Hi All,
I'm keen to take my young kids on an overseas trip specifically to experience flying on a jumbo 747, before they're all finally phased out. Would appreciate any destination ideas that are still serviced by 747's, if anyone knows?
Thanks,
Uniqualz
Try British Airways, Lufthansa or Korean Air
experience flying on a jumbo 747
Curious what aspects specifically that only the 747 offers?
Curious what aspects specifically that only the 747 offers?
It is an extremely iconic aircraft. It changed modern aviation and made it affordable. It basically made it possible to fly between Australia and the USA in one hit.
Qantas still has 8 in its fleet. They are being retired at the end of next year. They used to do SYD-SFO but I believe that is being done by a 787 now.
Had a quick look and QF do 1 flight a week from SYD - SFO on Thursdays. Maybe contact them on twitter and they'll be able to help you out. SF is a great city.
Otherwise, Lufthansa bought a fleet of 747-800s so if you are happy to do a Europe to US leg, you'll be able to find one in service.
It is an extremely iconic aircraft. It changed modern aviation and made it affordable. It basically made it possible to fly between Australia and the USA in one hit.
Agreed, but now days thats like saying lets drive cross country in a model T as it changed the automotive world.
Yeah at the time it was great, but the 747 is a OLD girl. Give me a A380 (RIP) anyday over a 747.
Oh I completely agree. The modern aircraft are a hell of a leap forward!. Regardless I’m also in the midst of planning a final 747 trip. One way 747, one way 787.
Having said that, a road trip in a model T sounds awesome!!
@Randxyz123: Yep OP should do a Model T roadtrip to Longreach and see 747 at the Qantas Founders Museum.
They have kids tours in April holidays.
Having said that, a road trip in a model T sounds awesome!!
Been in one, it is awesome for about 1 hr in and then you're over it :(
Regardless I’m also in the midst of planning a final 747 trip. One way 747, one way 787.
Sounds good!!!
@Randxyz123: Its not the age of the aircraft, its the age of the last interior refurbishment. The part you experience.
A 7 year old A380 vs a recently refurbed 747 doesnt compare. Now a 787 is different because its got more a humid interior which helps your body.
747's arent as economical for the airlines to fly, but that also goes for the A380
The last 747 I flew on was great as its interior was less than 6 months old but that was 3 years ago.
Qantas Sydney to Tokyo
Can confirm; my Haneda to Sydney plane in 2016 was so old, there were Furbies and Game Boys on the safety information card.
SYD-JNB also :)
I went on one to vancouver recently, honestly the only difference between it and an A380 was the 747 had less legroom, I can see what you mean, its like an iconic plane, but on the inside they are all the same.
I am guessing: like me, you just got off watching the rather fascinating Jumbo Jet: 50 Years In The Sky on TV just now? :-) Gotta say, quite a bit of remarkable history. Your kids will appreciate it, when they think back in the future.
I just took two 747s to Hawaii for the same reasons.
Flight to Hawaii was on an old layout, like super old. Old chairs, old screens, no USB charging, non functionin phone in side of arm rest. It was terrible.
Flight home was on the 747-800ER and that was fitted out much better and that was OK.
Truthfully, you really can't tell from the inside what plane you are in unless you sit on the top deck.
Maybe visit the air museum at Albion Park in NSW? Guided tour of the 747 and you can do a wing walk too!
Yes, makes sense to do a tour rather than going on a flight - it's going to be just like any other flight on an old plane and anyway, you won't get that "old time" experience of pneumatic headphones, communal screens and an all female attendant crew in funky uniforms.
I flew 747 with Thai, think it's still flying.
Right now there's a Thai airways 747 flying into Sydney. Also there's a Qantas 747 flying out to Tokyo from Sydney. I see that you live in Gold coast. If you got any destinations in mind I can have a look which carriers fly the 747 in that route.
Qantas don't fly 747s to OOL, nor BNE.
The only 747 operators into Australia now are Qantas and Thai.
https://www.qantas.com/au/en/about-us/our-company/fleet/qant…
Thai Sydney to Bangkok
British Airways Heathrow to New York and Vegas
Both Lufthansa and Korean fly the new model 747-8.
Flying is stressful for kids, i get excited, but mine couldn’t care less what sort of plane they were in. Given that 747’s are older, louder, more cramped, have smallwr windows and more harsh air conditioning, are you sure youre doing them a favour?
You are passing through turbulence..
Are we there yet?
Why the negs?! Compare it to a 787 or a380, its no where near as comfortable
Did you watch the doco on SBS last night? Lol.
Fly Qantas to the US. Pop up to Seattle to the Museum of Flight where the very first 747 is at. You can walk around inside it, still has all the testing equipment fitted out. Then drive an hour north to the Boeing Everett Factory where you can tour the largest building in the world (by volume) and check out whatever they're pumping out there at the moment.
Jetstar to bali dontb fly Jumbo's