United Airlines saying Goodbye to the Queen of the Skies
The Boeing 747, known as the “Queen of the Skies” was one of the most revolutionary airplanes in the history of aviation. But it didn’t just signal a new era of jet travel – it became beloved by passengers and crew alike.
This special report pays homage to United’s most recognizable aircraft as it flies into the sunset.
How I Lost My Heart to the United B747
The Boeing 747 has earned its reputation as a revolutionary aircraft. Over its 47 years of service with United Airlines, the Queen of the Skies has built up a considerable fan base.
My love of aviation started with my first B747 ride in 1993 on United Airlines flight 800 from Hong Kong Kai Tak to Tokyo Narita.
Since then, I’ve flown over 70+ Transpacific flights on-board The United B747-400. My first flight in International Business Class was on a United B747. My first flight in International First Class was also on a United B747. Needless to say, the many hours I’ve spent inside The United Jumbo Jet has inspired my passion of aviation and passenger flight.
The Last United International B747 flight
Very early at the beginning of 2017, United announced that it will be accelerating the retirement of its aging B747-400 fleet. The B747-400s would only operate out of San Francisco base serving Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, London and Frankfurt in the summer of 2017. The last ever United B747-400 International flight was scheduled for October 29th from Seoul Incheon to San Francisco.
I bought my ticket very early, and although further changes to the flight schedule may always be possible, I was determined to be on the last United B747 flight as it means so much to me.
I prepared myself for the trip by flying from Dubai via Bangkok to Incheon the night before. I was so very excited about the flight and yet so anxious that I didn’t sleep too well.
Video
UA892 Seoul Incheon to San Francisco on October 29th
I arrived at airport check-in 3.5 hours ahead of the schedule. I only visited the Asiana Lounge briefly for about 20 minutes before heading to the gate to catch the United B747-400 coming in from San Francisco at 3pm.
United hosted a small ceremony at the gate to commemorate the last B747-400 international flight. The Country Manager, David Ruch, gave a farewell speech for the Queen of the sky.
There were many photo opportunities at the gate to bid farewell to the United Queen.
To my surprise, there were lot of aviation enthusiasts (Avgeeks) that came from all over the world to bid farewell to the United B747-400. First and Business Class were completely booked and most of the seats were sold to fans of United B747. There were over 20 United Mileage Plus 1K and a Global Service in Economy as a result of the sold out premium cabins!
Boarding took longer than usual, due to many AvGeek and United Air Line fans took the opportunity to take 1 last photo. One United Tulip big fan, Mark, brought hundreds of United Tulip stickers and decided to stick them on the door and on many parts inside the aircraft! “Bring back the Tulip” he said.
We were allowed a visit to the cockpit and permitted to take as many photos as we wanted.
I took the opportunity to walk through all cabins and to take many photos with the crew.
Placed on every seat was a flight certificate; It was a really nice thought of United! First and Business Class passengers received theirs in a wooden frame while Economy passengers got them inside a sealed envelope.
We departed on-time from Incheon’s Runway 33, accompanied by a beautiful view from the setting sun; we first flew a full circle over Incheon and then headed east towards Japan and The Pacific.
As we were flying eastbound, we quickly lost the sunlight and into darkness. However, the celebration in the cabin was just starting!
On this United Polaris Business Class flight, passengers received a special B747 tin box amenity kit! I particularly liked the United B747 themed eye shade and the B747 trading cards. Well done United for thinking through the details! I haven’t seen any other airlines that went this far to have special farewell amenity kits!
Service started after take-off, with first a wine tasting the followed by dinner. The starter was a trio of Tuna Ahi; I had the Korean Bulgogi Beef as my main course.
The highlight of the meal service was the fully loaded dessert cart. The Passenger’s loved this Polaris concept and an ice cream sundae is of course everyone’s favourite!
The crew handed out Pyjamas in First and Business Class after the meal and I quickly changed in the bathroom.
After the meal service, many of the United B747 passengers had decided to explore the cabin and meet up with fellow fans to discuss more of their passion. The crew were also very hospitable in sharing their memories on United B747!
I brought 2 of my beloved “United B747 landing in Kai Tak” paintings from my collection and had the crew sign the frames (Painting by Dutch artist Mario Van Eeren)
Oh boy, we were up there all night until sunrise.
I did not sleep for a single minute; I did not even recline my seat for a single minute! I was having such an amazing time over the Pacific!
