UPDATE 7:40 p.m. ET: Mashable has learned that the dog’s name is Hank and he belongs to Kari Whitman, an interior designer who founded Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue in Beverly Hills, California. Hank is Whitman’s support animal and, due to an illness, can only move with the aid of a cart, which explains his weight. We hope Hank enjoys many more relaxing flights in first class.
Our original story appears below.
This picture of a very large dog being wheeled toward an LAX boarding desk deserves to be named 2015’s best nature photograph.
According to Twitter user @madeleinedoux, the fat airplane dog flew first class on an American Airlines flight last night.
As of this writing, the original tweet of the dog has been retweeted nearly 3,500 times.
There is no single “greatest element” of this photo. The dog’s seeming indifference, the huddled employees surrounding him to take a picture and the majestic wheeled bed all blend together to make one of the most compelling images of all time.
In an interview through direct messages, @madeleinedoux told Mashable that the dog boarded the plane last and sat in the front row of first class with his owner, who’d seemingly purchased two tickets. The dog spent most of the flight lying on the ground near its seat, and didn’t bark or make noise for the duration of the trip.
As is evidenced in the only known photograph of the dog, onlookers were amazed by both its size and its luxurious cart.
“Everyone, both while boarding the plane and on the plane before takeoff, was speculating as to how the dog got so fat,” @madeleinedoux said. “You could legitimately hear hushed whispers of ‘He’s riding first class.'”
The full story of how fat airplane dog came to be is a fascinating mystery, and we will continue diligently investigating the story until more answers are found.
Mashable
British Airways sends 777-336(ER) to San Diego
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
British Airways today announced that from March 27, 2016, customers in San Diego will be able to fly to London in First class, as the airline introduces its larger, four cabin Boeing 777-300 on to the route. British Airways began daily services between San Diego International and London Heathrow in June 2011.
The new aircraft will be able to accommodate 297 customers – 14 in First, 56 in Club World (business class), 44 in World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and 183 in World Traveller (economy). This is an increase of 24 seats a day from the current Boeing 777-200 operating between the two cities.
Simon Brooks, British Airways’ Senior Vice President, North America, said, “We’re really pleased with how our San Diego service is performing and are delighted to introduce our First cabin into the market. Our exclusive First class cabin is well known for its exceptional comfort, fine wines and a la carte dining, and of course, our quintessential British service. I know it will be very popular with our customers.”
“We’re thrilled that British Airways has decided to increase the aircraft size on its popular London – San Diego route,” said Thella F. Bowens, President/CEO of San Diego International Airport. “The larger aircraft will now include a First class cabin in addition to the normal business, premium economy and economy cabins. This means the flight will provide the most options for both business and leisure travelers to connect in comfort.”
Premium First Experience
The new First cabin has 14 suites that are based on classic design and discrete luxury. Features include:
-Individual seats that turn into a 6 ft. 6 in. fully flat beds with a simple twist of a button
-Signature turn down service includes a luxurious quilted mattress, crisp white cotton duvet and pillow, along with pajamas and luxury amenity kit
-A personal closet and leather-bound writing desk that converts into a dining table
-A la carte dining and a buddy seat to enable customers to dine together
-Lighting and electronic blinds that can be modified to reflect mood and time of day
Enhanced Entertainment
Customers can enjoy on-demand seat-back entertainment, with more than 1,600 hours of programing. With 130 movies and 650 TV shows from around the world along with an extensive audio selection, British Airways is catering for every taste. The “Mindfulness For Travel” video series has been created exclusively for British Airways and the advanced personal inflight entertainment system features well being exercises, therapeutic audio playlists and a Flying with Confidence video.
Last month British Airways added a fourth city to its California roster when the airline announced that it will launch the first nonstop flight between San Jose and London, beginning May 4, 2016.
Airline Benefits
A joint business agreement between American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and Finnair provides a more seamless customer experience on routes between North America and Europe. Members of the AAdvantage, Executive Club, Iberia Plus and Finnair Plus programs can earn points or miles on codeshare flights across all the airlines. For more information visit www.flytransatlantic.com
British Airways Vacations offers a range of flight+hotel and flight+car packages, as well as sightseeing tours, city passes, theatre tickets, around the world to suit all budgets. With a deposit of $10 per person customers can lock in a price for 72 hours, giving them time to confirm details with their friends and family and making it even easier to book with confidence.
Yahoo Finance