In 2024, my wife Sharon and I spent less time traveling than we did in 2022 and 2023. I didn’t think we were part of the revenge travel trend, but who knows? In addition, we returned to flying more often and taking fewer road trips. We also each took a few solo trips, which gave us slightly different flight experiences this year. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of 2024 was which airlines we flew the most—a definite departure from our usual patterns.
Sharon’s Flights
Sharon flew a total of 15 flight segments in 2024, 14 of which were non-stop. Her travel map wasn’t extensive due to three round trips between Orlando and Austin.
She flew 12,620 miles for the year. Her longest flight was on Frontier, from Buffalo (BUF) to Orlando (MCO), while her shortest flight was a Southwest connection from Baltimore (BWI) to Buffalo (BUF).
Here’s how her flights broke down by airline:
- Southwest: 7 segments
- Delta: 3 segments
- JetBlue: 2 segments
- American: 2 segments
- Frontier: 1 segment
Joe’s Flights
While I also flew 15 segments, my map was more spread out due to two solo trips—one to London and one to Las Vegas.
I flew 21,365 miles. My longest flight was from London Gatwick (LGW) to Orlando (MCO), and my shortest was a hop to Atlanta (ATL).
Here’s my airline breakdown:
- Southwest: 4 segments
- Delta: 3 segments
- American: 3 segments
- JetBlue: 2 segments
- Spirit: 1 segment
- Virgin Atlantic: 1 segment
- Norse Atlantic Airways: 1 segment
Airline Breakdown
This year, I prioritized convenience—choosing flights based on routing and schedules rather than loyalty. As a result, we flew with some airlines we don’t typically use.
Southwest
Southwest returned to the top spot in 2024, reclaiming a position it last held in 2022. While opinions on Southwest vary, the airline aligns well with our travel style. The Upgraded Boarding reimbursement from our Southwest Priority Card ensures I don’t have to worry about getting stuck in a middle seat. When I prefer to save those upgrades, I can opt for EarlyBird Check-In and have the cost reimbursed through the travel credit on the Ritz-Carlton card.
Spirit and Frontier
This year, we flew ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) again, with Sharon flying Frontier and me flying Spirit. Our views on these airlines haven’t changed. They’re not our first choice, but we’re not opposed to using them when they fit our plans. For example, Frontier offered the best-timed non-stop flight for a trip, and its price was lower than Southwest or JetBlue.
Norse Atlantic Airways
I was curious about trying Norse Atlantic Airways for my flight from London to Orlando. Known for its low fares, the airline was an interesting choice. I flew in their premium class for a daytime flight, so I didn’t miss having a lie-flat seat.
Final Thoughts
While 2024’s flights were closer to our usual patterns, 2025 looks set to be different. We’re planning trips to new destinations, which will likely shift our airline mix.
Additionally, American Airlines has cut its non-stop flight from Orlando to Austin, meaning we’ll probably fly with them even less in 2025. That route accounted for all of our American flights in 2024.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that airlines constantly change routes, schedules, and prices. These factors often dictate which flights we take more than our preferences do.
Maps generated by the Great Circle Mapper – copyright © Karl L. Swartz.
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