I was able to send my log book up to the cockpit; the pilots gave me a copy of the flight plan and a map as a gift.
Breakfast was served 1.5 hours prior to landing in San Francisco. There were choices of Korean Noodles, fruit plate or egg frittata.
Closer to descending, we took more photos and were trying to savour every second on-board the United Friendship B747.
We were on the final descent into San Francisco around 10:45am; the bay area was covered by a low morning fog (marine layer).
The landing was one of the smoothest and one that was….followed by many rounds of applause…
The captain came on the PA said “All Hail The Queen, Long Live The Queen!”.
We were told we would receive a water cannon salute from the Fire Department at SFO, but although the fire truck was standing next to our arrival gate, for some unknown reason it did not happen….
After shut down, we were given further opportunities to visit the flight deck. The crew gathered around for one final picture.
It has been a really bittersweet day for me.
I love the Boeing 747 and United B747 was where my love of aviation started…I felt like the last United B747 flight came way too soon… I still remained very emotional 24 hours after the flight when I was writing up my story here.
Time marches on, the B747 was an icon for United Airlines and people loved it. That airplane is a phenomenal piece of equipment. “Imagine the greatest athlete in a given sport retires, and you know you’ll never see anyone like that again. That’s how it feels.”
Taking home a piece of history
Thanks for reading this special farewell report of United B747.
Have you ever flown on United B747? I’d love to hear from your experience!
Video
I flew on the iconic 747 when I was only 5, so I don’t remember much about it, but it was lovely. Thank you for sharing this post.
Sincerely, Aiden
I flew twice on this beauty, with UA from SFO to SYD and return in Dec. 92. Though space was limited for me being 6’4 it was a great experience. The magnificence of this airplane is unrivalled. Sitting just behind the wings it gave me the most amazing views with wing and engines being lit up by the upcoming sun while descending into Sydney!
And everytime today I see a 747 coming into an airport my neck turns as long as possible to see this beauty passing by!
Thanks for this report and the video!
Thanks for sharing with us your travel insight!
Hi Sam. I’ve read many of your reports and watched almost all of your videos. They are all fantastic, and you are my favorite aviation blogger. This report in particular, though, resonates with me. I may be only 16, but the 747, particularly the 747-400, has played crucial roles in my life. It was the airplane that brought me to the US as a two-year-old infant, which opened up so many great opportunities for me. It also brought me and my family in Korea together for months at a time, and brought me back home when that was over. My first business class experience (as a toddler with a free upgrade) and first flight I remember also occurred on the 747. I’ve flown on the Queen with Northwest, Korean Air, and United for many years and for the most part, relished each and every flight on her. Like you, the 747 kindled my love of aviation, and because of that, its sad to see them go. I remember that I flew the UA 747-400 from San Francisco to Seoul, albeit in economy, and subsequently complaining about the lack of IFE, mediocre food, and cramped conditions. Now though, I realize that I was lucky to fly on United’s Queen of the Skies, and I sorely miss it now that its gone. Seeing both Korean Air and Delta dump their 747-400s makes me sad and nostalgic for my earlier childhood, because as with the UA airframes, I have many memories made in them. Thankfully, Korean Air, Lufthansa, and Air China are keeping the Jumbo legacy going for a bit longer by flying the 747-8i, which I got to experience two years ago and will experience again this summer. But still, that doesn’t mitigate the sadness I feel with each legacy 747 retirement. As an amateur photographer, avid plane spotter, and aviation artist in my free time, I have to say that the 747 is a pleasure to fly on, photograph, and draw, being the most elegant aircraft ever built (an opinion shared by many). For now, farewell and thank you for all the wonderful aviation videos and reports you’ve made. Keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Dohwan Kim
Thanks for your comments Dohwan, I’m sure you enjoyed the B747 as much as I do. There still time to fly more on KLM, BA, Lufthansa, Asiana, Thai and Qantas.
Wonderful video!!! Is there any way to purchase the Mario Van Eeren posters shown in your video? Looking for memorabilia for a retirement gift for my friend who is retiring from United after 25 years in June (flew 747 for ten years to Inchon, etc.)
You can contact Mario via Facebook
Great meeting you on this last UA 747 flight (and being your seat mate), Sam! Loved the video and write-up!! Let me know next time you’re in SF so I can buy you a drink!
