Imagine the pressure of playing in a championship game or performing in an athletic event on the worldwide stage: screaming crowds, millions of fans around the globe watching with their eyes glued, anxiety and excitement as the athletes ready themselves. For many, a stellar performance is only expected a few times every four years, for a sports-specific season length or in that one big game; but for the winners of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, gold-medal performances are required multiple times a day, for an unlimited number of travelers, every day of every year.

Welcome to the Super Bowl of travel — the 2014 GT Tested Reader Survey awards! For the 11th year, our intrepid readers performed as the half-time act, voting from January to August of this year. Global Traveler is once again naming the MVPs of the travel industry, from airlines, hotels and destinations to travel goods and services and credit card programs. The award winners on the following pages really hit it out of the park in 2014.

Etihad Airways takes its place in the winners’ circle this year, earning a gold medal as Best Overall Airline in the World. Talk about an upset — the flag carrier of Abu Dhabi took the title from reigning 10-year winner Singapore Airlines. Etihad is also hearing the roar of the crowd as Best Airline in the Middle East and Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents.

Oneworld is the quarterback of the alliance team, shining as Best Airline Alliance for the fifth year in a row. Its team members include airberlin, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, TAM, Qantas and Qatar Airways — definitely an elite squad.

Also lauded for its on-the-field performances: the Boeing 787, Best Aircraft Type. Its debut in the market was certainly a game-changer.

In 2014, we honor a number of Rookies of the Year, noteworthy for capturing honors in these brand-new-to-the-survey categories: JetBlue.com (Best Airline Website); Delta Air Lines Sky Club, ATL Concourse C (Best Individual Domestic Lounge); Lufthansa First Class Lounge at Munich (Best Individual International Lounge); Starwood.com (Best Hotel Website); FlightTrack (Best Travel App); Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 (Best Travel Camera); and Royal Caribbean Visa Credit Card from Bank of America (Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card).

When selecting a captain for a team, it’s important to look for leadership qualities and an overall consistent performance. Any of these stars would be perfect for the position, winning in their respective arenas for an impressive number of consecutive years. Consider Asiana Airlines, medaling for Best Airline for Onboard Service and Best Airline for Flight Attendants for 11 straight years. In 2014, Asiana is also recognized for Best First-Class Seat Design. Also 11-time champions: United MileagePlus, Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program (and Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program for the second year); South African Airways, Best Airline in Africa; Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Best Airport in North America; and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Best Hotel Chain in Latin America. Air Canada and IHG Rewards Club are hall-of-famers, dominating as Best Airline in North America and Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World, respectively, for 10 consecutive years.

Singapore Airlines performed a hat-trick in 2014. The airline was voted Best Airline for Business Class; Best Business-Class Seat Design; and Best Airline in Southeast Asia (third consecutive year). Emirates crossed the finish line with its Best Airline for International First Class, while the Korean Air team has the best uniforms, earning the W for Best Flight Attendant Uniforms. It’s a “GOAL!” for Delta Air Lines, Best Airline for Domestic First Class and Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service, Americas. Delta also scored with its Sky Club lounges winning Best Airport Lounges. Fueling up before a marathon across the Atlantic? Alitalia can assist on the play with Best Airline Cuisine. EL AL Israel Airlines keeps the playing field secure as Best Airline for Security for eight consecutive years. American Airlines entered the game with a new route in 2014, emerging as the frontrunner for Best Airline for New Service Launch with its Dallas (DFW) to Shanghai (PVG) service. AA was also named Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program (AAdvantage Executive Platinum). For frequent flyers, Avianca said, “Play ball!” in 2014, placing as Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption (LifeMiles by Avianca, second consecutive year).

When it comes to specific regions, these winning airlines put a full-court press on the competition to emerge victorious. LAN Airlines was named Best Airline to South America, while Aeromexico won as Best Airline in Mexico (fifth consecutive). Air India and All Nippon Airways were top of their leagues, dominating the competition as Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India and Best Airline to Japan. Champions for the second year in a row were a number of airlines: Air New Zealand (Best Airline to Australia and New Zealand); Fiji Airways (Best Airline in the South Pacific); LOT Polish Airlines (Best Airline in Eastern Europe); China Airlines (Best Airline in North Asia); Hainan Airlines (Best Airline in China); and Brussels Airlines (Best Trans-Atlantic Airline). Other repeat winners include TAP Portugal, four-time Best Airline in Europe, and Incheon Airport, nine-time victor for Best Overall Airport in the World. United Airlines hit a home run as Best Trans-Pacific Airline. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Dubai Duty Free carried the ball to the end zone in 2014, scoring nods as Best Airport Dining and Best Duty-Free Shops. Touchdown!

Hotels came out swinging in 2014. It was a grand slam for The Address Downtown Dubai (Best Individual Hotel in the World, four years running) and The Peninsula Beverly Hills (Best Hotel in the United States, fourth consecutive year). Around the world, it’s definitely not a level playing field with these star athletes in the big dance: Westin Hotels & Resorts (Best International Hotel Chain); Hilton Hotels (Best Domestic Hotel Chain); Andaz (five-time Best Lifestyle Hotel); Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts (Best Hotel Chain in Asia); Fiesta Americana (four-time Best Hotel Chain in Mexico); and Address Hotels + Resorts (two-time Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East). Bringing home the trophy for Best Hotel Club Floor is the Grand Hyatt Grand Club.

Grand Hyatt Incheon adds two more trophies to its case in 2014, putting up big points as Best Airport Hotel three years running and Best MICE Hotel for the first time. Lotte Hotel Seoul is an ace, picking up its medal for Best Hotel in Korea for the third consecutive year. Let’s present the Masters’ well-known green jacket to Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, Va., the Best Golf Resort winner.

When it comes to service and frequent-flyer/loyalty programs, our 2014 winners knock out the competition. The heavyweights are Hilton HHonors, Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program (Diamond level) and Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service, Americas; Marriott Rewards, Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program; and Starwood Preferred Guest, Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption.

Call in the referees! We have a tie ball game. The Ritz-Carlton was voted Best European Hotel Chain for the second year, earning the same score as Kempinski Hotels in the category.

A winning team is only as strong as its coach. These travel industry leaders are calling the shots when it comes to products and services. Volvo was once again voted Best Overseas Delivery Program, winning two years in a row. Hertz is standing on the highest pedestal as Best Car Rental Company. For four years, it’s nothing but net for Boingo Wireless, Best WiFi Service. All bets are on Verizon and Briggs & Riley Travelware, five-time superstars as Best Wireless Service in the World and Best Luggage Brand, respectively. Fans around the globe are clamoring for Sony’s autograph outside the locker room; the brand won Best Noise-Canceling Headset.

When deciding where to visit next or what city should host your upcoming meetings, two destinations are guaranteed slam-dunks. For the third year in a row, Ireland has been voted Best Tourism Destination. Singapore is the honored 2014 winner of Best MICE City.

Talk about impressive numbers. We like the looks of these credit-card industry players’ statistics: United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase (Best Credit Card and Best Credit Card Rewards Program, three consecutive years); Marriot Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase (Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card, three years in a row); Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express (two-time Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions); IHG Rewards Club Select Visa (Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits, two consecutive years); Hilton HHonors Credit Card from American Express (Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions); Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America (Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card, three years in a row); Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select Card (Best Frequent- Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions); US Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa (Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits); and United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase (two-time Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions).

A hushed silence erupts into the roar of an elated crowd. 2014 GT Tested Reader Survey award winners, we leave you to the cheers of your adoring fans. Thanks again for hitting it out of the ballpark year after year.

The Voting Process

Open-ended ballots ran in subscriber copies of Global Traveler and online at globaltravelerusa.com/survey from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, 2014. Ballots were distributed via direct mail and email during the same period. Ballots returned with less than 50 percent of the fields completed were disqualified. More than 26,000 qualified ballots were returned during the voting period. Employees of FX Express Publications, Inc., and affiliated members of the travel industry were not allowed to participate.

Best Overall Airline in the World

1. Etihad Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Delta Air Lines
4. United Airlines
5. Asiana Airlines
6. Emirates
7. British Airways
8. Air Canada
9. Lufthansa
10. Swiss International Air Lines

Best Airline Alliance

1. oneworld
2. Etihad/airberlin/Aer Lingus/Air Seychelles
3. SkyTeam
4. Star Alliance
5. Emirates/Qantas

Best Aircraft Type

1. Boeing 787
2. Airbus A380
3. Boeing 777
4. Boeing 747
5. Airbus A340
6. Boeing 737
7. Airbus A330
8. Boeing 767
9. Airbus A320

Best Airline Website

1. jetblue.com
2. delta.com
3. united.com
4. aa.com
5. southwest.com
6. britishairways.com
7. lufthansa.com
8. aircanada.com

Best Airline for Business Class

1. Singapore Airlines
2. Etihad Airways
3. British Airways
4. Lufthansa
5. Air Canada
6. Qatar Airways
7. Asiana Airlines
8. United Airlines
9. Delta Air Lines
10. Emirates

Best Airline for International First Class

1. Emirates
2. Etihad Airways
3. Asiana Airlines
4. Korean Air
5. Swiss International Air Lines
6. Qatar Airways
7. Qantas
8. Lufthansa
9. Singapore Airlines
10. Cathay Pacific Airways

Best Airline for Domestic First Class

1. Delta Air Lines
2. Virgin America
3. United Airlines
4. American Airlines

Best Airline for Onboard Service

1. Asiana Airlines
2. Etihad Airways
3. Emirates
4. Singapore Airlines
5. Air Canada
6. LAN Airlines
7. TAM
8. Qatar Airways
9. South African Airways
10. Swiss International Air Lines

Best Airline for Flight Attendants

1. Asiana Airlines
2. Etihad Airways
3. Air Canada
4. Singapore Airlines
5. airberlin
6. Emirates
7. LAN Airlines
8. Qatar Airways
9. TAM
10. South African Airways

Best Flight Attendant Uniforms

1. Korean Air
2. Etihad Airways
3. Asiana Airlines
4. Emirates
5. Thai Airways
6. Singapore Airlines
7. Cathay Pacific Airways
8. Air France
9. Delta Air Lines
10. Qatar Airways

Best Airline Cuisine

1. Alitalia
2. Asiana Airlines
3. Brussels Airlines
4. Air France
5. Swiss International Air Lines
6. Lufthansa
7. Qatar Airways
8. Etihad Airways
9. Singapore Airlines
10. Air New Zealand

Best Airline for Security

1. EL AL Israel Airlines
2. Swiss International Air Lines
3. Lufthansa
4. British Airways
5. Air Canada
6. Austrian Airlines

Best First-Class Seat Design

1. Asiana Airlines
2. Etihad Airways
3. Emirates
4. Swiss International Air Lines
5. Singapore Airlines
6. Qatar Airways
7. British Airways
8. Qantas
9. Cathay Pacific Airways
10. United Airlines

Best Business-Class Seat Design

1. Singapore Airlines
2. Etihad Airways
3. British Airways
4. LAN Airlines
5. TAM
6. Virgin Atlantic Airways
7. airberlin
8. Qantas
9. Asiana Airlines
10. Swiss International Air Lines

Best Airline for New Service Launch

1. American Airlines (DFW to PVG)
2. Turkish Airlines (BOS)
3. Delta Air Lines (SEA to LHR)
4. American Airlines (DFW to BOG)
5. Etihad Airways (DFW)
6. Delta Air Lines (SEA to INC)
7. Emirates (BOS)
8. American Airlines (DFW to HKG)
9. Qatar Airways (DFW)
10. Delta Air Lines (SEA to HKG)

Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program

1. United MileagePlus
2. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
3. American Airlines AAdvantage
4. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
5. JetBlue TrueBlue
6. Southwest Rapid Rewards
7. Lufthansa Miles & More
8. British Airways Executive Club
9. Air Canada Aeroplan

Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program

1. American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum
2. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Diamond Medallion
3. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles Pualani Platinum
4. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP Gold
5. United MileagePlus Premier Executive 1K
6. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred
7. Frontier Airlines EarlyReturns Summit Level
8. JetBlue TrueBlue

Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program

1. United MileagePlus
2. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
3. LifeMiles (Avianca)
4. American Airlines AAdvantage
5. Air Canada Aeroplan
6. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
7. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
8. Virgin America Elevate
9. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
10. TAM Fidelidade

Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption

1. LifeMiles (Avianca)
2. Air Canada Aeroplan
3. American Airlines AAdvantage
4. TAM Fidelidade
5. United MileagePlus
6. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
7. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
8. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
9. Virgin America Elevate

Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service, Americas

1. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
2. LifeMiles (Avianca)
3. Virgin America Elevate
4. American Airlines AAdvantage
5. Air Canada Aeroplan
6. LAN LANPass
7. United MileagePlus
8. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
9. TAM Fidelidade

Best Airline in North America

1. Air Canada
2. American Airlines
3. Delta Air Lines
4. United Airlines
5. Virgin America
6. JetBlue
7. Frontier Airlines
8. Porter Airlines
9. Southwest Airlines

Best Airline to South America

1. LAN Airlines
2. TAM
3. Aerolineas Argentinas
4. Avianca

Best Airline in Mexico

1. Aeromexico
2. Volaris
3. VivaAerobus
4. Interjet

Best Airline to Australia and New Zealand

1. Air New Zealand
2. Fiji Airways
3. Air Tahiti Nui
4. Virgin Australia
5. Qantas

Best Airline in the South Pacific

1. Fiji Airways
2. Air Tahiti Nui
3. Qantas
4. Virgin Australia
5. Air New Zealand

Best Airline in Europe

1. TAP Portugal
2. airberlin
3. Lufthansa
4. Austrian Airlines
5. British Airways
6. Virgin Atlantic Airways
7. Aer Lingus
8. Alitalia
9. Swiss International Air Lines
10. Air France

Best Airline in Eastern Europe

1. LOT Polish Airlines
2. Transaero
3. Aeroflot
4. Croatia Airlines
5. Wizzair
6. Adria Airways
7. Tarom Romanian Airlines
8. Blue Air

Best Airline in Africa

1. South African Airways
2. Ethiopian Airlines
3. Royal Air Maroc
4. Kenya Airways
5. Air Namibia
6. Arik Air

Best Airline in the Middle East

1. Etihad Airways
2. Emirates
3. Qatar Airways
4. Saudi Arabian Airlines
5. EL AL Israel Airlines
6. Royal Jordanian
7. Middle East Airlines
8. Gulf Air
9. Royal Air Maroc
10. Egyptair

Best Airlines in North Asia (excluding China)

1. China Airlines
2. All Nippon Airways
3. Asiana Airlines
4. Cathay Pacific Airways
5. Korean Air
6. Japan Airlines
7. Dragonair
8. EVA Air

Best Airline in Southeast Asia (Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam)

1. Singapore Airlines
2. Thai Airways
3. Philippine Airlines
4. Garuda Indonesia
5. SilkAir
6. Royal Brunei
7. AirAsia

Best Airline in China

1. Hainan Airlines
2. China Southern Airlines
3. China Eastern Airlines
4. Air China

Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India

1. Air India
2. Jet Airways
3. Biman Bangladesh Airlines
4. PIA

Best Airline to Japan

1. All Nippon Airways
2. Japan Airlines
3. United Airlines
4. American Airlines
5. Delta Air Lines

Best Trans-Atlantic Airline

1. Brussels Airlines
2. airberlin
3. British Airways
4. TAP Portugal
5. Lufthansa
6. Austrian Airlines
7. United Airlines
8. Swiss International Air Lines
9. Delta Air Lines
10. Air France

Best Trans-Pacific Airline

1. United Airlines
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Asiana Airlines
4. All Nippon Airways
5. Thai Airways
6. Japan Airlines
7. Korean Air
8. China Southern Airlines
9. Air China
10. Cathay Pacific Airways

Best Overall Airport in the World

1. Incheon Airport
2. Singapore Changi Airport
3. Amsterdam International Airport Schiphol
4. Tokyo International Airport/Haneda Airport (TIE)
5. Hong Kong International Airport
6. Munich Airport
7. Frankfurt am Main Airport
8. Shanghai International Airport
9. Beijing Capital International Airport
10. Zürich Airport

Best Airport in North America

1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
3. San Francisco International Airport
4. George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston
5. Pittsburgh International Airport
6. Newark Liberty International Airport
7. Portland International Airport
8. Denver International Airport
9. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
10. Miami International Airport

Best Airport Lounges

1. Delta Air Lines Sky Club
2. Etihad Airways
3. American Airlines Ambassadors Club
4. United Airlines United Club
5. British Airways Executive Club
6. Lufthansa First Class Lounges
7. Emirates
8. Virgin Atlantic Airways Clubhouse
9. South African Airways Cycad Lounge
10. Asiana Airlines
11. Japan Airlines

Best Individual Domestic Lounge

1. Delta Air Lines Sky Club, ATL Concourse C
2. American Airlines Admirals Club, LAX Terminal 4
3. United Airlines United Club, LAX Terminal 4
4. Virgin Atlantic Airways Clubhouse, JFK Terminal 4
5. Alaska Airlines Board Room, SEA
6. Delta Air Lines Sky Club, JFK
7. American Express Centurion Lounge, DFW
8. United Airlines Global First, SFO

Best Individual International Lounge

1. Lufthansa First Class Lounge Munich
2. Virgin Atlantic Airways Clubhouse, LHR
3. Cathay Pacific Airways The Pier, HKG
4. Lufthansa First Class Lounge Frankfurt
5. Etihad Airways Diamond First Lounge, ABU
6. Singapore Airlines Silverkris Lounge, SIN
7. British Airways Concorde Room, LHR

Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents

1. Etihad Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Korean Air
4. Turkish Airlines
5. Qatar Airways
6. Lufthansa
7. Emirates
8. Cathay Pacific Airways
9. Asiana Airlines
10. Swiss International Air Lines

Best Airport Dining

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
2. Brussels Airport
3. Hong Kong International Airport
4. Vienna Airport
5. Amsterdam International Airport Schipol
6. London Heathrow Airport
7. Singapore Changi Airport
8. Los Angeles International Airport
9. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
10. Frankfurt am Main Airport

Best Duty-Free Shops

1. Dubai Duty Free
2. Incheon Airport
3. Abu Dhabi International Airport
4. Amsterdam International Airport Schiphol
5. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
6. Singapore Changi Airport
7. Hong Kong International Airport
8. Frankfurt am Main Airport
9. Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport, Rome
10. London Heathrow Airport

Best Individual Hotel in the World

1. The Address Downtown Dubai
2. The St. Regis Bora Bora
3. Jumeirah Etihad Towers Abu Dhabi
4. Hotel de Crillon, Paris
5. InterContinental Thalasso Resort & Spa, Bora Bora
6. The Waldorf Astoria Chicago
7. The Corinthia Hotel London
8. The Peninsula Beverly Hills
9. The Four Seasons Bora Bora
10. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

Best International Hotel Chain

1. Westin Hotels & Resorts
2. The Peninsula Hotels
3. Four Seasons
4. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
5. The Ritz-Carlton
6. Marriott Hotels
7. Conrad Hotels & Resorts
8. Jumeirah International
9. Park Hyatt
10. Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces

Best Domestic Hotel Chain

1. Hilton Hotels Corp.
2. Park Hyatt
3. Four Seasons
4. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
5. Marriott Hotels
6. Conrad Hotels & Resorts
7. The Ritz-Carlton
8. Westin Hotels & Resorts
9. W Hotels
10. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

Best Lifestyle Hotel

1. Andaz
2. W Hotels
3. Hotel Indigo
4. Affinia Hotels
5. Kimpton Hotels

Best Airport Hotel

1. Grand Hyatt Incheon
2. Regal Airport Hotel, Hong Kong
3. Langham Place, Beijing Airport
4. Sofitel London Heathrow
5. Crowne Plaza Singapore Changi Airport
6. Kempinski Hotel Munich Airport
7. Oryx Rotana Doha
8. Grand Hyatt DFW
9. Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur Airport
10. Novotel Suvarnabhumi Bangkok

Best Golf Resort

1. Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, Williamsburg, Va.
2. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, Ore.
3. Pebble Beach Resorts, Pebble Beach, Calif.
4. One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos, Mexico
5. The Old Course, St. Andrews, Scotland
6. Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst, N.C.
7. Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island, S.C.
8. Adare Manor, Ireland
9. Steenberg Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
10. The Royal County Down, Northern Ireland

Best MICE Hotel

1. Grand Hyatt Incheon
2. The Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco
3. Lotte Hotel Seoul
4. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
5. Regal Airport Hotel, Hong Kong
6. Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao
7. Grosvenor House, London
8. Kempinski Hotel Wuxi
9. China World Hotel, Beijing
10. The Gleneagles, Auchterarder, Scotland
11. Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin

Best Hotel Club Floor

1. Grand Hyatt Grand Club
2. The Ritz-Carlton Club Level
3. JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts
4. The Peninsula Hotels
5. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
6. Hilton Hotels Corp.
7. Marriott Hotels & Resorts
8. Westin Hotels & Resorts
9. Renaissance Hotels

Best Hotel Website

1. starwood.com
2. hilton.com
3. marriott.com
4. ritzcarlton.com
5. intercontinental.com
6. peninsula.com
7. loews.com
8. fairmont.com
9. hyatt.com

Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World

1. IHG Rewards Club
2. Hilton HHonors
3. Starwood Preferred Guest
4. Marriott Rewards
5. Hyatt Gold Passport
6. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Golden Circle
7. Loews Hotel YouFirst
8. Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club
9. Fairmont President’s Club
10. Club Carlson

Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program

1. Hilton HHonors Diamond
2. Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite
3. Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum Preferred
4. Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum
5. Fairmont President’s Club Platinum
6. Wyndham Rewards ByRequest
7. IHG Rewards Club Platinum Elite
8. Sol Meliá MAS Rewards
9. Choice Privileges Platinum

Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program

1. Marriott Rewards
2. Hilton HHonors
3. IHG Rewards Club
4. Wyndham Rewards
5. Club Carlson
6. Starwood Preferred Guest
7. Hyatt Gold Passport
8. Omni Select
9. Choice Privileges
10. Fairmont President’s Club

Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption

1. Starwood Preferred Guest
2. Marriott Rewards
3. IHG Rewards Club
4. Hilton HHonors
5. Club Carlson
6. Choice Privileges
7. Hyatt Gold Passport
8. Wyndham Rewards
9. Omni Select
10. Fairmont President’s Club

Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service, Americas

1. Hilton HHonors
2. Marriott Rewards
3. Starwood Preferred Guest
4. IHG Rewards Club
5. Choice Privileges
6. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards
7. Hyatt Gold Passport
8. Club Carlson
9. Kimpton InTouch
10. Fairmont President’s Club

Best Hotel in the United States

1. The Peninsula Beverly Hills
2. The Waldorf Astoria Chicago
3. The Peninsula Chicago
4. The Eliot Hotel, Boston
5. The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown
6. Mandarin Oriental, New York
7. Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas
8. Four Seasons Hotel New York
9. The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach, Calif.
10. Montage Beverly Hills

