In this post, I’ll share a review of 2021 and the Top Five Trips (Plus a Bonus) of the year…

2021 was 100% better than 2020, thanks to fewer scenes like this.

2021 Year in Review:

As I look back on the year 2021, I can’t help but feel anything other than an overwhelming sense of gratitude. After the lockdowns of 2020, we were finally able to stretch our legs a bit more than we had. By the numbers, it was a pretty epic year. It’s definitely a step in the right direction compared to 2020″¦

“¢ Three more airlines
“¢ 76 more hours in the air
“¢ 37 more flights
“¢ 15 more airports
“¢ Five more countries
“¢ 22,080 more miles

But, not quite as strong as when compared to the “old normal” like 2019″¦

“¢ Eight fewer airlines
“¢ 180 fewer hours in the sky
“¢ 48 fewer flights
“¢ Five fewer airports
“¢ Eight fewer countries
“¢ 67,360 fewer miles

Regardless of the stats, I’m so incredibly grateful for all of the experiences we’ve had this year. And most thankful to have had the opportunity to share so many of them with you.

But, which were my favorite flights from 2021?

Best Trips of 2021

Number 5: Air France DTW-CDG

This was a really special flight since it was the first international flight in more than 18 months. I’d wanted to try the Air France Dreamliner ever since they introduced it back in 2016 or so. The experience was special and earned a JebScore of 21/25 stars.

Number 4: Hub Hopping

Wow! Every time I think about this, I can’t help but pinch myself. I’m shocked it actually worked out. Flying to every United Airlines Hub (on the mainland USA) was not an easy task, but it was a fun challenge I’m glad to have tried. And, yes, I CAN’T WAIT to try it with other airlines in the future”¦

Number 3: Alaska to Hawaii

I’ve always been a sucker for interesting routes. From United’s Island Hopper to a flight over the North Pole, I really like populating my Flight Memories with interesting lines. And, when Suzanne and I were in Maui back in January 2021 and noticed flights coming in from Anchorage, we knew we needed to try it. Not to mention the fact, we got to fly on one of Alaska Airlines’ Special Liveried planes. This was a truly special flight.

Number 2: Surprise Trip

Now there’s nothing particularly unique about the onboard experience we had on these flights. Instead it was Suzanne’s INCREDIBLE planning and execution that made this trip truly incredible. She identified a place to take me that I’d never been and didn’t give me any real indication where we were going! It ended up being an absolute blast and hopefully we’ll get to do it again”¦

Number 1: Qatar Q Suites

My top trip of 2021 had to be something from our #NewlywedWorldTour Honeymoon and I’m not sure anything topped the first flight of the journey”¦flying with Qatar for the first time in their Q Suites! Plus”¦it was my first time on an Airbus A350-1000. Yeah, Emirates First Class was also incredible, but it was this flight that kicked off our adventure, so it’s Q Suites for the Number One slot! The experience was top-notch and it’s no wonder it earned a JebScore of 22/25 stars!

Bonus: California Zephyr

Even though it wasn’t a flight AND Suzanne wasn’t there, it was still an unforgettable experience. The California Zephyr is by far my favorite Amtrak route (although the Empire Builder gives it a run for its money, and we haven’t tried the Coast Starlight, yet”¦so”¦). From the scenery along the way, to the great times I had with my friends onboard. Not to mention the crazy fact that the video has earned 3.8 million views and counting, it was a truly incredible experience.

Before We Go!

One more quick note, Suzanne and I filmed a Year in Review video that highlights even more from 2021. Check it out here:

As always, between now and the next time, “See You In The Sky!”