Your video of the flight was wonderful. When the Captain said, “All hail the Queen, Long live the Queen!” it brought tears to my eyes. The 747 was the plane that made me fall in love with flight.
This was an awesome report as well as your video. I’ve had 2 experiences with UA 747’s. The first was in 1989 when I went to Korea for a summer. A travel agent could get me a discount on Korean Air, but the return flights were full. I joined UA Mileage Plus in 1987 so I decided to fly UA. They were flying 747SP’s which they acquired from Pan Am SFO-SEL-SFO. It was my first (and only flights) on the SP and my first trans Pacific flight. We had good service on both flights. On the return flight, I asked the agent at check in if the flight was full, and he said it was very full. I jokingly offered to upgrade if you need more seats. He upgraded me to business class! It was a nice flight; I had 12A and it had been my first time in the Orient and an awesome summer. I stayed awake the whole flight, savoring my experience and watched sunset and sunrise like you did. UA was just starting to put the 400 in service and the captain told me he would be transitioning to it.
In 1995, I was flying to HKG and meeting with a group to go into China. The group was flying NW and I asked if I could make my own arrangements to get the frequent flier miles. It was my first flight on the 747-400. Both airplanes had the Saul Bass Logo. On the flight to HKG we used up most of runway 28R at SFO to get airborne with a long slow climbout. The captain told me we would need the whole runway. We weighed 874,000 pounds. It was a good flight, just very full. I made sure to get a window seat on the right side for the approach into Kai Tak. On the return flight, checking in at HKG, there were 2 of us on the SFO flight, and we were asked if we would take an earlier flight to LAX as the SFO flight was very full. We were upgraded to Connoisseur Class and it was so much nicer than economy. I found the seats the most comfortable business class seats I had flown in. We used N183UA SFO-HKG and N171UA Spirit of Seattle II HKG-LAX. So my first trans Pacific journey and my first time to fly the 747SP and 747-400 were both on UA.
3 days after my return, I started my new job at American Airlines, so that was my last time on UA. Most of my travel has been on the 777. But I have flown other airline 747-400’s on many times. In April 1998 I flew a LH 747-400 simulator in FRA and of course I had to fly the Kai Tak approach. It took 3 tries, but I landed without a scratch. In 1999 I flew CX LAX-HKG-LAX and got to sit in the cockpit jump seat for takeoff landing. Those flights were unforgettable, but sadly a thing of the past.
My last flight on a 747-400 was TG BKK-LHR in Dec 2013. I was positioning to LHR to fly AA 77W to JFK. It was a very nice flight on TG and the crew was wonderful. I asked if I could get a visit to the cockpit after we landed in LHR. The captain told me to sit in his seat and he would take my picture.
I always enjoy reading your articles and seeing your videos. I live in BKK, so if you’re ever this way again, I’d love to meet you in person.
Thanks Michael for sharing your 747 moments.
Be great if you can capture the last UA 747 flight from Honolulu on the 7th
Thank you for the awesome write up. Many fond memories of being on a 747 with my dad as the pilot heading from SFO to Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore etc. I even remember him making an announcement saying something like “I hope everyone is enjoying their flight and Dustin is behaving himself”
cool, thanks for sharing this!
Brilliant write up !!!! I too have flown more times then I can count on the United 747 in all sorts of liveries. Hong Kong, Narita, Sydney were/are all common destinations with Frankfurt thrown in on occasion.
I will miss the beautiful bird ………
Thanks Kerry
Hi Sam,
It is wonderful story to me. I heard your visit schedule from my friends, but I was in US for business trip.
As I know, Delta have final international 747 schedule from Seoul to Detroit at December 17, 2017.
Korean Air have a plan to retire most 744 near future also. I’m missing beautiful 747 fade out in world.
Very nice blogs and articles, Sam! I’ve become a huge fan of your stories and video’s and hope to meet one day in Amsterdam. Please keep in mind that the company I work for – KLM – Royal Dutch Airlines – is still operating with 747-400’s, although they’ll be taken from operation soon as well.
Hope to be able to meet one day!
Cheers!!
Great Post Sam! Yes we did stay up all night, it was worth it. Great to meet you & safe travels!
Dear Sam,
It was a great pleasure meeting you on my last 747 flight. You will always be the part of my special memory and thanks for being there. Hope to fly with you again somewhere in the sky in the future. Thank you for the great photos. Miss you already!
