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46 thoughts on “Boeing 747 In Hawaii | Amazing Half-Century”

  1. When having mileage meant something, I was able to fly first class on a NW 747 when they flew nonstop HNL-MSP. It was an 8-hour flight but it was the best! Meal service on china, wine and cheese for a snack and endless cocktails. The glory daze of flying.

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  2. NASA had their 747SP (ned “SOFIA”) drop into HNL last week around 11pm (Wednesday night). Last time she’ll ever come through town sadly.

  3. Way back in 79 my ex, son and I snagged a real deal when AA started flying from Honolulu. Well, they had to lease a Braniff 747 for our flight. It was nearly empty and an awesome flight. The flight attendant was a bit unfamiliar with this particular aircraft. Poor thing couldn’t find the light switch!

  4. Such a wonderful and iconic aircraft!! Regarding any other 747 flights to Hawaii, I bet some still fly there, as freighter (e.g. Atlas Air, which is still taking delivery of 3 more 747-8Fs this year…which will be the final new 747s to roll off Boeing’s Everett, WA line; except the two future “Air Force 1” planes for the USAF…)

    1. Atlast, Kalitta, UPS and some other randoms fly 747s into HNL still. Heck, laat week NASA flew their 747SP (named SOFIA) into HNL.

  5. Back in the day, I flew United to Hawaii from LA. I was in first class on this flight on a 747 (my fav aircraft of all time), but have no taste for that kind of food. I asked the flight attendant what was being served in coach – pasta; my favorite. So I asked if I could switch with someone in coach. She made the trade and I’m sure I made someone else’s day. I know it made my day!

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  6. Honeymoon on United 1979. First class too!! LAX to HNL. The upstairs section at that time was just a lounge. No real seats to speak of. Great flight.

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  7. I always wanted to fly on a 747, but was never fortunate enough to do so. But while staying a couple of nights in the Schiphol Airport hotel, I can tell you I have Never seen so many 747’s! Not
    Even in a magazine or movie! That was in 2004. Loved watching them taxi and takeoff. Amazing beasts of aircraft. Gorgeous!

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  8. Thanks for this blast from the past! I was privileged to go to work for Pan Am in 1970 to train for servicing an anticipated new 747 flight from Honolulu to Manila. We were privileged to see the inside of the plane as we trained for the new flight. Unfortunately, the government did not approve the flight so it never happened. However 5 years later we were living on the Big Island and Continental offered 747 service. We were moving to the mainland with our two and 2/3 keikis. The manager of the Continental station in Hilo had a daughter in our daycare and to help us out said we could take extra baggage with us for $5 per item. We ended up taking 35 pieces at a terrific savings. The flight was the most comfortable we’d ever flown.

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  9. I flew the 747 on Pan Am, Lufthansa, and Air France. An amazing airplane. I recall the first time being incredulous how cavernous the cabin(s) was. Always wanted to ride upstairs or at least peek. Never happened. Glad I had the experience. Thanks for the reminiscing.

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