But the piano bar didn't last very long...
The original jumbo jet, which has flown for 50 years, is finding new life as a freighter for UPS (UPS) and FedEx (FDX).
Kind of makes me sad that the 747 is to be relegated to cargo duty.
I have only flown in the 747 once but it struck me as an amazing airplane.
It is also the most comfortable I have ever been when flying. In comparison the 787 today is like flying sitting in a Port-a-Potty.
I have been fortunate enough to fly in row 1 as well as upstairs on British Airways 747s. Amazing experiences.
But the piano bar didn't last very long...
The 747 was indeed a revolutionary and amazing airplane. The pilots that flew it claimed that despite its size it was one of the best handling passenger jets ever made.
The Airline business model has changed for the better however. People are rejecting the Hub and spoke cattle drive in favor of direct flights.
I flew in one to/from Tokyo and to Australia (but sadly not return flight). Both long flights out of LAX.
Business class up in the upper deck was incredible. Hardly any people so the bathroom always free, lots of room because it was too narrow for the middle row of seats but wider than the remaining pair of window seats on each side needed so I had my own storage bin right next to my seat where I could fit my whole laptop bag. And there was a contingent of flight attendants up there for a small group of passengers so service was fantastic. Hands down the best flying experience I've ever had.
Well, with the possible exception of that one flight to Amsterdam when the flight attendant school graduating class had their first flight and it was me and three other fellows and 20 some flight attendants in biz class. Service was not as good as you'd think with that many flight attendants but it was really a gift from the airline for them so I can forgive that. It was still pretty darned good! And they probably still tell the story about the time they got to fly to Amsterdam with me!
I, too, have been fortunate enough to fly on a 747 a couple of times. A nice ride.
First and only time I flew on a 747 was back in 73. Round trip to Europe with the family.
I was on one when the projector failed (1970?)
They made a quick landing at Boing Field to pick up technicians, to repair it, on the way to Toyko.
Also on one that had a load of Vietnamese babies, they ask everyone on the plane if they would like to hold one for a while.