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El Al's last commercial 747 flight takes a most memorable flight path

Katie Genter
Katie Genter
Lead writer
Katie Genter is a digital nomad who has traveled full time since June 2017. She writes and edits stories about points and miles, and loyalty programs, often letting her personal experiences color these stories.
Nov. 03, 2019
•
3 min read
ISRAEL-TRANSPORT-ECONOMY-AIRPORT
El Al's last commercial 747 flight takes a most memorable flight path
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Retirement flights are sometimes joyous, and sometimes somber. El Al completed its last commercial 747 flight on Nov. 3, 2019, as flight LY1747 with aircraft 4X-ELC. The flight was scheduled to depart Rome (FCO) at 10 a.m. and arrive in Tel Aviv (TLV) at 3:45 p.m. TPG wasn't on this final flight, but it seems the airline went for joyous and memorable based on the flight path:

The last commercial flight of El Al's 747 on 4X-ELC. (Photo courtesy of Flightradar24)

Yep, El Al's final 747 commercial flight drew a 747 shortly before landing in TLV. While this special flight path is a fitting tribute to the 747, some might counter that the airline created unnecessary carbon emissions by adding extra time and maneuvers to the flight.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4aL9lNp1gm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

El Al isn't the first airline to have drawn something special in the skies though. One memorable example is when Boeing drew a 787 in the sky over the U.S. And, other final flights have taken special flight paths for sentimental reasons. One recent example is when Qantas' VH-OJU, which is named "Lord Howe Island," flew over its namesake when leaving Australia for the last time on its final commercial flight.

El Al is replacing its four-engine 747s with newer, more fuel-efficient twin-engine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The switch from 747s to 787-9 Dreamliners is also an improvement for passengers, as the new aircraft feature vastly improved business, premium economy and economy seats. But, some passengers will miss the vintage feel of El Al's 747s.

TPG himself flew El Al's 747 in first class earlier this year and had an experience to remember -- though perhaps not in a good way. Luckily, he has a video review to remember his experience:

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Although many passengers are happy to see older products retire and be replaced with modern products and aircraft, some travelers hold a nostalgia for the Queen of the skies. If you're still looking to fly on a 747, your best bet from the U.S. is British Airways or Lufthansa.

Related: How you can still use miles to fly the Boeing 747

If another airline retiring their last 747 from passenger service makes you nostalgic, check out the following AvGeek-friendly articles and flight reviews:

Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more travel tips!

Featured image by AFP/Getty Images

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Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 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.
4XEarn 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.
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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    Excellent to Good

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.

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 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.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $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.