Takeoff for British Airways’ limited edition 747-inspired luggage
Luggage fans, get ready. British Airways has created a fabulous new jumbo jet-inspired suitcase to mark the retirement of its 747 fleet.
The handmade carry-on cases — resplendent with the airline's iconic BOAC livery and an actual fragment from a retired 747 aircraft — don't come cheap, though. Two are currently being auctioned to raise funds for Flying Start, British Airways' global charity partnership with Comic Relief, and bids start at about $2,725 (£2,000).
The design on the suitcases is significant, too, as it also adorned the final British Airways 747 to retire, the famed BOAC livery.
The pair of suitcases were the only passengers on BA's final 747 flight on Dec. 11, 2020, from its engineering base at Cardiff Airport to the aircraft's new permanent home in St Athan, South Wales.
An extra bonus: The luggage has also been signed by the flight's captain, Richard Allen-Williams, British Airways' Chief Training Pilot.
The suitcases, created in partnership with luxury luggage brand Globe-Trotter, are made from high gloss vulcanized fibreboard and have a pearly white shimmer, navy leather trim on the corners and a hand-painted "Gold Speedbird" insignia on the front exterior.
"We are thrilled to be working with Globe-Trotter to create this very special product, and through this unique auction raise money for vital Comic Relief projects across the U.K. and overseas," British Airways' Head of Brands & Marketing Hamish McVey said in a statement.
AvGeeks and luggage lovers need to act quick — the range is limited to just 150 suitcases, available to order online and in Globe-Trotter's flagship shops.
During the 1960s, Globe-Trotter was the luggage of choice for BOAC crew, who treasured them for their strength and durability.
"The commemorative BOAC case that we have created together, is the perfect celebration of travel and style – two values that have inspired the past and indeed the future of Globe-Trotter," Executive Chairman of Globe-Trotter Vicente Castellano said in a statement.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.