As the industry in 2026 continues to consolidate, we’re seeing the end of some iconic brands. The merger between Asiana and Korean Air means the end of the Asiana name as we know it. I’ve always had a soft spot for Asiana, and with the airline’s fleet set to be absorbed by Korean Air by the end of the year, I wanted to experience their Airbus A380 one last time.
Today, we are taking a literal step back in time. I booked a business class ticket on a domestic flight in China to experience a true living legend: the oldest active passenger aircraft in the country. This isn’t just any aging widebody; this specific Air China Boeing 747-400 served as China’s “Air Force One” for decades, and it is the exact plane that chartered North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Singapore for his historic summit with President Trump.
Spending more than a day in the air is the ultimate test of endurance for any traveler. Recently, China Eastern introduced the world’s longest flight route: a brutal 29-hour trek starting in Argentina, crossing three continents, covering 20,000 miles, and landing in China. Seeking out the ultimate aviation challenge, I booked myself a seat in the very back of economy class to see what it’s really like to suffer and survive the most demanding flight on Earth.
Flight Details Aerolíneas Argentinas is an airline in crisis, mirroring the massive economic challenges of its home country. It has gained such a poor reputation that even the President of Argentina reportedly opted for Lufthansa economy class over his own national carrier for a state visit. I recently flew their Airbus A330-200 from Madrid to
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has a new queen of the skies: the Airbus A350-1000. To give it a proper trial, I put all three cabins to the test, moving from Business Class to Premium Economy on short domestic hops, before tackling a grueling 16-hour economy flight from Manila to New York (JFK).
When people think of Turkish aviation, the first name that comes to mind is Turkish Airlines. But after 30+ flights with the national carrier, I’ve often been put off by what I call their “hooligan-like” attitude and lack of a simple smile.
That’s why my recent trip from Leipzig, Germany to Cairo, Egypt via Antalya was such a revelation. I flew Sun Express, a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, and for the first time in years, I saw a Turkish cabin crew member who actually seemed happy to be there.
Avianca is the second oldest airline in the world and was once celebrated as the crown jewel of South American aviation. But following its post-pandemic bankruptcy, something shifted. It has become the only airline in the world to transition from a premium, full-service carrier to an ultra-low-cost model where almost everything including your water comes with a price tag.
Travel in 2026 has been anything but predictable. With major combat operations beginning in Iran last week, the aviation world was turned upside down. Over 1 million passengers were stranded globally, and I was one of them.
After years of delays, certification issues, and what can only be described as a massive PR headache for the airline, the Lufthansa “Allegris” First Class is finally here. To see if it lives up to the hype, I decided to do a side-by-side battle: the brand-new product on the Airbus A350 (Munich to Chicago) versus the iconic “Old” First Class on the A340-600 (Chicago to Frankfurt).
Welcome to 2026! For my first flight of the year, I decided to check out Romania’s national carrier, TAROM. At $760 for a business class ticket from Munich to Istanbul (via Bucharest), I was curious to see if this SkyTeam member could hold its own.
