10 Things I Loved About the Final United 747 Flight

United Airlines did a great job on yesterday’s final 747 flight. For those who prefer a condensed trip report over a more long-form version, here it is: 10 things I loved about United’s final 747 flight.

1. Superb Flight Attendants

   
   While United used FAs from across the network to model the 1970’s uniforms, a veteran Honolulu-based crew worked the final flight. I was so pleased to see the crew onboard and the service was amazing. See Sammy on the left? 51 years at United…

2. ---

   Sitting Upstairs

   
   My upgrade came though in a surprising fashion: the upper deck, a cabin that was supposed to have been closed-off. I found myself sitting with executives from United, Boeing, and Pratt & Whitney.

3. ---

   Flight Menu Cards

   
   I love that United’s menu cards were modeled after the original 1970’s Royal Hawaiian Service menus.

4. ---

   Meals in Economy Class

   
   United’s final 747 flight featured a full meal service in economy class, fitting for the occasion. From everyone I talked to, the meal was excellent as well. Cocktails and other beverages flowed freely throughout the flight…no one had to take out their credit card.

5. ---

   Exquisite Meal

   
   In business and first class, three delicious entree choices were available. I chose macadamia-nut encrusted chicken and it was one of the best airline meals I’ve ever had.

6. ---

   Umbrellas and Swizzle Sticks in the Mai Tais

   
   While United unforauntely did not offer original Mai Tai’s with Myer’s Dark Rum in business class, it did bring back cocktail umbrellas and vintage swizzle sticks, making the Mai Tai more authentic.

7. ---

   Ice Cream Sundaes…in Bowls

   
   United has a problem with ice cream bowls…thankfully they solved it for this flight.

8. ---

   Goodie Bag

   
   Each passenger received a goodie bag filled with items like a custom-printed Coca-Cola bottle, challenge coin commemorating the final flight, two pins from Boeing, a 747 amenity kit, and special literature about the 747.

9. ---

   Oscar Munoz

   
   United CEO Oscar Munoz was present for the pre-flight festivities, then boarded the first group of passengers and came onboard for a cocktail and to offer greetings to passengers. He’s an extremely approachable person.

10. ---

    The Proposal

    
    As I wrote about earlier, the onboard proposal was very sweet and seemed a fitting start to the finish of the 747.

CONCLUSION

One more post tomorrow — the trip report — before the United Airlines chapter of the 747 is finally put to bed. If you’re thinking there is simply too much coverage of this final event, please refer to my personal reflections on United and the 747 to understand why this is such big deal to me.

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