United Airlines has announced the dates and routes for its final Boeing 747 flights.
The Chicago-based airline will officially retire the iconic widebody aircraft from its fleet on November 7 after one last flight from San Francisco to Honolulu. The flight will appropriately be numbered Flight 747.
Meanwhile, the final international flight for United's 747 fleet will travel from Seoul to San Francisco on October 29.
November's historic flight will mirror the airline's inaugural 747 flight, which departed San Francisco for Honolulu nearly five decades ago on July 23, 1970.
The celebratory flight will feature a 1970s-inspired menu and in-flight entertainment as well as retro flight attendant uniforms. The 747's final departure with United has also been dubbed the "Friend Ship," the same name given to the original flight over the Pacific.
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According to USA Today, the flight has already sold out, with seats being bought up in just two hours. However, United didn't sell any upper deck seats in order to allow passengers more freedom to explore the space over the course of the flight.
United Polaris first class and United Polaris business class customers will be entered into a special drawing for a chance to win a seat in the upper deck. The drawing will take place at the boarding gate in San Francisco the morning of the flight and award a select number of seats.
The festivities will kick off with a two-hour celebration at San Francisco International Airport beginning at 9 a.m. local time November 7. The event will include a Boeing 747 gallery and remarks from United employees and executives.
United's 747 will depart for the final time at 11 a.m. local time and is scheduled to land at Honolulu International Airport at 2:45 p.m. local time. There, local employees will be on hand to participate in additional festivities.
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Travelers and AvGeeks who aren't able to make the historic flight can follow along on social media and join in the conversation by using the hashtag #UA747Farewell.
"As deeply connected as we all are to this iconic aircraft, the time has come to retire our 747 fleet from scheduled service," said United president Scott Kirby in a memo to workers in January. "It's a bittersweet milestone. Today, there are more fuel-efficient, cost-effective and reliable widebody aircraft that provide an updated in-flight experience for our customers traveling on long-haul flights."
There are currently 13 747s in United's fleet.
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