I got to fly on the United Airlines Star Wars plane - Here's what it's like inside
The Force was with me (well, except for the delay) when I recently got to fly on the United Airlines Boeing 737-800 decorated for Star Wars fans.
I had no idea the final leg of my journey to Puerto Rico would be on the Star Wars plane, but I was thrilled to see it at the gate. I thought it would be fun for you all to see the outside and inside of this cool plane, too.
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The jet with registration number N36272 went into service way back in 2001, though it didn't get the Star Wars makeover until late 2019.
I was on it for a much-delayed flight from Houston to San Juan on May 24.
While there are a few cool touches inside, my favorite part was the livery. It was painted to celebrate the release of "The Rise of Skywalker," and it has a "First Order" theme on one side. On the other side, you can see the "Resistance" theme.
Here's how United Airlines describes the paint job saying it, "features imagery of famous Star Wars spacecraft, including the X-wing and TIE fighter starships. The aircraft's tail starkly displays a different colored lightsaber – the weapon of the Jedi – against a black backdrop on each side, reflecting the two sides of the Force."
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The plane is flying on domestic trips in the United States and is also visiting Canada and spots in Central America and the Caribbean. In fact, Summer Hull did a first look at the plane decked out in its Star Wars finery back in November of 2019.
Related: AvGeek guide to the best liveries
On the inside of the plane, there are lots of nods to the movie as well. At the entrance to first class, there's a plaque commemorating the final (we think) movie in the epic Star Wars "Skywalker" saga.
On one side of the aisle in coach, you have seats' headrests decked out with the symbol of "the resistance," and the other side has the symbol of the "first order."
At one point, United was handing out Star Wars-themed amenity kits, but those have now gone the way of the fictional planet Alderaan.
I was in first class where, unfortunately, there wasn't any notable Star Wars memorabilia.
If you want to fly the plane, you can track it by searching the registration number N36272, or track it on my favorite flight tracking website FlightRadar24.com.
This Star Wars jet is not to be confused with the Japanese carrier ANA's fleet of three Star Wars jets.
ANA has the R2-D2 livery (seen below), the BB-8 design on a Boeing 777-300 and the C-3PO on a Boeing 777-200.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees