TFC flops, why it's not all sunshine and roses: here are my worst experiences this 2024
In these festive days I published my traditional year-end rankings, namely what I called TFC Best, [...]
In these festive days I have published my Traditional year-end rankings, That is, the ones that I called TFC Best, in the course of this 2024 obviously did not run smoothly, on the contrary. I, like many ordinary mortals, also had problems of delayed flights, cancelled flights, been hit by strikes, and especially not all of my 146 flights have been perfect, as hotel stays and lounge passes have not been. Today, on Epiphany Day, I have to take coal to those who didn't give me a good memory.
A necessary premise
In this article:
The same methodology used for TFC Best is also used for the TFC Flop, when I travel I am always a paying traveler, I am not a guest, I do not trade goods and I do not inform hotels/companies before I travel. This means that my reviews are always honest and sincere, if I am enthusiastic I write it, if things are not going well also. I understand that it may not seem credible in a world where influencers go to great lengths to scrounge up, but I don't act that way. And if you're wondering. How do I afford all this you can read here.
The flop of 2024 is Air India
I think it cannot be argued that the winner, by far of the TFC Flop award of 2024 is undoubtedly Air India. The Indian company succeeds in the roll of honor to W Hotel in Los Angeles, which had won the title in 2023.
Planes falling apart, food questionable, service on board as well as on the ground sloppy. Cancelled flights and ridiculous re-routing offers. Really a resounding fail in all respects, of course the price was discounted, but as always once you are seated on board, it doesn't change whether you paid a lot or a little for the ticket.
The worst airline in 2024 is Kuwait Airways.
I remember that in my rankings the same winner can never win two awards, but in this case Air India would never have won this award because in 2024, in my opinion, the worst airline in the world (on which I have traveled) is Kuwait Airways. The combination of the First Class experience, the business class experience, and the airport experience at KWI put the Middle Eastern airline really beyond the worst expectations.
Pilots changing in the first class cabin, yelling during boarding, questionable eating, and more, but also confirming the trend was the business class flight.
The world's worst airport: Dhaka, Bangladesh
What happened to me I wouldn't wish on anyone, In front of the desks in the office seen had burst sewage. The open floor and sewage running free, really vomitous stuff, unhealthy air and unbreathable environment where I had to spend over an hour to get my visa on arrival. Just thinking about it makes me want to disgorge.
The worst business class in 2024 is Air China
I was probably unlucky, or maybe not. The point is that without a doubt Air China's business class was the worst of all those I reviewed during 2024. Poor service in the lounge, sloppy eating, embarrassing amenity kit. All topped off with really superficial service.
The worst premium economy in 2024 is Vistara
India ends up with a second prize, This time it is up to Vistara, a company that was recently merged with Air India. I flew earlier this year in premium economy from New Deli to Bangkok in premium economy, too bad the plane had no PE and I got a seat like everyone else.
The worst hotel of 2024 was the Hilton Times Square in New York City.
It was not the only negative experience of the year, but it is undoubtedly the biggest disappointment of all. The Hilton Times Square New York was a real flop, I would advise anyone against staying at this hotel which, location aside, offers nothing and I still wonder where they spent the millions on redecorating so it was closed for months. Other negative experiences I will take with me this year certainly theHilton Grande Asoke in Bangkok and the JW Marriott in Hanoi.
There is no worst company in Economy, because I haven't had bad experiences with any company where I flew during 2024. From Ryanair to other low-costs, from Emirates to TAP to ITA, I absolutely cannot complain about how it went.
The worst lounge in the world is in Hanoi and it is the Vietnam Airlines lounge
I must say that I have been to quite a few bad lounges this year, so many that choosing the winner was not easy. In the end I award VN because. in this lounge I have passed by this lounge before and Has always confirmed my judgment. In Italy certainly the Sforza Hall is the saddest, singular one that snatched the title from Monteverdi who is two stories above. Around the world I have been disappointed by the Plaza Premium in Budapest, and also the Signature Lounge of Garuda Indonesia in Jakarta.
In conclusion
Here these were my worst experiences of 2024, as always I await in the comments your suggestions here of lounges, companies and hotels to avoid on my next trips.
