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An MD-80? The Truth Behind This Tiny American Airlines 'Plane' Parked at O'Hare

July 16, 2019
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3 min read
American Airlines Baby Bird
An MD-80? The Truth Behind This Tiny American Airlines 'Plane' Parked at O'Hare
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Passengers with a keen eye flying out of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport might have noticed a very unusual, tiny American Airlines plane on the edge of a parking lot next to taxiways.

ORD's Baby Bird (image courtesy of American Airlines)

This baby plane isn't a failed experiment in basic-economy or a masquerading baggage cart. It's a unique piece of American Airlines equipment with more than 30 years of history. It also could be the weirdest and cutest staple of the carrier's fleet.

According to AA spokeswoman Gianna Urgo, the plane is affectionately called "Baby Bird" by staff at O'Hare, where the little plane lives. However, it's not a Chicago native. Baby Bird was actually hatched up in Nashville before it was migrated to a flight mechanic's school at Chicago Midway Airport in the late 1980s. It was transferred to O'Hare (ORD) after the school closed down, and has lived there ever since.

Since its move, Baby Bird has been maintained as a labor of love by members of the aircraft maintenance staff at ORD, including a full refresh in the early 2000s.

While other jets may get a few new amenities or an updated biz-class cabin during their refurbishments, Baby Bird came out of the shop looking like a brand new plane. In addition to routine repairs, the mini jet received a new bespoke aluminum body with fighter jet-style folding wings and functional lights for visibility.

If you want to see the plane in action, the airport may not be the best place. Baby Bird doesn't operate any regular services, but it can be spotted at AA events and at parades in the nearby area. If you were in Chicago during the Pride Parade in June, for example, you may have seen it on its loop through the city. It has also made downtown appearances in Chicago's Columbus Day parades — seen below — as well as at other public events and celebrations in the area. When out of service, Baby Bird is stored in the carrier's service hangar at ORD.

Even though it looks bulky, the Baby Bird is fully mobile. It's built on an E-Z-GO golf cart chassis, with a removable engine for easy transportation. Still, it is often towed behind a truck during public events.

Baby Bird at Chicago's Columbus Day Parade, photo courtesy of American Airlines.

Given its age of more than three decades, Baby Bird is technically the oldest member of the American Airlines fleet. Its misshapen proportions make it hard to tell exactly its exact make and model. But, given its age and engine placement, TPG's resident planespotter Zach Honig confidently bets it's based on an MD-80. Let us know if you agree.

Related: American Airlines Announces Its Final MD-80 Flights

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ORD's Baby Bird is a one-of-a-kind must see for any AvGeek flying through O'Hare. While there aren't many seats onboard — and fares are nearly impossible to come by — passengers can keep their eyes peeled near the American Airlines hangars for a chance to see this very special little plane.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.