As Delta Air Lines approached the retirement of its Boeing 747 fleet, the aircraft experienced an unexpected resurgence in popularity. Known widely as the "Queen of the Skies," the iconic jumbo jet drew significant attention from aviation enthusiasts and passengers alike, who sought to experience the legendary plane one last time before it exited the US commercial passenger landscape. This heightened interest was clearly evident in the booking data leading up to the final months of the aircraft's operation.

According to Simple Flying, the airline's decision to organize farewell tours and specific final route announcements served as a catalyst for intense passenger demand. The sentiment surrounding the retirement was profound, with travelers eager to secure seats on flights that were otherwise scheduled for decommissioning. This enthusiasm culminated in the carrier's final 747 passenger flight, which traveled from Detroit to Seoul in December 2017; the aircraft departed with a full passenger load, marking the end of a storied chapter for the airline and its historic fleet.