I read this morning that Delta will fly their last 747 flight on Nov. 7th. What an amazing plane. I need to retell my 747 story... quite short story.
In the early 70's I was stationed in New Jersey... On a flight from Newark to SF I flew the 'red-eye' 747. They still had the bar upstairs in those days. On the plane, a 747, there were 7, count em', 7 passengers. If memory serves the flight attendants onboard outnumbered the passengers. All but one of the passengers spent the entire flight gathered around the bar.
Over the years I believe I flew in a 747 only a very few times. Less than 5. I can remember when I would discover my flight would be in a 747 I was thrilled. I have always considered the 747 one of the most beautiful planes ever manufactured.
I'm sure that 747's will still be in the air for years to come... in one way or another... but, and to me sadly, they are quickly joining that 'bygone era'. - JamesJM