Cover Stories

The Best of 2008

by Kimberly Krol

Global Traveler’s fifth annual GT Tested Awards celebrate the best in travel.

An election year to remember, 2008 was record-setting in more ways than one. An impressive 31,457 GT readers weighed in with their selections for the best in business and luxury travel during our annual GT Tested Awards survey.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of our awards, a milestone for Global Traveler and our readers. Through the years, consistent, unbiased reporting of the annual results has enhanced the integrity of our survey, making Global Traveler’s GT Tested Awards the most sought-after recognition of excellence in business travel.

We keep it fresh, too. Each year we update our award categories to stay on top of trends in the industry and to sharpen the focus on our readers’ epicurean interests. This year we added Best Airline in the South Pacific, Best Hotel in the Eastern United States, Best Hotel in the Western United States, Best Hotel in the Southern United States, Best Hotel in the Midwestern United States, Best Domestic Restaurant and Best Spa.

We asked our discerning readers — experienced travelers who know the ins and outs of premium travel — to cast ballots in 55 categories. Read on to see what the experts have to say.

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT
For the fifth consecutive year, GT readers voted Singapore Airlines the Best Airline in the World. It is no wonder the esteemed carrier is a consistent favorite among our readers. The innovative airline continually upgrades its product to meet the demands of its passengers. In 2008 Singapore Airlines introduced a new business-class seat — the industry’s largest fully flat bed features in-seat power outlets, USB ports, a 15.4-inch LCD TV screen and more.

“This award is particularly meaningful for all of us at Singapore Airlines, as Global Traveler readers are among our most discerning customers,” said W. K. Lim, Singapore Airlines regional vice president, Americas. “We are honored and grateful for your recognition of our efforts to provide the world’s best flying experience.”

Emirates and British Airways also continued to excel in their respective categories. For the fourth year, Emirates claimed the top spot for Best Airline for First Class, and British Airways reigned supreme as Best Airline for Business Class. With the introduction of A380 service, Emirates upgraded its first-class private suites, while British Airways is in the midst of a major overhaul of its famed Club World service.

At home, GT readers agree American Airlines is, for the third consecutive year, the Best Airline for Domestic First Class.

Air Canada is a double winner this year, claiming top honors as Best Airline in North America and Best Airline in Canada. The airline swept the latter category for the last five years. With programs like On My Way, a service designed to ease complications due to cancellations and delays, Air Canada proves ensuring its customers’ well-being is a top priority.

EVA Air and Virgin Atlantic pulled the ol’ switcheroo this year. EVA’s Elite Class, voted No. 4 in the Best Airline for Premium Economy in 2007, trumped last year’s winner, Virgin Atlantic, which fell to No. 4. Clearly, readers are fans of EVA’s 38-inch shape-memory seats and its user-friendly entertainment system.

Asiana Airlines also took home double accolades. For the fifth consecutive year, the airline won Best Airline for Onboard Service and Flight Attendants, and this year Asiana moved up from last year’s third-place slot to claim top honors as Best Trans-Pacific Airline.

“On behalf of Asiana Airlines, it is truly an honor to receive such recognition. We cherish the readers of GT who have continuously voted for us as the best five years in a row,” said Tae Kun Han, Asiana senior vice president for airport and cabin services. “I thank our flight attendants who voluntarily commit extra passion to maintain and improve our top service levels and who believe in themselves to make a difference,”

For the third consecutive year, readers gave LAN the nod for Best Airline in Central/South America. Aeromexico took home the prize for Best Airline in Mexico and, for the fourth year in a row, Air France earned kudos as Best Trans-Atlantic Airline.

This year we split the prize for Best Airline to the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand into two categories. Qantas, which has dominated the category for the last four years, picked up its fifth win as Best Airline in Australia and New Zealand. Air Pacific won Best Airline in the South Pacific.