We’ve now reached our cruising altitude, so feel free to kick back and enjoy this issue of Global Traveler, which happens to be our annual Aviation Issue. Join us as we celebrate the fascinating world of aviation, from airlines to private aircraft, airports and lounges, and from flight schools and amenity kits to aviation museums. Let’s take flight!

Speaking of taking flights, my daughter, Harper, who turned 1 year old last month, can officially say she has her first flight under her belt! When it was confirmed The Trazees (our reader-voted awards from sister web publication Trazee Travel) would be celebrated in Nashville, Tennessee, this year, right around Harper’s 11-month birthday, I knew the short flight would be a perfect chance to fly with her. Despite reading all the tips and recommendations and speaking with many of our freelancers who have traveled with babies and kids, I could only plan so much for the experience. I’m pleased to report Harper traveled like a natural — she was fascinated by watching all her fellow travelers, did not appear to have any issues with her ears, enjoyed in-flight bonding with our seatmates and spared all of us any tears. Plus, she quite liked her new spinner toys that stuck to the plane window! It made me remember my first flight as a child to Orlando, Florida, wearing a very chic (for the time, haha) windbreaker and pants matching set. How old were you on your first flight? Where did you travel? What do you remember about it? Share more with us about your and your kids’ first flight experiences by emailing letters@globaltravelerusa.com.

This is a jam-packed issue covering all things aviation. Hear more from our team about recent flight experiences. Learn about the food philosophy of Chef Matt Moran with Singapore Airlines. Take some time to relax in lounge spas and consider some aviation-themed décor in the form of globes and maps. See how you can take a “flight cruise.” Our Bucket List article will definitely inspire you to book a stay at New York JFK’s TWA Hotel. And, as always, we look at updates to first class, business class and premium economy cabins in the last year.

We fly around the world in this issue, visiting Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; Lisbon; Stockholm; Colorado Springs; Doha; Kansas City; and Houston. Next month we debut our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide and look at some of the world’s most unique clocks. Until then, happy jet-setting!

Kimberly Inlander, Editor in chief