By Shawn Gallagher
Just like that, 2024 has come to an end, meaning it’s time for a recap. The year saw a good combination of long haul and widebody flights and shorter domestic flights. I had several new experiences in new cabins as well, and I even got stranded overnight at an airport after a flight cancellation. A lot happened!
I’ll be going over my trips from this year, some of my best moments, and an update from me previewing what’s to come in 2025.
To start, here are a few of my some of my favorite, most memorable flights.
1. The Northern Lights Flight (JL8, NRT-BOS)
Read the full trip report here.
On January 20th, I flew Japan Airlines flight 8 from Tokyo Narita to Boston. I was in economy, and as this was a night flight, I was thinking that this would be just another uneventful 12 hour flight. However, I was wrong.
I was actually kind of expecting the Northern Lights to possibly make an appearance, given the time of day and the time of year, and the far northern route this flight typically takes. Still, I was very lucky to see them for the second time in my life.
I think they’re some of the best views you can get out of an airplane window. How can you not love flying?!
The flight itself ended up being fairly comfortable as well. The Japan Airlines Boeing 787’s economy class is arguably the best hard product in the aviation industry, which always makes a difference.
2. Delta Premium Select (DL276, HND-DTW)
Read the full Delta Premium Select review here.
I flew flight DL276 from Tokyo Haneda to Detroit in July. This was my first time flying Delta Premium Select and everything from the food service to the sunrise view was perfect. The 12 hour flight didn’t feel like 12 hours at all.
This meal was my favorite airplane meal in all of 2024.
This is why I always sit on the window.
3. Japan Airlines Domestic First Class (JL111, HND-ITM)
Read the full First Class review here.
This was my first flight of 2024, at the beginning of January. Despite the short 1 hour flight, there was a lot that went into it including private check-in desks, a First Class lounge, and a quality inflight meal. The flight attendants were very nice, and I enjoyed conversing with them after landing.
It was like boarding an international first class flight. Compared to domestic first in the United States, it was very high level.
The crew did a fantastic job with the food service on this short flight and were very attentive.
It Doesn’t Always Go According To Plan
Nothing all goes according to plan, either. I went through a good amount of bad luck connecting in Detroit back in July trying to go home to New York City. I got stranded there and had to spend a night there. I rerouted myself to Boston instead.
This was the most exhausted I’ve ever been in my life. I was awake for about 34 hours straight, and the whole trip took 40 hours door to door. After resting for a day in my Boston apartment, I headed down to New York the following day.
Related: Why direct flights are worth the extra money
When you do a lot of flying, incidents like this are bound to happen at some point. I completed this trip 1 day before the Crowdstrike/IT issues that hit the aviation industry. Even after this adventure, I still consider myself a lucky flyer.
In total, I flew 17 flights across 29,815 miles. I spent 71 hours in the air, and my most flown aircraft was the Boeing 787. Fair amount of flying, I’d say. Not so much, but not too little also.
Looking Ahead In 2025
2025 will continue to see good amounts of flying, and hopefully more than 2024. In addition to my regular domestic flights, I have eyes on several overseas destinations.
Tokyo will definitely see a visit from me at some point this year, most likely during the summer months or December (possibly both). I have also pondered visiting parts of Europe, although I can’t say for certain if it will happen or not.
New Zealand is another major potential destination. I have a friend to visit there, and I’ll be able to create a lot of content and experiences on my way there and at the destination. This will probably happen during the summer months.
My travels and content tend to be focused on specific airlines and brands. More specifically, I mostly fly and focus on American Airlines, Delta, Japan Airlines, and World of Hyatt for hotels. This will continue in 2025, but I’m looking to explore a few new airlines as well. Flying to New Zealand and Japan will be good opportunities.
In recent months, I’ve written articles regarding travel and aviation from a more macroeconomic point of view, with my background in economics. I’m hoping to expand on this heavily this year, helping readers see how these macroeconomic relations between countries can affect international travel, including exchange rates and airline costs.
Thank You All, and a Happy New Year!
Most importantly, I hope everyone has a fantastic 2025! Here’s to many more adventures and experiences. Happy New Year!