I traveled a lot in 2013, or at least more than I usually do. So I thought I’d share the first-ever annual Hobie Awards for the best things I experienced. I flew on more than a dozen airlines, stayed in more than 30 hotels, took three cruises, and visited 20 cities on four continents.
And the winners are:
• Best airline (U.S.-based): Everyone seems to love Virgin America in all those reader polls, but not me. Their econ class is cramped, and the only bad trip I had last year was when I upgraded a $100 economy fare from Newark to L.A. to their first class last minute for $350. Maybe the flight attendant knew that I didn’t pay the full $2600 that Virgin charges for first, but he disappeared soon after the meal service to chat with his colleagues back in coach, only re-appearing as we were about to land. My seatmate went back to get some water, and when the first-class flight attendant finally showed his face and was asked where he disappeared to he replied, “That’s what the call button is for.” No, Virgin is not the winner. I’m going with a tie: United (gasp!) and American Airlines (gasp!) on this one (OK, all you haters, can it). Domestically, I flew on Frontier, Hawaiian, Southwest, JetBlue, American, Delta and US Air last year, but I was impressed with the two legacy carriers’ in-flight service (no disappearing flight attendants!) and their attempt to introduce new products such as the 777-300ER on AA and United’s revamped p.s. service on the transcon routes. That and their vast networks made travel easier and better this year.
• Best airline (non-U.S.-based): No surprises here: Singapore Airlines, with British Airways a very close runner-up. I flew on one of the last Singapore-LA nonstops, and on their A380s and triple-sevens too. Just a class act, year in, year out.
• Best airline seat (economy): JetBlue. You can’t beat the extra legroom, free in-flight TV and newish planes.