My Top Posts Of 2019 As We Enter 2020

I haven’t really compiled any roundups or monthly “best of” compilations of Family Flys Free posts, but I thought I would as we end one year and kick off the next. With content split primarily among family travel, airline and loyalty program commentary, and review posts, I figured I pick the top few from each category. The airline and loyalty program commentary certainly has done the best, so let’s look at those first:

Top 3 Airline and Loyalty Program Posts

• Why Everyone Agrees Delta is the Best U.S. Airline – While I admittedly have an affinity for Delta as a Platinum Medallion for 2019 (which I sadly missed for 2020 due to an error), they do set themselves apart from the other major airlines. Some commenters pointed out that Alaska is better, and from a loyalty and elite program perspective, I see their point. However, their limited footprint and lack of participation in a global alliance is a bit of an issue for me.
• 5 Reasons Why American is the Worst U.S. Airline – Figures that the flip-side opinion would be next in the top 3. I’m actually surprised this didn’t take the top spot. With suffering operations, poor morale, and lots of frustrated customers, American took a bit of a beating in 2019. My business class flight with my daughter to Buenos Aires was my first interaction with their frosty flight attendants.
• This Has to Be the Silliest Resort Fee Amenity Ever – I already hate resort fees, but what was included here is downright ridiculous. Actually, it is insulting. I hope that the hotel either drops the fee or pulls such nonsense from their amenity fee details. I won’t expect Hyatt to step in.

Top 3 Family Travel Posts

• Should Kids Be Allowed in Airport Lounges? – I’m not surprised this is my top family travel post. It is a contentious topic. Some people think the airport lounge should be a sea of tranquility free from kids. Well…I argue that kids aren’t the only ones that disrupt the lounge experience. And in most cases, they actually don’t disrupt anything.
• Why I Don’t Always Take a Suite Upgrade – This is a bane of family travel. The requirement to have two beds kills the upgrade chances, as so many have only king beds. But…it what we have to do.
• The Secret to Great In-Flight United Service – Yes, this was totally a clickbait post. But it has amused me how well the flight attendants with United (more accurately, SkyWest) treat my kids. Extra snacks, close attention, gummy bears to go. It pays to be a kid.

Top 3 Review Posts

• American Airlines 777-200 Business Class: Dallas to Buenos Aires – This was my first business class flight of the year, the first of six. I’ll daresay that American doesn’t hold a candle to other carriers, and my experience with them would have been the worst if not for the lackluster product offered by Alitalia. My daughter enjoyed it immensely, though, and it was a wonderful way to travel to South America.
• United 757-200 Transcontinental Business Class – This trip was my first time flying any transcontinental premium product. I may be in love, even with United (just as long as they don’t serve kale pesto ever again). The best part is that you can book these lie-flat seats for just 12,500 Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles!!
• China Airlines 777-300ER Business Class: San Francisco to Taipei – Aside from the Finnair business class flight on their A350-900, this was my most anticipated flight of the year. The timing in magnificent, letting you depart late, sleep, and arrive refreshed in Taiwan. The catering is excellent, the service great, and they have a lovely cabin aesthetic.

Conclusion

There’s already a lot on the agenda for 2020, and I’m looking forward to another exciting year of travel. I’ll be kicking things off with an international trip with my two older kids this month, interspersed with some domestic travel for work, a miles and points meetup, and a solo adventure to fill out the first quarter.

Happy New Year!!