Best European Hotel Chain

1. The Ritz-Carlton/Kempinski Hotels (TIE)
2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
3. The Luxury Collection
4. Westin Hotels & Resorts
5. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
6. Marriott Hotels
7. W Hotels
8. Hilton Hotels & Resorts
9. Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotel Chain in Asia

1. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
2. Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces
3. The Peninsula Hotels
4. Conrad Hotels & Resorts
5. Park Hyatt
6. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
7. Four Seasons
8. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
9. Mandarin Oriental
10. Grand Hyatt

Best Hotel in Korea

1. Lotte Hotel Seoul
2. Park Hyatt Seoul
3. W Hotel Seoul Walkerhill
4. The Shilla, Seoul
5. Grand Hyatt Seoul
6. The Ritz-Carlton, Seoul
7. InterContinental Seoul
8. Banyan Tree Club and Spa, Seoul
9. JW Marriot Hotel Seoul
10. The Westin Chosun

Best Hotel Chain in Latin America

1. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
2. Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts
3. The Ritz-Carlton
4. Caesar Park Hotels
5. Four Seasons
6. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
7. The Luxury Collection
8. Grand Hyatt
9. Westin Hotels
10. Meliá Hotels

Best Hotel Chain in Mexico

1. Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts
2. Sheraton Hotels
3. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
4. Westin Hotels
5. W Hotels

Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East

1. The Address Hotels + Resorts
2. Jumeirah International
3. The Ritz-Carlton
4. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
5. Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts
6. Kempinski Hotels
7. Four Seasons
8. W Hotels
9. Marriott International
10. Raffles Hotels

Best Overseas Delivery Program

1. Volvo
2. Porsche
3. BMW
4. Mercedes-Benz
5. Audi

Best Car Rental Company

1. Hertz
2. National Car Rental
3. Avis
4. Budget
5. Enterprise
6. Alamo
7. Sixt

Best Tourism Destination

1. Ireland
2. South Africa
3. India
4. Spain
5. China
6. Australia
7. United Kingdom
8. Hong Kong
9. Brazil
10. Germany

Best MICE City

1. Singapore
2. Seoul
3. Madrid
4. Sydney
5. Dubai
6. Abu Dhabi
7. London
8. Hong Kong
9. San Francisco
10. Paris

Best WiFi Service

1. Boingo Wireless
2. AT&T Wireless
3. Verizon Wireless
4. iPass
5. LodgeNet

Best Wireless Service in the World

1. Verizon
2. T-Mobile
3. AT&T Wireless
4. Sprint
5. U.S. Cellular
6. MetroPCS
7. Cricket Wireless
8. Boost Mobile

Best Noise-Canceling Headset

1. Sony Digital Noise-Canceling Headphones
2. Sennheiser Urbanite XL
3. Bose QuietComfort
4. Studio Beats Pro
5. JVC
6. Audio-Technica

Best Luggage Brand

1. Briggs & Riley Travelware
2. Samsonite
3. Tumi
4. TravelPro
5. Delsey
6. Hartmann
7. Swiss Army
8. Rimowa
9. Victorinox
10. Louis Vuitton

Best Travel App

1. FlightTrack
2. GateGuru
3. TripIt
4. Concur
5. XE Currency
6. Award Wallet
7. Delta Air Lines
8. United Airlines
9. American Airlines
10. Skype

Best Travel Camera

1. Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
2. Canon PowerShot SX280 HS
3. Nikon D3200
4. Canon PowerShot S120
5. Panasonic Lumix LX7
6. Fujifilm X100S
7. Sony CyberShot DSC RX100 II
8. Fujifilm X-Pro 1
9. Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR
10. Olympus Tough TG-2
11. Panasonic Lumix TZ40

