Zach Griff’s 2022 travel highlights, trip stats and what to expect next year

Another year is coming, and with it some reflections on the accomplishments of 2022 and excitement for what lies ahead in 2023.

From a travel perspective, this year is starting to feel “normal” again. The mask quest is over in March, and much more Countries are starting to reopen their borders to tourists.

While I personally am not at the top my 2019 travel statsI am still fortunate to be able to visit some of the destinations that were previously banned during the pandemic, including Bali and Singapore.

There are plenty of other travel-focused highlights this year, so I’ll summarize some of the highlights below and share what’s coming up for 2023.

tourism statistics 2022

Total miles flown: 185,780 (2021: 152,033; 2020: 133,796 miles; 2019: 205,985 miles)

Longest flight: New York — Singapore (9,527 miles)

Shortest flight: Boston — New York (184 miles)

Single airline: 18

Single airport: 47

Elite status earned: 7 (American AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Delta SkyMiles Gold Medalist, United Premier 1K, JetBlue Mosaic, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, World of Hyatt Globalist). Read more about my elite status plan for 2023 in dedicated story.

Earlier this year, I had to check one of the coolest planes I’ve ever seen — a Boeing 757-200 converted into a luxury VIP configuration for travel providers Abercrombie and Kent.

The 757 seats 48, spread across 34 rows in a 2-2 configuration. While the seats are largely the same as what you’d find in international business class, Abercrombie and Kent’s private jet experience includes cooked-to-order meals, premium champagne and spirits, and highly personalized service.

Better yet, planes fly from private terminals at some of the world’s most inaccessible airports, bringing you closer to the action — whether it’s a safari or a distant city.

With a list price of $160,000 per person, I don’t think flying this jet will be on the cards in 2023, but at least I did. an inside look.

The longest flight in the world, takes 2

During the pandemic, Singapore Airlines caught the attention of The world’s longest new route opens: from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Singapore.

The flight was 9,527 miles, just 2 miles longer than the previous longest flight in the world, from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Singapore.

While I flew the Newark route in 2019I can’t wait to experience JFK flight — not only because of the novelty of being on the world’s longest flight, but also because compare experience with the Newark route.

Suffice it to say, it’s a explosion for this aviation enthusiastand I even caught a glimpse of the extremely rare aurora borealis.

New routes and many abandoned cities

As a reporter, I spend most of my time covering the airline industry, and no storyline has garnered the most headlines this year as the plot about network adjustments during the era. epidemic.

All major US airlines have added a series of new routes and destinations this year, though my two favorites are MU expands transatlantic in the summer and Delta’s new service to Cape Town and Tahiti.

I was lucky enough to fly United’s opening ceremony from Newark to Palma de Mallorca, Spainin June, and it’s great to be part of the fun, which includes a departure gate party, commemorative pajamas and a welcome reception upon arrival.

That said, it’s not all about this year’s expansion. The US Big 3 airlines continue to remove small US cities from their route map.

Since the pandemic began, American, Delta and United have pull out together from 64 huge US citiesaccording to Cirium data and network analysis performed by aviation consulting firm Ailevon Pacific.

Big tech upgrade

Every year, I look forward to testing new travel-focused technology, and 2022 is one of the best.

Upgrade title is Apple’s new MacBook Air, launched in July and has quickly become my go-to laptop. This computer is powered by the tech giant’s latest M2 processor, delivering incredible performance and all-day battery life. Actually, I used the computer during the longest flight in the worldand i landed with 85% battery left.

Apple beat it with other new devices and gadgets this year, including AirPods Pro second generation, iPhone 14″ product line and Apple Watch Series 8.

I’m also a fan of GoPro’s latest Hero11 camera, and I had the pleasure of testing DJI’s new Mini 3 Pro drone during my outdoor-focused trips. Be sure to catch all of my travel gear recommendations in annual gift guide.

Used airplanes like new

Delta has taken a very interesting approach to its fleet strategy this year.

Atlanta-based carrier buy used Airbus A350 aircraft and Boeing 737 from many different airlines and the airline quickly added these planes to its fleet due to the rapid increase in travel demand.

While the planes are currently flying in Delta’s palette and paintwork, the cabins themselves have yet to be updated.

That said, the “inferior” A350s don’t necessarily outdated as you would expect, especially for couples traveling together. In fact, I was surprised when I fly Delta’s first used A350 in June.

The first place in the country has a big transformation

Delta not only added used planes to its fleet this year – it also lost delivered a brand new domestic working horse, Airbus A321neo, or “new engine option.”

While the plane itself may look like a classic Airbus A321, the sporty interior is perhaps the biggest upgrade to a first-class experience in the country.

Delta install a custom recliner has additional privacy features, more storage and many other improvements.

In fact, I’d say this is the biggest innovation to happen to the domestic experience this year.

The waiting room is getting nicer… and busier

Now that tourism is close to returning to 2019 levels, airports are really busy again. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in the waiting room.

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, waiting room overload is back with a vengeance. However, once you enter the lounge, you will at least be able to enjoy a much upgraded experience.

Delta opened three stunning new Sky Clubs this year at New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. My personal favorite is the one in LA, which has a year-round outdoor patio that’s perfect for plane watching.

American and United also opened new outposts this year, including Huge United club in Newark and a First Admiral’s Club of its kind in the nation’s capital.

Premium economy is all the rage

If you’re looking for a little more comfort on your next international flight, you might want to consider splurge for high-end economy.

Intermediate service between business and economy classes has become more popular than ever, with more and more airlines adding it to their long-haul fleets.

This year saw Introducing KLM .’s new premium economy, which I flew on the inaugural flight. The experience, especially the dining section, looks more like business class than economy class.

In fact, it’s great that it won TPG Award for Best Premium Economy Cabin.

A US airport renaissance

One of the highlights of the pandemic has been the acceleration of airport infrastructure projects. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in the Northeast, where new stations spring up in LaGuardia and Newark . Airport.

American and British Airways co-located at JFK’s Terminal 8, now featuring three new lounges and an upgraded premium check-in experience.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) also received a major upgrade with opening of Delta’s new Sky Way at Terminals 2 and 3.

Memphis also reinvents itself as a post-delta hub with Terminal 23 new gateopened in February.

I don’t have many reservations yet, but I’m looking forward to flying United’s first service to Dubai in March, back to Japan and fly the new flight of Qantas from Sydney to New York via Auckland.

I’m sure many more are coming throughout the year, so stay tuned to TPG for more exciting news in 2023 and beyond.