At the Seniors Discount Club, we’ve heard of a lot of strange attractions in our day–but this one takes the cake.

McDonald's, the global giant best known for serving burgers and chips, may have dabbled in some surprising ventures in its history, but there are few more eyebrow-raising than their journey into the world of travel.

That’s right–Macca’s actually launched their own planes, trains and boats, with the fitting moniker of McPlanes, McTrains, and McBoats.

The unusual effort was made to extend the reach of the beloved fast-food chain and meet the needs of those who couldn’t be near a physical store to get their fast food fix.

In 1980, the company started by establishing its first floating restaurant; the aptly-named McBoat, located on the banks of the Mississippi River in the US.

And, it turns out, it was a veritable hit.

This watery abode could house 134 customers inside and a further 200 out on open-air decks, with the Macca’s real-estate manager at the time boasting that 'We have nothing like this in the whole world.'

It operated for an impressive 20 years, only to close in 2000.

But that wasn’t the only ship in the McDonald’s fleet of travel services.

Fancy a big-mac at 40,000 feet? Picture: Rolf Haid via News

In 1986, the company also launched the McBarge in Canada–a similarly-sized vessel that was said to be capable of hosting 1400 diners across two decks.

Unfortunately, though, it only stayed open for half a year.

Several years later, Macca’s entered the world of trains, teaming up with Germany’s rail service to offer its customers a 27-seater carriage with its classic golden arches in 1993.

It was, sadly, also discontinued soon after–within two years of its arrival–after passenger numbers didn’t live up to initial expectations.

But what would a journey to the wild world of McDonald’s travel be without a trip into the skies?

It turns out the famous fast-food joint actually teamed up with Swiss private air charter company Crossair and Hotelplan in 1994 to launch their own plane.

This jet was kitted out in McDonald’s unmistakable branding, and passengers had the chance to tuck into Big Macs right from the in-air trolley service.

Plus, there were extras thrown in, like certificates, goodies, and toys for the kids–making it a McDonald’s ride like no other.

Key Takeaways

• McDonald’s once attempted to expand its operations with the introduction of McPlanes, McTrains, and McBoats.
• One of their ventures included a floating restaurant on the Mississippi River (USA) which was operational for two decades and could accommodate over 300 customers.
• The company also joined forces with Germany's rail service in 1993 to introduce a moving restaurant carriage; however, it ceased operations within two years due to low customer turnout.
• In collaboration with Swiss private air charter company Crossair and Hotelplan, McDonald's inaugurated the McPlane that offered meal service complete with souvenirs and toys, although the venture didn't maintain food from their traditional supplier.

Ralf Pieprzyk, who worked for Crossair when the McPlane launched, even admitted that the meals had to be specially made for the flight to be able to be 'stored and served later in cruise flight'.

It's awesome to see companies thinking outside the box and doing something different to make life better. But, for now, it looks like Macca's is sticking to its usual stomping ground.

We don't think anyone here at the SDC is about to start longing for McBoats and McPlanes anytime soon, but it's still interesting to know that McDonald's gave such travel relationships a crack in their glorious history! Will we ever see a McSpace Shuttle? Only time will tell.

So, members: can you think of unique ways restaurants like McDonald’s can offer customers a new dining experience? Let us know below!

 

[Suzanne rose]

Yeh Good old customer service would be good !

McDonald's actually do great charity work behind the scenes well at least my friend who owns six Sydney McDonald's restaurants.
She donates regularly to Ronald McDonald house which is a home away from home for those who have very sick children.
She also attends with her workers and regularly cook meals for those parents as
well .

She is always donating to worthy causes.
Yes she owns six McDonald's along with her hubby but when any of those restaurants are down on staff then she will put on a uniform and serve, cook ect and this is often .

Like I said there is so much more happening than we see , we only hear negative and no positive things with McDonald's, her stores are franchises and I know she would do better things than putting their money to these planes trains and automobiles