As 2024 draws to a close, we are wrapping up my annual “Top 10” series. Here, I’ll look back on my 10 favorite flights from 2024.
My Top 10 Flights In 2024
As a reminder, this is not a top-10 all-time list nor does it necessarily 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 great service onboard. While it is difficult to quantify the value of great service, it certainly makes a flight memorable in a positive way and in retrospect, always is a hallmark of my favorite flights.
10. Turkish Airlines A350-900 Business Class [LAX-IST]
The flight was great, but getting on the flight was even greater after a mammoth struggle with the Turkish Airlines call center.
9. Bulgaria Air A220 Business Class [SOF-AMS]
What a delight this flight turned out to be, with wonderful service, a delicious breakfast, and the cabin all to myself.
8. Porter E195 “PorterResreve” [LAX-YYZ]
My flight on Porter was such a treat…I’m so happy to see this carrier expand beyond turboprops.
7. Delta Air Lines A330-900neo Business Class [LAX-LHR]
A lovely flight on Delta with really great service. I’m sorry to see Delta drop this route…
6. SAS A330-300 Business Class [EWR-CPH]
A solid flight from Newark to Copenhagen on the A330 days after SAS made the switch from Star Alliance to SkyTeam. Review coming.
5. United Airlines 787-10 Business Class [FRA-ORD]
The service from the Chicago-based crew on this flight was over-the-top attentive and I enjoyed a great nap between two great meals onboard.
4. KLM 787-9 Economy Class [KUL-CGK]
First, I appreciated the full meal on this short flight. More importantly, though, I appreciated the warm and caring service, especially after Augustine fell ill.
3. United Airlines 787-9 Business Class [SFO-PPT]
After holding the flight for my wife and me, we were treated to very lovely service onboard our journey to Tahiti.
2. United Airlines 787-9 Business Class [ICN-SFO]
The crew…wow. Best ever. I loved the service from Michelle, Deon, and Yoichi. I’m still beaming about that flight.
1. Japan Airlines A350-1000 First Class [JFK-HND]
What a beautiful aircraft with lovely service and decadent dining onboard. This is my favorite first class product not just for 2024, but period.
I will not do a “10 worst flights” list this year. Sure, I can count up a number of bad flights (all on United…), but sometimes it feels like I am just nitpicking, especially because I mostly fly in premium cabins.
In 2022, not a single United flight made the list, last year two did, and this year three did. United is improving and I’m grateful for that, even as I lose my 1K status.
I’m quite looking forward to more great travel next year…as a free agent.
What was your best flight in 2024?
JAL is always superior .
Based on your review from a couple of months ago, knew that the PD flight was going to crack the top 10 list for this year.
I’m quite sure the 10 most memorable include those with your seatmate of yhe SAS run.
+1