Hyechin ❤️
A couple of years ago I spent my 50th birthday on the United 747 nightflight from SFO to SYD which jumps over the dateline. As a result of the “time warp” I had no 50th birthday and since that time I feel kind of immortal ! And indeed I ve been surviving since then already two serious heart attacks and one burnout. Thanks to the magic flight with United 747. I am sure she also will survive !
What what a wonderful recap of such a special flight! I very much enjoyed spending the Queen’s one last international flight chatting with you and all the other amazing avgeeks. I hope to keep in touch with everyone and that we’ll cross paths again in the future!
Let me know if you’re ever in Dallas, drinks on me!
Nice to meet you Caitie!
Hi Sam! First flight of my life was on a United 747 from SFO to Kai Tak when I was only four months old. Growing up as a child with both parents working for United, I flew the 747 all of time across the Pacific to see family in Asia. When we moved to Hong Kong for a short period of time, all we flew was the United 747, as that was the only plane United operated in and out of Hong Kong.
21 years later, I work for the airline that I grew up with and am going to miss the airplane that I remember growing up on. I too, had my first international Business and First class experience on a United 747-400. This airplane changed my life, has brought me around the world, and has inspired to work for a company that I owe my life to.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Edward
Never got the chance to fly UA’s 747, but have been fortunate to fly the Queen on several other airlines. My favourites are probably the LH and KE 748. It’s certainly a bittersweet day to see another Queen put to rest, as nothing else in aviation is as iconic. Can’t wait to see the video!
Excellent photo!!! I recognized famous Mark Miner from our FB group called “Save the United Airline Tulip”. He’s the one who put stickers outside the side door. May I ask what kind of camera did you use for upper level because it looked professional? 🙂 Thanks for sharing. Tulip forever.
Thanks so much Sam! I had the good fortune to take the outbound SFO-ICN in Polaris first in feb and again end of August. Especially the August crew- simply amazing. On my 3 booked in advance and the rest non rev.
The gals working F aisle and galley simply transformed one back 30 years. Food was HOT perfectly cooked and timed as each person finished their salad. Proactive gel pillows, pj and offering more than once to make up beds , constantly refilling.
Debbie, F aisle, was proactive to go tour while we were still at SFO. Flight deck crew (I asked UD FA to ask if I could approach for a picture) insisted I take the left seat, chats and pics. I felt like a 58yr old kid!
History: I started at UA on my 20th birthday in reservations 2/79. Lounges upstairs, empty F seats as no mileage program and only rev and non rev
I know you e had the best premium cabin experiences but you made my day with your enthusiasm!!!!!
Save the Tulip 😁
Thank for your great report, Mr Sam Chui! I really loved it, please continue to enjoy us with your trips! A special thanks for bringing my paintings along and letting me be there in spirit!
Yours truly,
Mario van Eeren
Dear Sam! Thank you so much for amazing photos and report! I have always enjoy your blogs and books! I have some of your books on my aviation collection shelf 🙂 I sat on 17K with my dear UA fan Deaf friend on 17J. Yes, it was so HARD for me to saying good bye to our beautiful elegant 747. I have flown a lot with UA 747 between SF/LA to Asia and Australia. We will always keep United 747 special in our hearts! Hope we will be able to fly together again! Cheers Ben
Nice to meet you Ben!
Well done. Lots of 747 flights in my past. flight on the LH 747-800 next for me. Only 747 regret, never flew on the SP. If I win a lottery, I’d charter the Sands SP for an enthusiasts flight !
Great report, great trip.
They don’t do water cannon salutes at SFO anymore due to water conservation efforts. They have the fire trucks out, but don’t spray.
Sam-
It was great to meet you on UA’s last 747 International Flight! Your energy and enthusiasm was very contagious and made this flight even more special. Thanks for this wonderful re-cap of our special Pacific journey. Nice job!
-Paul
Thanks and nice to have you with us!
Very good report, photos. Sad day with some fond memories. Flew UA 747 SFO-ICN in July. The only first class flight I have ever had with UA, seat 1A. Almost didn’t happen as the plane was boarded and then we had to deplane minutes later due to mechanical. Mercifully we got to fly out on UA’s ICN 747, with a 3 hour delay. Did fly UA 747 30 years ago, oddly enough, DEN-SEA.