Summary The Boeing 747 is a rare opportunity, but you can still fly on it using United Airlines' miles. Lufthansa and Air China operate 747s to the US within the Star Alliance network. Korean Air also operates the 747 on US routes, providing an alternative to United Airlines points.
The Boeing 747 , affectionately known as the "Queen of the Skies," was once the symbol of long-haul aviation. With its iconic hump and four engines, the 747 once dominated international travel. Sadly, opportunities to fly on the legendary Jumbo Jet are becoming increasingly rare.
For aviation enthusiasts and travelers alike, experiencing a flight on a 747 is a bucket list item , and as these aircraft are gradually retired, the chance to fly on one is a fleeting opportunity...
but not all hope is lost – read on! The Boeing 747 in United Airlines’ fleet The Jumbo Jet was once a significant part of United Airlines’ fleet , with the 747-400 being a key variant. The airline took delivery of its first 747-400 in June 1989 and went on to operate a total of 44 of these aircraft over a span of 28 years, per Airport Spotting . However, as airlines transitioned to more fuel-efficient long-range twin-engine aircraft thanks to technological advancements, so did United.
In May 2000, the airline received its final 747- 400, marking the end of an era for the airline as it eventually phased out these iconic aircraft from its operations. United flew its last 747 service on November 7, 2017. Fortunately, United still has a connection with the 747 – albeit indirectly.
By leveraging United Airlines' frequent flyer miles , travelers can book award tickets on the Jumbo Jet, offering a gateway to one of aviation's most iconic experiences. Star Alliance and United Airlines miles One major benefit of United Airlines' MileagePlus loyalty program is that it allows its frequent flyers to earn and redeem miles across the Star Alliance network (of which United is a member). Star Alliance is one of the largest global airline alliances, consisting of 26 member airlines.
With a vast network covering over 1,300 destinations worldwide, the alliance offers United MileagePlus members the flexibility to book flights on any of its member airlines using their frequent flyer miles. As part of the Star Alliance, United Airlines miles can be used to upgrade on different carriers with up to 160 destinations. This means that with enough United miles, you can book award flights on other Star Alliance carriers .
This option is particularly valuable as it provides access to routes and aircraft (such as the 747) that might not be available directly through United Airlines. Lufthansa and Air China operate the 747 on US-bound routes Two Star Alliance members, Lufthansa and Air China , fly the 747 to the US. This presents the perfect avenue for United Airlines’ frequent flyers to book award tickets on the iconic Jumbo Jet using their miles (more on this later).
German flag carrier Lufthansa continues to operate the Boeing 747 on several long-haul routes to the US. According to Cirium , Lufthansa is the largest operator (among Star Alliance members) of US-bound 747 services. In August 2024, the airline has seven Jumbo Jet routes from Frankfurt (FRA) to the US, with 31 flights on each route.
Destination Seats Available Seat Miles (ASMs) New York (JFK) 11,501 43,723,260 Los Angeles (LAX) 11,284 60,173,232 Miami (MIA) 11,284 44,347,856 San Francisco (SFO) 11,284 65,514,904 Chicago (ORD) 11,375 54,535,572 Houston (IAH) 11,298 49,413,000 Newark (EWR) 11,299 64,307,516 With nearly 80,000 seats available on the Boeing 747, Lufthansa remains one of the most significant operators of the 747 to the US, offering numerous opportunities to book a flight on this iconic aircraft. Photo: Phuong D. Nguyen | Shutterstock Air China, the flag carrier of the People's Republic of China, also operates the Boeing 747 to the US – however, only on one route: Beijing (PEK) to JFK.
Data from Cirium shows that the airline has 22 flights on the route in August 2024, offering 8,030 seats and 54,909,140 ASMs. While Air China's 747 operations are more limited compared to Lufthansa, the PEK-JFK still offers a chance to experience a flight on the 747. How to book flights on a 747 using United Airlines' Miles Booking a Star Alliance flight using United MileagePlus miles is a fairly straightforward process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide: First, go to United Airlines' website and use the flight search tool to find available flights. Make sure the route is one of the 747 routes covered above, and remember to select the "Book with miles" checkbox. The screenshot below shows flights from FRA to JFK and the number of miles needed for an award ticket: Once you have selected your desired date, scroll through the list of available flights and look for those that are operated on a Boeing 747.
Below, you can see that there are two flights on August 22 operated by Lufthansa on the Jumbo Jet. Next, click on your desired flight and log into your United MileagePlus account when prompted by the pop-up. Alternatively, you could do this ahead of step 1 before you start searching for flights.
Lastly, simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete your booking. Ensure that you have sufficient miles in your account, and be prepared to pay any additional taxes and fees. Exploring other 747 options: Korean Air While Korean Air is not a member of Star Alliance, it is worth noting that the airline continues to operate the Boeing 747 on routes to the US.
The Korean flag carrier operates the 747 on the following routes from Incheon (ICN) in August 2024: Destination Number of flights Seats ASMs JFK 31 11,408 81,601,424 Honolulu (HNL) 25 9,200 42,108,400 Atlanta (ATL) 34 12,512 86,420,384 Korean Air can be a viable choice for those who wish to fly on a 747 but do not have United Airlines points. This also presents an option for those seeking routes that are not operated by Lufthansa and Air China. Conclusion Flying on a Boeing 747 is becoming increasingly rare, making it a unique experience for aviation enthusiasts and travelers alike.
By leveraging United Airlines' MileagePlus program, you can still secure a seat on this legendary aircraft through Star Alliance carriers like Lufthansa and Air China. With routes across the US, Lufthansa offers the most opportunities, while Air China provides a direct connection between Beijing and New York. For those without United points, exploring options like Korean Air is a worthwhile alternative.
Awards can be booked with Etihad Guest Miles, plus through several other loyalty programs. As the 747 gradually phases out of commercial service, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these opportunities and experience the Queen of the Skies before she retires from the skies for good..
