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United's Partying Like It's 1970 to Say Goodbye to the 747

Nov. 07, 2017
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3 min read
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United's Partying Like It's 1970 to Say Goodbye to the 747
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In case you haven't heard, United's retiring its 747s. Today. Yes, it's really, really happening. To celebrate the airline's long history with the Queen of the Skies, it's throwing a retro-themed party on Tuesday at the San Francisco airport to send the aircraft off in style, on flight UA747 (yes, that's intentional) to Honolulu.

Both myself and TPG Editor-at-Large Zach Honig are here at SFO to bring you all the details. We'll be boarding the flight soon, but now let's take a look at how United pulled out all the stops to celebrate the last flight of its iconic jumbo jet.

There's no mistaking that shape waiting at the gate. It's a 747-400.

Gate 86 at SFO's Terminal 3 has been packed since 8 o'clock Tuesday morning with throngs of United employees (even the airline's CEO Oscar Munoz was in attendance), AvGeeks, travel writers and probably some people who just like a party, all excited to fly the Queen of the Skies just one more time before she's brought to the desert for retirement.

United CEO Oscar Munoz and a happy passenger.

This probably doesn't come as a surprise to anyone, but United's famous 18-million miler is on board the flight, and he shared that this specific flight would push him over the top of yet another million miles with the carrier.

The flight attendants working the flight nailed the theme — today's uniforms are totally groovy outfits that look like they'd be right at home in the early '70s.

Passengers got decked out too — some chose to dress in Hawaiian theme, to celebrate United's first, and last, 747 destination — HNL — while others chose to adhere to the fashion of the decade.

Also on display was a giant timeline wall, which displayed pictures and milestones of UA's Queen of the Skies.

United had a giant-sized card for the 747, where all in attendance could write a note to the aircraft if they wished.

Some were very sentimental:

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It wouldn't be a party without cake, and United had two large ones ready.

The day's just getting started, and soon we'll be on our way to Honolulu. Stay tuned to TPG for more coverage of United flight 747.

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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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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)

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.