What is “popular” should help you understand why I tend to focus on the stories that I do. As we close out the year of 2023, I’m looking back at the 10 most popular posts of 2023 in terms of traffic on Live and Let’s Fly.
The trend is clear and has repeated itself for several years: people like reading bad news. I guess it is not a surprise in our clickbait culture, but the results are clear well beyond the top-10 list below. As you will see, not a single “positive” story made the cut for the fourth year in a row.
Although my incredibly time-consuming trip reports never make the top-10 list, I have to remind myself that I actually write to myself first and foremost and that it must always be that way. I’ve also been even more overtly political and religious this year than every before, which is not so much for clicks (frankly, this turns off many readers and is not great for short-term business) but rather finally feeling comfortable enough to risk offending some readers. But I don’t aggressively sell you credit cards and even if you disagree with me, I hope you can at least appreciate how I come to my worldview on a number of topics we have discussed this year. I make mistakes and always try to own up to them when I do. Sometimes I say things that I wish I could take back. That, I hope, is what sets this blog apart from the pack.
But without further ado, here are the ten most popular posts from 2023:
8. Senator Mocks Biden For Falling Down, Falls Off Airplane
7. United Airlines Flight Delayed After Cleveland Browns “Trash” Plane (Update)
4. American Airlines First Class Passenger Dragged Off Plane After Demanding Pre-Departure Beverage
3. “Don’t You Ever Tell Me To Speak English!” (Fight Breaks Out On My United Airlines Flight)
1. Mysterious Woman On American Airlines IDed As Texas Marketing Executive
Many thanks to Kyle Stewart and 121pilot for their contributions and insight over the last year. Both are a pleasure to work with and I am deeply grateful for their helpful contributions.
Here at Live and Let’s Fly, we do not avoid clickbait, but still try to make it worth your while to click through any story we write. Plus, this year has featured more trip reports, particularly hotel and flight reviews, than in any past year, and also in a more timely manner (though I have traveled so much I always feel like I am way behind). We look forward to bringing you more content worth reading in 2024. We also welcome your suggestions for how we might offer you even more relevant content that is worth reading and sharing.
Finally, a warning to longtime readers. I’ve been told that we are leaving massive amounts of money on the table by not focusing on a credit cards more here. I’ve always avoided that sort of business model, but you may see more credit card focus going forward, which if it happens would be more akin to the style of FrequentMiler rather than trying to sell you products you don’t need or not share best offers, regardless of affiliate link.
I appreciate your support of this website and the independent voice it offers.
Other articles would have been selected if the criteria were different, such as most interesting, most likely to be read 1 year from now, and most helpful.
The L-1011 in Benin and the woman with the clicking heels at the Cotonou hotel (5 Fevier Hotel?) are two memorable articles. A helpful article is not to take photos openly at the voodoo market in Benin.
I honestly think you should shill out credit cards more when they have an improved points offer, but not go overboard with the “Here’s 10 Reasons Why You Want a Capital One Venture X” every few minutes like the other guy. I want to narrow down how many travel sites I visit.
Your insight, honesty and truth in writing are much appreciated and as a family man that values showing my children the world I adore that you do the same with your children and document it. I hope that one day I catch you in a coffee shop/lounge/premium cabin somewhere and can thank and congratulate you in person. Long live live and let’s fly!
My favorite post this year, June 27. “My trip to Newark comically unravels” So realistic, so hopeful and disappointing all at once. We all have had those days. And you handled it so well. It would make a terrific short film. And the ending, stepping up to the piano at LAX at 2:00 am to record Ode to Joy was a gift, but also a fitting ending for the film. Again, thank you Matthew and good wishes for the new year.
Thanks for this and for you many comments. It brought a smile to my face.
Happy new year. I look forward to more great content in 2024! Also, saying you’ll follow the FM model is a good thing. I have tremendous respect for that team, and some cc based content will only stand to make LALF better.
Yeah that religious stuff is so cringe and doesn’t fit into how I see well educated people.
Maybe you could leave the 17th century behind you and enter the Age of Enlightenment.
May the scales fall from your eyes!