WELCOME TO OUR SUPER SWEET 16! Much like the iconic MTV show of the same name, we’re throwing an over-the-top, grand celebration in honor of this year’s GT Tested Reader Survey award winners! This year, 2019, marks the 16th anniversary of our GT Tested Reader Survey awards, and what better way to commemorate the milestone than with an epic Sweet 16 shindig.

Raymond Duncan, an American dancer, artist and poet, said, “The best substitute for experience is being sixteen.” As we turn 16, we know where to look for experience, and that’s to you, our readers. Intrepid, frequent, luxury travelers yourselves, you know the standouts, and you voted for them, from airlines and airports to hotels and credit cards. Join us on the following pages as we throw confetti on the sparklers of the travel industry and unveil the winners in our 16th annual survey.

On this year’s guest list is a who’s who of the travel industry’s best and brightest, and we begin with the airlines. Paint a party hat and a birthday cake on these liveries, because they’re joining the Sweet 16 party.

For the fifth consecutive year, Singapore Airlines is flying away with the Best Overall Airline in the World accolade. Another milestone birthday, oneworld celebrates its 10th consecutive win as Best Airline Alliance. For Best Aircraft Type, Airbus A350 takes home this year’s nod.

American Airlines wins a bevy of awards this year including Best Airline Website for AA.com, for the third consecutive year; Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific, also for the third year in a row; a fourth win as Best Airline for Domestic First Class; a two-time nod as Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service for the AAdvantage program; and Best Airline App for the second consecutive year.

New to the party this year is the category of Best Airline Lounges, and Delta Air Lines snagged the invitation for its Delta Sky Clubs. But that’s not all for Delta, as the airline also claims Best Flight Attendant Uniforms and Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program for its SkyMiles Diamond Medallion.

Lufthansa earns a spot on this year’s list with its win for Best Airline for International First Class. For business class it’s Turkish Airlines, taking its third win for Best Airline for Business Class. Turkish Airlines also wins Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers for the second year in a row for its Turkish Airlines Corporate Club, and a third win as Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents.

Sixteen is also sweet for three airline winners: Asiana Airlines, earning its 16th consecutive win for both Best Airline for Onboard Service and Best Airline for Flight Attendants; South African Airways, with 16 wins as Best Airline in Africa; and United Airlines’ United MileagePlus program’s 16th win for Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program. MileagePlus is also the Best Frequent- Flyer Bonus Program winner for the seventh consecutive year.

Rounding out our frequent-flyer program categories is LifeMiles from Avianca, winning Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption.

Both Alitalia and Air France are twice as nice, appearing two times on this year’s lineup of all stars. Alitalia takes Best Airline Cuisine for the 10th year in a row and Best Business-Class Seat Design for the second time, while Air France gets its second nod as Best First-Class Seat Design and its first win for Best Airline for New Service Launch for its Paris (CDG) to Dallas (DFW) route.

Put 13 candles on the cake for EL AL Israel Airlines, Best Airline for Security 13 years running, before we take a birthday tour around the globe with these winners: Air Canada, Best Airline in North America; LATAM Airlines Group, six-time Best Airline to South America; Aeromexico, securing a 10th win for Best Airline in Mexico; TAP Air Portugal, not far behind with its ninth win for Best Airline in Europe; Virgin Australia, Best Airline in Australia and New Zealand; Air Tahiti Nui, Best Airline in the South Pacific for the second consecutive year; LOT Polish Airlines, three-time Best Airline in Eastern Europe; Emirates, Best Airline in the Middle East two years running; China Airlines and Hainan Airlines, both seven-time winners for Best Airline in North Asia and Best Airline in China, respectively; Air India, Best Airline in Central/ South Asia & India for the sixth consecutive year; and Japan Airlines, three- time Best Airline to Japan winner. Japan Airlines also wins Best Trans-Pacific Airline for the third time, and Brussels Airlines is named Best Trans-Atlantic Airline for the second time.

Travel is a gift, so we can consider these gateways presents. Let’s get to unwrapping the ones with the biggest bows, our 2019 airport winners. Of this bunch, who is the sweet 16? That would be Chicago O’Hare International Airport, bringing its 16th win as Best Airport in North America to the Windy City.

This year’s Best Overall Airport in the World is pulling double duty. Singapore Changi Airport takes its fourth nod for best overall as well as its third win for Best Duty- Free Shopping in Asia. Another Asian airport receiving accolades is Incheon International Airport, Best Airport in Asia for the third consecutive year.

