1990s (I think). I was on a business trip back to MSP flying NWA. I was dressed in my best business attire and got to the airport early. As I checked in the agent told me there was a plane swap to a new 747 that had just been put in service and was being flown to MSP. Offhand I mentioned I'd never been in a 747 upstairs and if there was any chance for a seat up there, I'd appreciate it. I got my boarding pass (downstairs in coach) and went to the gate early just to see the new plane.
About 20 minutes before boarding my name was paged and I went to the podium. The same agent I checked in with reached over and gave me a new boarding pass. I was now sitting in First Class first row upper deck in the window seat.
What a great flight that was.
Years later I used miles to fly NWA First Class in that same seat to Hong Kong. It was one of the last flights into the old, now extinct, Kai Tak Airport. If you haven't had that experience you can Google YouTube videos of planes landing at Kai Tak. You fly over the city coming lower and lower until you are flying through a canyon of tall buildings. (I swear you could see people walking inside their apartments). At the last minute the plane takes a 90 degree right turn, straightens out from the turn and almost immediately touches down.
What a great thrill to ride in that beautiful bird.
About 20 minutes before boarding my name was paged and I went to the podium. The same agent I checked in with reached over and gave me a new boarding pass. I was now sitting in First Class first row upper deck in the window seat.
What a great flight that was.
Years later I used miles to fly NWA First Class in that same seat to Hong Kong. It was one of the last flights into the old, now extinct, Kai Tak Airport. If you haven't had that experience you can Google YouTube videos of planes landing at Kai Tak. You fly over the city coming lower and lower until you are flying through a canyon of tall buildings. (I swear you could see people walking inside their apartments). At the last minute the plane takes a 90 degree right turn, straightens out from the turn and almost immediately touches down.
What a great thrill to ride in that beautiful bird.
Apr 30, 2015, 2:53 am
#33
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: ORD
Programs: United 1K (Star Alliance Gold) IHG Platinum
Posts: 226
I've been on every Boeing that Star Alliance partners have, including the Dreamliner and nothing compares to a 747. The upstairs cabin is absolutely the best. It's so quiet and feels like you're on a small private jet. I will be truly sad when I don't get to fly on these from time to time.
..or if any airline would like to gain my loyalty forever, please offer a full fleet of 747's
..or if any airline would like to gain my loyalty forever, please offer a full fleet of 747's
Apr 30, 2015, 11:09 pm
#34
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: LHR / IAD
Programs: BA/AA/UA
Posts: 2,955
Look how many people love these magnificent birds. I'll actually go out of my way (and even pay more) to fly one, choosing an itin or airline accordingly. And as mentioned, if it's UD it's worth even more.
Can't Boeing put more efficient engines on them and keep building? Nothing compares.
Can't Boeing put more efficient engines on them and keep building? Nothing compares.
May 3, 2015, 12:18 pm
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus
Posts: 35,387
May 3, 2015, 5:19 pm
#36
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 810
I've been on every Boeing that Star Alliance partners have, including the Dreamliner and nothing compares to a 747. The upstairs cabin is absolutely the best. It's so quiet and feels like you're on a small private jet. I will be truly sad when I don't get to fly on these from time to time.
..or if any airline would like to gain my loyalty forever, please offer a full fleet of 747's
..or if any airline would like to gain my loyalty forever, please offer a full fleet of 747's
Granted, the 380 is a hideous plane, and the 747 is just gorgeous, but purely from inside...gimme the 380 any day.
May 4, 2015, 2:19 am
#37
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NW London and NW Sydney
Programs: BA Diamond, Hilton Bronze, A3 Diamond, IHG *G
Posts: 6,343
I'm probably in a minority but I don't think the 747 is gorgeous at all, and strongly dislike flying on it such that I will pay more to fly on a different plane on the same route/airline.
Jun 5, 2015, 11:12 am
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP/LTP, BA GGL/CCR/GfL, HH D/LTD, SPG/MR Plat/LTP
Posts: 10,075
Aaaaah, Braniff...
Bold painted aircraft (including 747's) and futuristic CC uniforms designed by Emilio Pucci
Bold painted aircraft (including 747's) and futuristic CC uniforms designed by Emilio Pucci
Jun 13, 2015, 9:52 pm
#41
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,222
Jun 13, 2015, 11:35 pm
#42
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 810
Jun 17, 2015, 7:56 pm
#43
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SFO/CDG
Posts: 320
The 747 program was tossed a life preserver today at the Paris Air Show. The Volga-Dnepr Group signed an agreement/MOU with Boeing to purchase 20 747-8Fs. This is extremely significant because the order backlog is only 32 planes.
Seattle Times: Russian cargo firm’s Boeing 747 order means more than a year’s work for Everett
WSJ: Boeing Gets Cargo Boost for 747 Jumbo Jet at Paris Air Show
Seattle Times: Russian cargo firm’s Boeing 747 order means more than a year’s work for Everett
WSJ: Boeing Gets Cargo Boost for 747 Jumbo Jet at Paris Air Show
