United 757-300

The Boeing 757-300 is an extended version of the (increasingly less) common 757-200 model.  It 23 feet longer than the standard model and looks silly in person, almost like it's too stretched out to work.  It also may be the 757 type to stay in airline service the longest because it seats up to 280 in an all coach design and has no planned replacement.  Airlines are trading in their 757-200 models for 737-900ER's that are much more fuel efficient, though seat 10 fewer and have shorter range.  There is no easy replacement for the 757-300, there isn't a 737 planned that can match the extra 31 or more seats.  Just be careful next time you fly a 757-300, Delta squeezes 11 more seats on their airplanes than United.

United Airlines 757-300

Not Flying This Weekend

I booked a trip to Oslo, Norway for this weekend to top off mile elite miles balance before the end of the year.  I didn't need the miles after all and moved the trip to next month, but all my flight alerts are still configured, so my phone has been buzzing with flight status messages.  It's funny to track how my weekend might have been unfolding while on the ground.  I also was able to attend a fun presentation on aviation photography at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum (one key is to know someone at the airport who can drive you around the tarmac).

Not Today

Airline Galley Cart As A Home Bar

Lufthansa’s inflight shopping magazine has some great items because they have airport shops in Frankfurt and Munich, so they can sell many interesting pieces that don’t fit in the onboard duty free cart. They even sell refurbished galley carts for use as bars at home.  I loved the idea, but I cringed at the price of €1,000 or more.

My Very own Galley Cart

I started to search for these on my own.  I looked at eBay and emailed used aircraft part suppliers.  Stewart Industries sells used American Airlines carts with drawers for $300 plus shipping from Oklahoma.  eBay was my best bet for choice, there are tons of carts in different conditions and from different carriers ranging from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand.  Different ones pop up now and again, so wait a few weeks if one that fits your tastes isn’t available immediately.

Galley Cart as Bar

The galley cart I bought was made by Driessen (Zodiac Aerospace) in April 2012 and was used by Hawaiian Airlines on their 767’s.  The cart is in great shape, glides effortlessly, and the breaks and door closures function like new.  It just needed some light cleaning and it’s ready for action.  I also bought some lightly used British Midland drawers on eBay to hold a few bottles and glasses; accessories are varied and plentiful.

Large Volume for Storeage

United Airlines Store Discount Code - 10% Off

The United Shop is running a modest sale for Cyber Monday. Great for people who were going to buy something anyway, but not worth making an unplanned purchase.  Use promo code HOLIDAYFRIENDLY for 10% off your order. Promo code is valid only on December 1, 2014 from 12:00 am EST to 11:59 pm EST.

United Express Taking Over Denver

Lost in Conversion

This doesn't seem like a very good deal to advertise.  Maybe Holiday Inn mixed up their currencies? The hotel is close to a metro stop and has a communist feel, but I doubt that justifies the price.

United MileagePlus Merchandise Award Sale

The best value frequent flyer awards, usually international premium cabin travel, are never guaranteed.  I searched recently and couldn't find any business class award space for two to Munich for the summer.  Even domestic coach awards are not a sure thing.  Merchandise awards provide less value per mile, but are always in stock and now on sale.  A Tumi Alpha 2 Continental Expandable 4-Wheel Carry-On is on sale for 51,400 United miles.  50,000 miles can buy two round trip flights in North America, worth $800 or more, while the bag retails for $645.  1.2c per mile isn't the best value, but the added value is that the merchandise award is available.

Award Space Not Always Available

Holiday Shopping Sale for Aviation Geeks

The Boeing Store is offering up to 25% orders.  This is similar to how Boeing sells airplanes, the more you buy, the lower the price.  No month long series of negotiations over maintenance and spares is needed for buying shirts, hats, and models; just order before the end of the month.  This is a great time to save $100 or more on a PacMin model.  Smaller orders might benefit from waiting for a free shipping promotion.

Beoing Is Not Selling These at a Discount

As a reminder, the US Airways Company Store still has the 75% off clearance sale, use coupon code: CLOSING. I’ve placed several orders from both the Boeing Store and US Airways store and had great experiences with both.