Year in review: Travel analyst Zach Griff's trip stats and top experiences of 2019
I’ve had the time of my life since joining TPG in January.
Throughout the year, I’ve traveled to amazing places, met incredible people and produced some awesome content. I recently wrote about the status I earned this year — definitely enough to make TPG himself proud — so I’ll focus on my travel itself. And if you want to come along with me for the ride, follow me on Instagram (@_zachgriff).
Looking back, I'll be highlighting below some interesting stats, as well as calling out some of my best travel experiences of 2019.
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2019 Travel Stats
Total miles flown: 205,985
Longest flight: 9,524 miles on the world’s longest flight from Newark to Singapore (review coming soon)
Shortest flight: 62 miles on one of British Airways’ shortest flights from Antigua to St. Kitts (review coming soon)
Unique airlines: 24 (Azul, Alaska, ANA, American Airlines, Bangkok Airways, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cape Air, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Delta, GOL, JAL, JetBlue, LATAM, Lufthansa, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, South African, Southwest, Swiss, Thai and United)
Unique airports: 52
Hotels: Too many to list, but you can see a collage of my hotel keys below
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6YzvM_FUyX/
Most meaningful trip
I love to travel. There’s just something exhilarating about exploring the unknown. But my most meaningful trip this year wasn’t necessarily a far-flung exploration. It was TPG's trip to PeaceJam Ghana.
https://www.instagram.com/p/By-hw8glPs0/
I went with a group of colleagues, and we witnessed Noble Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi inspire Ghanaian youth to stand up against childhood slavery and abuse. The children I interacted with were so excited to learn from us and left me more hopeful in society.
Favorite airport lounge
Although I don’t visit most domestic airport lounges, the story is quite different when I’m traveling internationally. The spread in lounge quality is so vast across airlines and continents, so I’m always on the lookout for new relaxing spaces.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4c0oy-FDPP/
That said, I spent time in some incredible lounges this year. The Swiss First Class lounge in Zurich was definitely one of my favorites. Between the private bedrooms and expansive outdoor terrace, this AvGeek was giddy the entire time he was there. When I wasn’t burning calories pacing outdoors, spotting a Swiss A220 or United 767, I was enjoying some top-notch food and drinks.
But my favorite lounge of the year was the Qantas First Lounge in Singapore. Qantas just opened the brand-new lounge a few weeks ago, and I was fortunate to visit when it opened. The restaurant-quality dining was delectable, and the relaxation areas were inviting. As a newly-minted Oneworld Emerald (thanks to Hyatt and AA), I’m really looking forward to visiting this lounge again next year.
Coolest AvGeek experience
I didn’t just travel around the world reviewing airlines and hotels this year. I participated in some really cool AvGeek experiences that helped make this year so memorable.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0OYPODlz4j/
The highlight was creating two incredible behind-the-scenes time lapses of airport operations. In March, I went to LAX and then in the summer I went to Las Vegas McCarran Airport. Both of these videos are mesmerizing, so be sure to check them out if you haven’t already.
This year also saw the retirement of American’s MD-80s. The so-called "Mad Dogs" were the workhorse of the airline’s domestic fleet, so it was definitely a bittersweet day to witness live from Roswell, NM. It wasn’t all sad though, as I definitely had fun squeezing into an MD80 overhead bin.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2CogTSl1X9/
Exciting new product
AA wasn’t the only airline to make room for newer and more fuel-efficient planes this year.
JetBlue took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo, which represents the next evolution in the carrier’s commitment to offering a passenger-friendly flying experience. I loved the to-go snack bar, as well as the ability to use your Bluetooth-enabled device to control the seatback TV. Plus, there’s nothing better than the new plane smell.
But most exciting was United’s CRJ550. Though the plane isn’t technically new — the carrier took a CRJ700 and just redid the interior — it’s the most comfortable regional jet in the sky. First class offers spacious 1-2 seating and a walk-up refreshment center. Economy was quite roomy in a 2-2 configuration, and each seat will soon offer power outlets. The best part? There’s plenty of closet space for all your carry-on bags.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4I2OcYlpci/
What I’m looking forward to
2020 is shaping up to be another great year. I’ve already got some big trips planned for January, including a quick jaunt to Vietnam flying a new business class product, as well as Air Canada's A220 inaugural flight. In April, I’m hoping to fly on an El Al “test” flight from Tel Aviv to Melbourne and later in the year I plan to fly United's legendary island hopper. Though I haven’t finalized any other big trips, there’s definitely lots more to come.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6OWW8XFaaP/
If you’d like to follow along, stay tuned here on the site, to TPG’s social accounts (Instagram and Twitter) and my own Instagram (@_zachgriff)!
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.