Where else in the world are the best airports located? Let’s start in Africa, where Addis Ababa Bole International Airport earns its second Best Airport in Africa honor. Seychelles International Airport is this year’s Best Duty-Free Shopping in Africa winner.

In Europe, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Munich Airport are winners as Best Airport in Europe, for the second consecutive year, and Best Duty-Free Shopping in Europe, respectively.

Dubai Duty Free takes two honors this year: Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World, for 13 years running, and Best Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East for the third consecutive year. Also a three-time winner is Hamad International Airport in Doha, Best Airport in the Middle East.

It’s time for the last present on the pile — the rest of our airport winners! Rounding out the winners are El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá, Best Airport in South America, two consecutive years; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, six-time Best Airport Dining winner; Miami International Airport, Best Airport Shopping; and Ontario International Airport in Ontario, California, Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport, two years running.

American educator Luther Duncan is noted as saying, “Sixteen candles make a lovely light, but not as bright as your eyes tonight.” However, we know the true candles burning bright, like beacons in the night, are this year’s hotel winners.

Providing a very lovely light is The Ritz-Carlton, winning both Best International Hotel Chain and Best Domestic Hotel Chain for the fifth year in a row. Also taking home its fifth win is Lotte Hotel Seoul for Best MICE Hotel. The South Korean property also earns its eighth win as Best Hotel in South Korea.

On the cusp of sweet 16 is IHG Rewards Club; in 2019 the hotel loyalty program takes its 15th win as Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World. IHG Rewards Club also wins Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program, while IHG.com is Best Hotel Website.

While we’re on the subject of hotel loyalty programs, let’s also applaud Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program; World of Hyatt, Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption; and Marriott Bonvoy, Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service for the second consecutive year.

Moxy Hotels stole the spotlight from long-time winner Andaz and debuts this year as Best Lifestyle Hotel. The Peninsula Beverly Hills is true to its consistent and impeccable service with its ninth consecutive win as Best Hotel in the United States.

Elsewhere around the globe, we jump out of a cake for Mandarin Oriental, Taipei, Best Hotel in Asia, three years in a row; Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski, Munich, Best Hotel in Europe; St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, four-time Best European Hotel Chain; Oberoi Hotels, Best Hotel Chain in Asia; Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Best Hotel Chain in Latin America; Fiesta Americana, taking home its ninth Best Hotel Chain in Mexico; and Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East, two years running. Also in the Middle East, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah earns its second nod as Best Hotel in the Middle East, and The Address Hotel Downtown Dubai is Best Individual Hotel in the World. Best Hotel App goes to Hilton Hotels.

Surprise! We’re throwing a party for these travel provider winners, some of whom may or may not be a surprise to those of you who voted. One winner that’s deservedly not surprising is Briggs & Riley; the luggage company wins its 10th consecutive Best Luggage Brand trophy. Approaching that same milestone is Boingo Wireless, nine-time Best WiFi Service winner.

As we turn 16, it’s apt we award Volvo and Hertz, driving away with Best Overseas Delivery Program for the fourth year and Best Rental Car Company for the sixth year, respectively. A newbie to the list this year is Best Airport Parking, which goes to The Parking Spot. Also debuting on the list in 2019 is Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program, and the winner is IHG Business Edge.

Seoul claims its fifth consecutive nod as Best MICE City, while India makes its mark as Best Tourism Destination for the first time.

Break out the party dresses because we are still in celebration mode! Our last category of winners comprises the best of the best when it comes to credit cards. We begin with the United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase, winning Best Overall Credit Card and Best Credit Card Rewards Program, both for eight consecutive years. The United Explorer Card from Chase celebrates its seventh Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions win.

Another frequent-flyer affinity card boasting double wins is Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America, with its eighth win for Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card and its first for Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits. Rounding out the airline co-branded cards is Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard, earning Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions for the sixth year.

For the first time, Citi Entertainment receives Best Credit Card Special Events accolades, and Capital One Spark Miles for Business achieves the Best Small Business Credit Card nod. And for the second consecutive year, Princess Cruises Visa Signature Card from Barclays receives Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card.

As the largest hotel company in the world, it’s no surprise co-branded Marriott Bonvoy cards dominated the co-branded hotel credit card categories. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase takes its eighth award as Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card and its first win as Best Frequent-Stay Credit Card Redemptions. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express celebrates two wins: Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions and Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits.

