GLOBAL TRAVELER READERS are frequent globetrotters, always on the go to destinations around the world. This is why we look to them to determine the industry’s best. The 14th annual Global Traveler GT Tested Reader Survey awards celebrates those companies consistently going above and beyond, as voted by our readers.
On Dec. 12, 2017, travel industry elite gathered on a beautiful evening atop The Peninsula Beverly Hills in Los Angeles to celebrate the winners of the prestigious survey, as well as the Wines on the Wing airline wine competition, the Airline and Hotel of the Year and Quint Status awards.
To show our appreciation for our winners who traveled from near and far to receive their awards, this year’s event boasted a memorable Around the World theme. Guests enjoyed Chinese, Mediterranean, Italian and American culinary experiences, while Liz Watts & Co. dazzled with dance performances including a 1930s Gatsby-inspired Charleston, Latin American salsa, a Middle Eastern extravaganza and an authentic Bollywood act, courtesy of Air India.
For the seventh year in a row, The Peninsula Beverly Hills provided the perfect backdrop to celebrate the awards, with its stunning rooftop venue and impeccable service. A multiple winner for its United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase, United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase and Inside Access from Chase, Chase Bank Credit Cards sponsored the event.
WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Best Overall Airline in the World
Singapore Airlines
Third Consecutive Year
Best Airline Alliance
oneworld
Eighth Consecutive Year
Best Aircraft Type
Airbus A350
Best Airline Website
AA.com
Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific
American Airlines
Best Airline for International First Class
Qatar Airways
Second Consecutive Year
Best Airline for Business Class
Turkish Airlines
Best Airline for Domestic First Class
American Airlines
Second Consecutive Year
Best Airline for Onboard Service
Asiana Airlines
14th Consecutive Year
Best Airline for Flight Attendants
Asiana Airlines
14th Consecutive Year
Best Airline Cuisine
Alitalia
Eighth Consecutive Year
Best Flight Attendant Uniforms
Etihad Airways
Best Airline for Security
EL AL Israel Airlines
11th Consecutive Year
Best Business-Class Seat Design
China Airlines
Third Consecutive Year
Best First-Class Seat Design
Qatar Airways
Second Consecutive Year
Best Airline for New Service Launch
Delta Air Lines
Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program
United MileagePlus
14th Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program
Hawaiian Airlines, HawaiianMiles – Pualani Platinum Membership
Third Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program
United MileagePlus
Fifth Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption
LifeMiles
Fifth Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service, Americas
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Best Airline in North America
Alaska Airlines
Best Airline to South America
LATAM Airlines Group
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Airline in Mexico
Aeromexico
Eighth Consecutive Year
Best Airline to Australia and New Zealand
Air New Zealand
Best Airline in the South Pacific
Fiji Airways
Best Airline in Europe
TAP Air Portugal
Seventh Consecutive Year
Best Airline in Eastern Europe
LOT Polish Airlines
Best Airline in Africa
South African Airways
14th Consecutive Year
Best Airline in the Middle East (excluding China)
Qatar Airways
Second Consecutive Year
Best Airline in North Asia
China Airlines
Fifth Consecutive Year
Best Airline in China
Hainan Airlines
Sixth Consecutive Year
Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India
Air India
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Airline to Japan
Japan Airlines
Best Trans-Atlantic Airline
TAP Air Portugal
Best Trans-Pacific Airline
Japan Airlines
Best Overall Airport in the World
Singapore Changi Airport
Second Consecutive Year
Best Airport in North America
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
14th Consecutive Year
Best Airport in Asia
Incheon Airport
Best Airport in Africa
O.R. Tambo International Airport
Best Airport in Europe
Vienna International Airport
Best Airport in the Middle East
Hamad International Airport
Best Airport in South America
Jorge Chávez International Airport
Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents
Turkish Airlines
Best Airport Dining
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Airport Shopping
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World
Dubai Duty Free
11th Consecutive Year
Best Duty-Free Shopping in Asia
Singapore Changi Airport
Best Duty-Free Shopping in Africa
O.R. Tambo International Airport
Best Duty-Free Shopping in Europe
