United Airlines has introduced a new generation of collectible aircraft-specific trading cards. Don’t forget to say hello to your pilot on a future flight and ask for one!
United Airlines Updates Aircraft Trading Cards
Back in my youth, I used to collect “battleship gray” trading cards that were slightly larger than a business card and offered aircraft information like cruising speed, range, wingspan, and capacity. These were fun mementos from flying and in many cases, I would request that the captain sign them.
These cards have continued through the years, though they are not well-advertised. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines also offers airline-specific trading cards and those cards have an almost cult-like following from Delta loyalists.
The Delta cards are fancy and have a reflective gloss over them that gives them a premum feel.
Recently, United has updated its own trading cards and they now have a similar feel, with metallic-colored finishes and a fresh design to reflect United’s new brand theme and latest livery.
Little Momentos Build Loyalty
Like airline-branded junior wings or swizzle sticks, these little mementos are tangible reminders of real-life experiences. When connected to good flights or memorable trips, these cards can build loyalty over a long-term period. For example, on United’s final 747 flight I had the flight crew sign a 747 trading card…and that remains a special memento.
I doubt anyone is going to fly United to pick up these cards, but I do suspect loyal United flyers may choose aircraft type based on being able to pick up a new card. I’ll still choose my routes based on pricing/timing, but if I have some flexibility I might definitely take, say, an A319 over a 737-800 if it means a new trading card.