My Top 10 Flights In 2019

As 2019 draws to a close, it is time for my annual “Top 10” series. Here, I’ll look back on my 10 favorite flights from 2019.

As a reminder, this is not a top-1o all-time list nor does it contain the 10 most luxurious flights I enjoyed this year. Rather, it represents my subjectively favorite flights. You’ll see the common thread among the list is the great service onboard. While it is difficult to quantify the value of great service, it certainly makes a flight memorable in a positive way.

10. British Airways A350-1000 Business Class, LHR-MAD

BA’s new A350-1000 finally brings a competitive business class seat to the table (at least from a privacy perspective). But perhaps what I loved most about this flight was how proud the crew was to serve on this new aircraft. Great dinner as well.

> Review: British Airways A350-1000 Business Class

9. Virgin Australia 777-300ER Business Class, LAX-BNE

I so appreciated the service and coffee on this flight. I had trouble sleeping, but cannot fault the seat for that. Internet was also very fast. Overall, a great flight.

> Review: Virgin Australia 777-300ER Business Class

8.  United 757-300 “First” Class, IAD-LAX

It wasn’t the seat or meal that makes this flight #8, but the warm, caring, professional service from purser Dee Ann.

> Read More: A Model Flight Attendant For United Airlines

7. Cathay Pacific 777-300 First Class, PEK-HKG

What a lovely crew I encountered on this three-hour flight from Beijing to Hong Kong. Plus, Cathay’s six-seat first class cabin is timeless and fast wi-fi onboard makes the product even more competitive.

> Review: Cathay Pacific 777-300ER First Class

6. ANA A380 First Class, HNL-NRT

Not only is the new first class suite lovely, but the crew was lovelier. Food was a disappointment on this flight or it would have ranked higher, but overall ANA’s new A380 is a must-fly aircraft.

> Review: ANA A380 First Class

5. Thai Airways 747-400 First Class, NRT-BKK

It had been a couple years since I had flown first class on Thai Airways and I was blown away by the caring, sincere service onboard. The flight from Tokyo to Bangkok was far too short, though.

> Review: Thai Airways 747-400 First Class

4.  Air Italy A330-200 Business Class, MXP-LAX

A comfortable seat and tasty multi-course meal were positives, but what really set this flight apart was Maurizio, one of the best flight attendants I have ever encountered. Read my full review below to find out more.

> Review: Air Italy A330 Business Class

3. China Southern A380 First Class, CAN-PEK

You could say that low expectations shaped my experience on this flight, but that would not be fair to China Southern. Not only did the service and food onboard drastically exceed my expectations, but the whole product was objectively excellent. Other than a long (weather) delay, my onboard experience with China Southern was an excellent one.

> Review: China Southern A380 First Class

2. Emirates 777-300ER First Class, DXB-BRU

Not only did I experience my best meal of the year on this flight, but also the best hard product. The new Emirates first class suites are unparalleled, exceeding even the Apartments on Etihad.

> Review: Emirates 777-300ER First Class

1. Lufthansa 747-8 First Class, FRA-LAX

This flight was all about Marcel, the most conscientious, professional, and overall best flight attendant I have ever had the pleasure of flying with. Throw in a great meal and comfortable suite and this flight was easily my best of the year.

> Review: Lufthansa 747-8 First Class
> Read More: A Model Flight Attendant On Lufthansa

CONCLUSION

Again, so many on the list above were less about luxury and more about service. Service always leaves the most memorable impression.

What was your best flight in 2019?