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Best Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East
Dubai Duty Free
Best International Hotel Chain
The Ritz-Carlton
Third Consecutive Year
Best Domestic Hotel Chain
The Ritz-Carlton
Third Consecutive Year
Best Lifestyle Hotel
Andaz
Eighth Consecutive Year
Best MICE Hotel
Lotte Hotel Seoul
Third Consecutive Year
Best Hotel Club Floor
The Ritz-Carlton
Second Consecutive Year
Best Hotel Website
ritzcarlton.com
Third Consecutive Year
Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World
InterContinental Hotels Group IHG Rewards Club
13th Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program
World of Hyatt Platinum
Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program
Marriott Rewards
Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption
World of Hyatt
Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service, Americas
World of Hyatt
Second Consecutive Year
Best Hotel in the United States
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Seventh Consecutive Year
Best Hotel in Asia
Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
Best European Hotel Chain
St. Regis
Second Consecutive Year
Best Hotel Chain in Asia
Grand Hyatt
Best Hotel in South Korea
Lotte Hotel Seoul
Sixth Consecutive Year
Best Hotel in Europe
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Best Hotel in the Middle East
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Best New Luxury Hotel in Asia
Signiel Seoul
Best Hotel Chain in Latin America
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
Best Hotel Chain in Mexico
Fiesta Americana
Seventh Consecutive Year
Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East
The Ritz-Carlton
Best Overseas Delivery Program
Volvo
Second Consecutive Year
Best Rental Car Company
Hertz
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Tourism Destination
Mexico
Best MICE City
Seoul
Third Consecutive Year
Best WiFi Service
Boingo Wireless
Seventh Consecutive Year
Best Wireless Service in the World
Verizon
Second Consecutive Year
Best Noise-Canceling Headset
Sony
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Luggage Brand
Briggs & Riley
Eighth Consecutive Year
Best Photographic Equipment
Nikon D7500
Best Ride Share
Uber
Best Hotel App
Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Best Airline App
Delta Air Lines
Best Overall Credit Card
United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
Sixth Consecutive Year
Best Credit Card Rewards Programs
United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
Sixth Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card
Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
Sixth Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions
Hilton Honors Card from American Express
Second Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits
Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card from J.P. Morgan
Third Consecutive Year
Best Credit Card Special Events
Inside Access from Chase
Second Consecutive Year
Best Small Business Credit Card
The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card from J.P. Morgan
Second Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
Sixth Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits
Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
Third Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
Fifth Consecutive Year
Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card
Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature
Third Consecutive Year
AIRLINE AND HOTEL OF THE YEAR
Airline of the Year
American Airlines
Hotel of the Year
Lotte Hotels & Resorts
QUINT STATUS
Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program
United MileagePlus
Fifth Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
Fifth Consecutive Year
Best Airline in North Asia
China Airlines
Fifth Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption
LifeMiles
Fifth Consecutive Year
WINES ON THE WING AWARDS
Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing
Air Canada
Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing
Asiana Airlines
Best Champagne International Business Class
Aeroflot
Best Champagne International First Class
United Airlines
Best White Wine International Business Class
Air Canada
Best White Wine International Business Class
Brussels Airlines
Best White Wine International First Class
EL AL Israel Airlines
Best Red Wine International Business Class
All Nippon Airways
Best Red Wine International First Class
Asiana Airlines
Best Sparkling Wine International Business Class
TAP Air Portugal
Best Alliance Wines on the Wing
oneworld
Best North American Wines on the Wing
American Airlines
Best North American Sparkling Wine
Hawaiian Airlines
Best North American White Wine
American Airlines
Best North American Red Wine
American Airlines
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