AlanSFO

My best flight story is from a UA 747. On a RTW C ticket, connecting from DEL to NRT through HKG. A typhoon was approaching HKG and due to shifting high winds there was a flame-out on the left inside engine as we attempted to take off. After taxi back there was a 30 min argument between the pilot (I want a boroscope) and the ground crew (just leave now) until the winds got so strong that we couldn't leave or deplane - so they just pointed the nose into the wind and we sat there on the tarmac bouncing around for about six hours until the winds decreased. After a night at a hotel we left the next morning.

I will miss the UA 747 fleet.

gengar

I'll miss UA's 747 fleet if for no other reason than that it reminds me of a time when I enjoyed flying United.

UD on the 747 SP was really something special.

Baze

Had many flights on UA's 747's. From the early days when the upper deck was a lounge when you climbed a spiral staircase to the 400's. Sad to see them go.

K2BF

I have had this saved - can't remember where I got it. Can anyone tell me what Royal Pacific Service was?

UA_Flyer

UA_Flyer

See below:

NoLaGent

My first trip on her was back in '99 and was a fluke.

I was traveling LAX-MSY on an A320 in first via the old 500 mile upgrades when it cancelled about an hour before departure due to a MX.

I was in the RCC when the announcement was made (remember those? actual announcements?!) and when I spoke w/the agent about rebooking, she was halfway through confirming me via Houston. I wouldn't be responding to this thread (or obviously a Flyertalker) if I didn't already know that there was a 400 departing in 45 minutes to IAD and a connection from that down to MSY.

While she thought I was nuts for wanting such a ridiculous routing, she tapped away and booked the last C seat in the UD.

I can remember the sense of elation I had as I climbed the staircase and settled into my window seat. I don't think a smile ever left my face as we flew across the country that day.

I flew her again many times, but you never forget your first time...

EpsilonZer0

Rode the HKG-SFO and one of the last ORD-NRT 747-4 routes this year. I already miss seeing the queen of the skies parked in front of the C lounge at Ohare. I didn't know it back then that her time was coming soon, but I always felt in awe of her majesty and now when I occasionally see one at SFO I have to stop for a moment to take it in.

I wish united would just say !@$* it and buy a few 747-8s. Could work as a bit of marketing to be the only US 747 airline.

I don't want to see her die.

frankmu

The 747 holds a special spot in my heart since it was one of the first big planes I flew on that I remember.

My first memory of the 747 was probably on a PanAm flight, Japan to Honolulu flight. I remember seeing the circular stairs and wondering where it went. The load was very light, and we were way back towards the tail of the plane. I was able to sleep in one of the middle rows (i guess my first experience with lie-flats!).

My favorite memory with the 747 was using miles to take my family SFO-SYD in Global First. We had a wonderful experience the GF lounge at SF. The staff must have see our enthusiasm, because they were kind enough to escort us to the gate and parted the crowd for us as we boarded. Sitting in the nose of the 747 was amazing! The FA's were top notch, and we had great service.

Our last flight on the 747 was last month LHR to SFO. I have to admit the interior of the plane has seen better times, but to climb the stairs one more time to the upper deck was still exciting. I feel I fulfill a childhood dream every time I climb those stairs.

I'm so glad I was able to fly on the 747 one more time. I will miss them.

physioprof

Thanks for the advice! Sounds like SFO-ICN is the best route to take to experience the 747. As far as being a GS and never having flown a 747, I am EWR-based, always take direct flights to Europe and Asia (only ever been to Japan).

UA_Flyer

Out of the various liveries PMUA had over the years, this livery probably stuck with some of us the longest. This livery was used when most of the 744 was introduced in the fleet in the 90s.

The Battleship Gray was first introduced in 1993 and stuck around even after a couple of years since the 2010 merger.

JVPhoto

My first (vague) memory of flying on a 747 was in the early 90s going to Hawaii with my Grandparents and specifically remembering the staircase on the plane. Can't recall who we would have flown then SJC or SFO - HNL.



My first UA 747 was flying GlobalFirst to Australia, was a great flight being walked from the GFL directly to the plane by a great agent. Boarding so late in the evening and knowing I would wake up on the other side of the world.



Fondest memory was the surprise birthday trip that I took my Mom on and flying on the UD SFO-NRT.


Over the past few years I had great luck with GPUs on SFO-NRT or vv and flew it a few times getting to/from the rest of Asia. At least 2x I didn't have a seat mate on the UD.


My last UA 747 was SFO-HKG in GF on a Y-J GPU that I then bought up at OLCI to GF figuring it would probably be my last ride. Sadly I didn't get a window seat but I was happy all the same.




There will never be a plane with more style or grace.

tuolumne

I'll have more 744 pics to come, but here are two beautiful 2004-era United posters that remind me of the classy and timeless 747-400's rising blue livery, and the general "it's time to fly" era. I have about 10 of them now, but these are my favorites.

drewguy

That's the 747SP variant, yes?

frankmu

Here's a link to an interesting United 747SP picture : http://www.aussieairliners.org/b-747.../4635.521.html

It has the United Tulip on its tail with Pan Am blue cheat lines along the side.