Attributed to anonymous, another saying about turning the sweet age of 16 goes, “At 16, the world is yours to have. You can do, you can be, anything you put your mind to.” With these award-winning travel providers, the world is yours to have and the future is bright. Congratulations to these winners, and here’s to another sweet 16 years.

THE VOTING PROCESS

Open-ended ballots ran in subscriber copies of Global Traveler and online at globaltravelerusa.com/survey from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2019. 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 20,000 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.

AWARD WINNERS 2019

Best Overall Airline in the World

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

Best Airline Alliance

1. oneworld
2. Star Alliance
3. SkyTeam

Best Aircraft Type

1. Airbus A350
2. Boeing 787
3. Boeing 777
4. Airbus A330
5. Boeing 747
6. Airbus A380
7. Airbus A340
8. Boeing 767
9. Boeing 737

Best Airline Website

1. AA.com
2. delta.com
3. united.com
4. alaskaair.com
5. southwest.com
6. britishairways.com
7. jetblue.com
8. china-airlines.com
9. qatarairways.com
10. hongkongairlines.com

Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific

1. American Airlines
2. United Airlines
3. Japan Airlines
4. China Southern Airlines
5. Hainan Airlines
6. All Nippon Airways
7. China Eastern Airlines
8. China Airlines
9. Xiamen Airlines
10. Hong Kong Airlines

Best Airline for Business Class

1. Turkish Airlines
2. Singapore Airlines
3. United Airlines
4. Alitalia
5. Qatar Airways
6. Delta Air Lines
7. Asiana Airlines
8. China Airlines
9. Lufthansa
10. Hong Kong Airlines

Best Airline for International First Class

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

Best Airline for Domestic First Class

1. American Airlines
2. United Airlines
3. Delta Air Lines
4. Alaska Airlines

Best Airline for Onboard Service

1. Asiana Airlines
2. Singapore Airline
3. Turkish Airlines
4. Emirates
5. LATAM Airlines Group
6. Korean Air
7. Qatar Airways
8. South African Airways
9. Swiss International Air Lines
10. Hong Kong Airlines

Best Airline Lounges

1. Delta Sky Club
2. American Airlines Admirals Club
3. United Polaris Club
4. Alaska Airlines Alaska Board Room
5. Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club
6. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
7. Star Alliance Lounges
8. British Airways Lounges
9. American Express Centurion Lounges

Best Airline for Flight Attendants

1. Asiana Airlines
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Lufthansa
4. Etihad Airways
5. Emirates
6. Hong Kong Airlines
7. LATAM Airlines Group
8. Qatar Airways
9. Korean Air
10. South African Airways

Best Flight Attendant Uniforms

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

Best Airline Cuisine

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

Best Airline for Security

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

Best First-Class Seat Design

1. Air France
2. All Nippon Airways
3. Singapore Airlines
4. Qantas
5. Qatar Airways
6. American Airlines
7. British Airways
8. Emirates
9. Japan Airlines
10. Etihad Airways

Best Business-Class Seat Design

1. Alitalia
2. Asiana Airlines
3. Singapore Airlines
4. LATAM Airlines Group
5. Turkish Airlines
6. Swiss International Air Lines
7. Hong Kong Airlines
8. Qantas
9. China Airlines
10. Cathay Pacific Airways

Best Airline for New Service Launch

1. Air France (CDG to DFW)
2. American Airlines (CLT to MUC)
3. British Airways (PIT to LHR)
4. KLM (BOS to AMS)
5. Singapore Airlines (SIN to EWR)
6. Air New Zealand (AKL to ORD)
7. United Airlines (SFO to AMS)
8. Air India (BOM to JFK)
9. American Airlines (CLT to NRT)
10. TAP Air Portugal (LIS to SFO)

Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers

1. Turkish Airlines Corporate Club
2. American Airlines Business Extra
3. United PerksPlus
4. American Express Platinum Card
5. Delta SkyBonus
6. Air Canada Corporate Rewards
7. Lufthansa PartnerPlus
8. Air France SkyBlue
9. Korean Air KAL BIZ
10. British Airways One Business

Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program

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

Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program

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

Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program

1. United MileagePlus
2. American Airlines AAdvantage
3. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
4. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
5. LATAM Fidelidade
6. Air Canada Aeroplan
7. LifeMiles (Avianca)
8. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
9. Hawaiian Airlines Hawaiian-Miles
10. Frontier Early Returns