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.
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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.
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The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
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- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.