Tracking United's final 747 flight

News reports say the final United 747 flight from SFO to HNL was delayed due to a mechanical issue (insert United operations joke here). But it is on its way.

I have many memories of flights on United 747's. Too many to mention all of them but here are a few highlights.

The first holiday together with my wife Yoshiko (then my girlfriend of roughly six months) was to Maui and a stay at the Four Seasons Resort. We flew on United aboard the 747. I still have my MileagePlus statement from the miles earned on that flight.

During my career time at Disney, United was a preferred travel supplier and I flew constantly between Tokyo Narita and the US, primarily Orlando and Los Angeles. I flew on the Tokyo-Chicago route so often I got to know the flight crews. Always on a 747.

I worked with United and its loyalty program, MileagePlus for ten years. During that time I flew countless times on the 747 between Tokyo Narita and Chicago, Hong Kong, Seoul and Honolulu. It is a cliche was it really was a workhorse for the fleet. I have memories of sitting in the First Class Lounge at ORD and observing the 747 nose directly in front of me in the window. She seemed to be asleep but ready to take me home.

I remember one flight home from HKG when I boarded in Business Class, was upgraded to First Class and then downgraded to Economy. TMI to share now.

Farewell to United's 747 and thanks for the rides.

#united #747