The Year’s 10 Biggest Travel Stories

It’s been yet another eventful year for travel, with plenty of drama on multiple fronts. Based on well over 1 million pages viewed by readers, here are the year’s 10 most-read blog posts:

1. The Airline with the Best Award-Seat Availability Is…

A study of award availability from the five largest U.S. airlines has yielded a winner, and some losers.

2. One Simple Rule for Surviving an Airline Emergency

Fire onboard! How you exit a burning aircraft can make the difference between life and death, for you and for other passengers. Here’s one simple rule to remember.

3. Rumor: AAdvantage Will Go Spend-Based

AAdvantage may be the industry’s most generous program. Enjoy it while you can, as American may follow Delta and United in converting it to a spend-based program.

4. The 8 Best (and Worst) Travel Apps

Betting that the future lies in mobile booking, the travel industry is investing millions in developing and refining mobile apps. Which are the stars, and which are the also-rans?

5. Latest Changes Test SkyMiles Members’ Loyalty

Yesterday, Delta published a handful of announcements that will do little to appease SkyMiles members who find the airline’s new-for-2015 mileage program confusing and unrewarding.

6. When to Forego a ‘Free’ $5,000 Trip

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Dottie won a sweepstakes featuring a grand-prize trip worth more than $5,000. Here’s why she turned it down…

7. 6 Happiest Airlines in America

These major U.S. airlines rank at the top of the list for employee satisfaction—and that makes them customer favorites, too.

8. Earn an Easy 1,000 Miles from American

One hundred miles for a minute of your time. That’s the potential payout rate from American’s new Learn and Earn promotion.

9. Should United’s CEO Resign?

Should United’s CEO resign? Almost 9,000 people have signed a petition demanding that he do just that.

10. The 10 Best Airports for Long Layovers

Could being stranded at the airport be a relaxing, entertaining experience? Maybe. Here are 10 airports where it’s possible.

Reader Reality Check

What’s your pick for the year’s biggest travel story?

This article originally appeared on FrequentFlier.com.