These Are My 5 Most Memorable Flights (Out of 65) This Year

Looking back on what was a busy year of flying, some experiences stood out more than others.

When I say “most memorable,” I don’t necessarily mean the best or the most luxurious. Flying in premium cabins is a privilege I will always appreciate, but it’s not always about the most expensive Champagne, coziest lie-flat bed, or Michelin-starred inflight dining that makes a flight memorable.

What truly makes a flight unforgettable often goes beyond those luxuries — here’s a glimpse at what some of my favorites were.

1. Flying Over the Tanzanian Countryside in a Propeller Plane

I’ll always remember the magic of my first African safari. Part of that magic for me was taking Air Excel Cessna 208B, or Grand Caravan, from Arusha (ARK) to Lake Manyara (LKY). We flew at only around 8,000 feet which made for some breathtaking views over this stunning part of the world.

How To Book Air Excel

My flights were booked as part of an organized trip with Abercrombie & Kent safaris, which cost around $162 each way. You can also book flights directly with Air Excel.

2. Flying Emirates in a Brand New Premium Economy Cabin

In more than 5 years of working in this field, I had somehow never experienced flying with Emirates. That all changed this past October when I traveled with the airline from London Heathrow (LHR) to Dubai (DXB). Adding to the excitement, I got to do so aboard its iconic flagship aircraft, the Airbus A380.

Stepping onboard, I was met with the staircase to heaven (first class), and the new premium economy cabin where I’d be sitting.

A highlight of this experience was this stellar 3-course meal. This hearty British dish of sausage, mash, and veg with sticky toffee pudding dessert was better than some business class meals I’ve ever had. The meal, which was served on a single tray, was even plated on proper china.

How To Book Emirates Premium Economy

Emirates flies nonstop to 14 cities across North America. As the carrier only introduced the cabin relatively recently, only 6 of those routes feature premium economy. This includes Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO).

However, in January, Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Seattle (SEA) will welcome Emirates’ premium economy service followed by Miami (MIA) and Newark (EWR) in February.

Emirates premium economy is known for its steep price when paying with cash. For example, the lowest round-trip fare from New York-JFK to Dubai is around $2,777.

3. Flying Aeromexico to Mexico City for Day of the Dead

Visiting Mexico during the Day of the Dead celebration has been a dream of mine since I first learned about it through watching Disney’s “Coco” in 2017.

In 2024, I finally made it happen. I found a reasonable first class fare to Mexico City (MEX) from Winnipeg (YWG) in Canada. The journey included 2 Delta Air Lines flights: one to Minneapolis (MSP) and another to San Antonio (SAT). The final leg, operated by Aeromexico — my first experience flying with Mexico’s flag carrier.

I was over the moon to find that “Coco,” the film that inspired the trip, was available on the inflight entertainment system. About midway through the flight, I noticed that every single TV screen ahead of me was also watching “Coco.” Whether or not my fellow passengers were traveling to Mexico specifically for the Day of the Dead, we all shared this special moment, celebrating this heartwarming cultural event together at 35,000 feet.

How To Book Aeromexico

As Aeromexico is part of the SkyTeam alliance, you can redeem Delta SkyMiles to book flights with Aeromexico. Using miles through Delta is often the better option, as Aeromexico’s Rewards program can be somewhat complicated to understand.

4. Flying on Beond From The Maldives (And Eating Lobster!)

My first big trip to kick off the new year was to the Maldives. The purpose of the trip wasn’t in fact the destination, but the airline that would fly me there.

Beond has been flying passengers to (and from) the Maldives for over a year onboard its all-business-class Airbus A320.

The food served onboard was excellent. My favorite dish was the lobster that, at the time, was served on flights departing Malé back to Europe. Unfortunately, the only picture I have is this screenshot of a video as I got caught up in filming mode and forgot to take pictures.

How To Book Beond

At the time of writing, the Maldives-based carrier only operates to a handful of destinations from its base at Malé.

Due to only operating aircraft capable of operating short-to-mid-haul flights, Beond doesn’t offer service to the U.S. However, you can fly nonstop from Dubai, Milan, Riyadh, and Zurich, as well as from Munich, with a refueling stop in Dubai.

5. Flying Air France’s Exclusive La Première Product

If there’s one flight I’ll never, ever forget, Air France’s La Première is it.

I was originally booked to fly home from Brazil in Air France business class. However, when I got to the check-in desk and learned that I could upgrade to La Première for $2,088, I couldn’t resist. While this wasn’t cheap, if you’re looking to experience the best of the best when flying then I promise you it will be worth every cent.

Complete with 2 ultra-plump pillows, it was the comfiest bed I have ever slept in the sky. Before touching down in Paris (CDG), I feasted on this multi-course banquet. I usually skip inflight breakfasts, but I’d gladly wake up for this time and time and again.

As for the service, this was the second Air France flight where I had the pleasure of flying with Madly. Thanks to her attentiveness, proactiveness, and oodles of personality, this will be an experience I will reflect on for the rest of my life.

How To Book Air France La Première

Air France La Première is just as exclusive as it gets when it comes to first class flying, so booking this product isn’t easy.

Round-trip tickets from the U.S. to Paris will set you back around $11,000. As for using points, access to La Première is typically reserved for the airline’s top-tier Platinum members of its Flying Blue frequent flyer program, so hoping for a cheaper cash upgrade is usually the best strategy.

Final Thoughts

Looking back on these 5 flights, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to merge my passion for aviation with my career. With Emirates A350 adventures and many more flights ahead, 2025 promises to be another exciting year.