Best Credit Card

1. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
2. American Express Platinum Card
3. Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
4. Plum Card from American Express Open
5. American Express Blue Card
6. Chase Ink Card
7. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
8. American Airlines WorldElite MasterCard
9. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
10. Escape Card from Discover
11. Delta SkyMiles Gold Card from American Express

Best Credit Card Rewards Program

1. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
2. Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase
3. Membership Rewards Program from American Express
4. Capital One Venture Rewards
5. Delta SkyMiles by American Express
6. Chase Sapphire
7. Miles by Discover
8. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
9. Chase Freedom Card

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card

1. Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase
2. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa
3. Starwood Preferred Guest American Express
4. Choice Privileges Visa Signature
5. Hyatt Gold Passport Card
6. Hilton HHonors American Express
7. US Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa Card

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions

1. Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
2. Hilton HHonors American Express
3. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa
4. Choice Privileges Visa Signature
5. Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase
6. Hyatt Gold Passport Credit Card

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits

1. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa
2. Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
3. Marriot Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase
4. Hilton HHonors American Express
5. Hyatt Gold Passport Credit Card
6. Choice Privileges Visa Signature

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions

1. Hilton HHonors Credit Card from American Express
2. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa
3. Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase
4. Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
5. Hyatt Gold Passport Card
6. Choice Privileges Visa Signature

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card

1. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
2. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select Card
3. Delta SkyMiles Card from American Express
4. British Airways Visa Signature Card
5. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
6. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
7. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card
8. JetBlue American Express Card
9. Lufthansa Miles & More Card

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions

1. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select Card
2. Delta SkyMiles by American Express
3. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
4. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
5. British Airways Visa Signature Card
6. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
7. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card
8. Lufthansa Miles & More Card
9. JetBlue American Express Card

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits

1. US Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa Card
2. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select Card
3. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
4. Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
5. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
6. British Airways Visa Signature Card
7. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
8. Lufthansa Miles & More Card
9. JetBlue American Express Card
10. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Card

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions

1. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
2. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
3. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select Card
4. Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
5. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
6. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Card
7. British Airways Visa Signature Card
8. JetBlue American Express Card
9. US Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa

Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card

1. Royal Caribbean Visa Credit Card from Bank of America
2. Norwegian Cruise Line MasterCard from Bank of America
3. Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Card
4. Princess Cruises Visa Signature Card

Wines on the Wing 2014

The results of Global Traveler’s annual Wines on the Wing Airline Wine Competition were first released in our August 2014 issue. Twenty-nine airlines submitted 126 samples of their in-flight selections. Twenty-four professional wine experts presided as judges over the annual competition. Asiana Airlines was awarded Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing, while Brussels Airlines won the title of Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing for the third consecutive year. Brussels also won Best International Business-Class Red Wine and Best International Business-Class White Wine. Other winners included TAM (Best International Business-Class Champagne); British Airways (Best International First-Class Champagne and Best International First-Class White Wine); Jet Airways (Best International First-Class Red Wine); EL AL Israel Airlines (Best International First-/Business-Class Sparkling Wine); and Star Alliance (Best Alliance Wines on the Wing). In the North American category, American Airlines swept the series: Best North American Wines on the Wing, Best North American Sparkling Wine (for the fifth consecutive year), Best North American White Wine and Best North American Red Wine.

Cheers! We raise our glass to you as you continue to thrive in the major leagues of service excellence.

Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing
Asiana Airlines

Best International First-Class Champagne
British Airways

Best International First-Class White Wine
British Airways

Best International First-Class Red Wine
Jet Airways

Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing
Brussels Airlines

Best International Business-Class Champagne
TAM

Best International Business-Class White Wine
Brussels Airlines

Best International Business-Class Red Wine
Brussels Airlines

Best International First-/Business-Class Sparkling Wine
EL AL Israel Airlines

Best Alliance Wines on the Wing
Star Alliance

Best North American Wines on the Wing
American Airlines

Best North American Sparkling Wine
American Airlines

Best North American White Wine
American Airlines

Best North American Red Wine
American Airlines