The results are in! For the 13th consecutive year, Global Traveler conducted its GT Tested Reader Survey, asking frequent business and luxury travelers to name the best in a variety of travel-related categories. More than 22,000 people responded. Global Traveler’s inaugural awards were celebrated in 2004.
The survey honors airlines, hotels, loyalty programs and travel-related products in more than 80 categories. GT’s distinguished readers vote for their favorites in the world of travel in an open-ended survey running in the magazine and online from January to August each year. The results of the survey are announced in the December 2016 issue, available now.
GT readers are frequent premium travelers averaging 13 international and 13 domestic round-trip flights a year, with an average household income of $372,900 per year. Global Traveler’s elite readers spend an average 50 nights per year in hotels. A whopping 63 percent regularly travel in business class.
This year’s roster of highly regarded winners includes Qatar Airways (Best Airline for International First Class, Best First-Class Seat Design and Best Airline in the Middle East), TAP Portugal (Best Airline for New Service Launch and Best Airline in Europe) and Hainan Airlines (Fastest-Growing Airline in Asia and Best Airline in China). Other top winners are United MileagePlus (Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program and Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program), The Ritz-Carlton (Best International Hotel Chain, Best Domestic Hotel Chain, Best Hotel Club Floor and Best Hotel Website), Hyatt Gold Passport (Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service, Americas), Ireland (Best Tourism Destination) and Inside Access from Chase (Best Credit Card Special Events).
“Celebrating 13 years of honoring the very best in travel is quite an accomplishment,” said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, Global Traveler. “As our awards remain some of the most sought-after in the industry, it’s a testament to our readers, an elite group of well-traveled, savvy frequent flyers. Each year we see a mix of perennial winners and newfound favorites gracing the winners’ list, but all have one thing in common and that is a true dedication to serving travelers. Congratulations to all the 2016 winners.”
This year’s winners will be feted at a cocktail reception Dec. 13, at The Peninsula Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, Calif. For more information, check out the December 2016 issue of Global Traveler or visit our website at globaltravelerusa.com. A complete recap of the night’s festivities will be featured in the March 2016 issue.
A complete list of winners is as follows:
Best Overall Airline in the World
Singapore Airlines
Best Airline Alliance
oneworld
Best Aircraft Type
Airbus A380
Best Airline Website
jetblue.com
Best Airline for International First Class
Qatar Airways
Best Airline for Business Class
Singapore Airlines
Best Airline for Domestic First Class
American Airlines
Best Airline for Onboard Service
Asiana Airlines
Best Airline for Flight Attendants
Asiana Airlines
Best Airline Cuisine
Alitalia
Best Airline for Security
EL AL Israel Airlines
Best Business-Class Seat Design
China Airlines
Best First-Class Seat Design
Qatar Airways
Best Airline for New Service Launch
TAP Portugal (BOS to LIS)
Fastest-Growing Airline in Asia
Hainan Airlines
Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program
United MileagePlus
Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program
Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles Pualani Platinum Membership
Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program
United MileagePlus
Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption
LifeMiles (Avianca TACA)
Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service, Americas
Avianca
Best Airline in North America
Air Canada
Best Airline to South America
LATAM Airlines Group
Best Airline in Mexico
Aeromexico
Best Airline to Australia and New Zealand
Qantas Airways
Best Airline in the South Pacific
Air Tahiti Nui
Best Airline in Europe
TAP Portugal
Best Airline in Eastern Europe
Aeroflot
Best Airline in Africa
South African Airways
Best Airline in the Middle East
Qatar Airways
Best Airline in North Asia (excluding China)
China Airlines
Best Airline in China
Hainan Airlines
Best Airline in Central/South Asia and India
Air India
Best Airline to Japan
All Nippon Airways
Best Trans-Atlantic Airline
Lufthansa
Best Trans-Pacific Airline
United Airlines
Best Airport in the World
Singapore Changi Airport
Best Airport in North America
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Best Airport Lounges
Delta Sky Club
Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents
EVA Air
Best Airport Dining
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Best Duty-Free Shops
Dubai Duty Free
Best Individual Hotel in the World
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Best International Hotel Chain
The Ritz-Carlton
Best Domestic Hotel Chain
The Ritz-Carlton
Best Lifestyle Hotel
Andaz
Best Airport Hotel
Grand Hyatt Incheon
Best MICE Hotel
Lotte Hotel, Seoul
Best Hotel Club Floor
The Ritz-Carlton Club Level
Best Hotel Website
ritzcarlton.com
Best New Luxury Hotel in Asia
Four Seasons Seoul
Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World
IHG Rewards Club
Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program
Hilton HHonors Diamond
Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service, Americas
Hyatt Gold Passport
Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program
Omni Select Guest
Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption
Marriott Rewards
Best Hotel in the United States
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Best European Hotel Chain
St. Regis
Best Hotel Chain in Asia
Conrad Hotels
Best Hotel in South Korea
Lotte Hotel, Seoul
Best Hotel Chain in Latin America
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Best Hotel Chain in Mexico
Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts
Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East
Jumeirah International
Best Overseas Delivery Program
Volvo
Best Car Rental Company
Hertz
Best Tourism Destination
Ireland
Best MICE City
Seoul
Best WiFi Service
Boingo Wireless
Best Wireless Service in the World
Verizon Wireless
Best Noise-Canceling Headset
Sony Digital Noise-Canceling Headphones
Best Luggage Brand
Briggs & Riley
Best Photographic Equipment
Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens
Best Credit Card
United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
Best Small-Business Credit Card
The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card from JPMorgan
Best Credit Card Special Events
Inside Access from Chase
Best Credit Card Rewards Program
United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card
Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions
Hilton HHonors Card from American Express
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits
Hilton HHonors Card from American Express
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card from JPMorgan
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select MasterCard
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits
Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card
Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Credit Card
Global Traveler will also recognize the following Wines on the Wing award winners at the reception: Singapore Airlines (Best International First Class Wines on the Wing, Best Champagne International First Class, Best International Business Class Wines on the Wing and Best Champagne International Business Class); British Airways (Best Champagne International First Class, tie); Emirates (Best White Wine International First Class); American Airlines (Best Red Wine International First Class, Best Red Wine International Business Class, Best North American Wines on the Wing, Best North American Sparkling Wine, Best North American White Wine and Best North American Red Wine); TAP Portugal (Best White Wine International Business Class); and Star Alliance (Best Alliance Wines on the Wing). The results of the Wines on the Wing airline wine survey were announced in the August 2016 issue.
About the Survey
Global Traveler conducted an open-ended survey of its readers to determine the best in more than 80 travel-related categories. The survey was conducted from Jan. 1, 2016, to Aug. 31, 2016. Questionnaires were available in subscriber copies of the magazine, online at globaltravelerusa.com/gt-tested-awards-ballot and through direct mail and email. Only questionnaires with more than 50 percent of the questions answered were considered. An outside accounting firm, Citrin Cooperman LLP, tabulated the results. Employees of the magazine and members of the travel industry were barred from participation.
About Global Traveler
Global Traveler, the only AAM-audited U.S.-based magazine for the international business traveler, is a business travel and lifestyle publication with an AAM-audited paid circulation of 111,000+.
About FXEXpress Publications, Inc.
FXExpress Publications, Inc., based in Yardley, Pa., is a privately held company publishing Global Traveler, China Global Traveler, eFlyer USA, eFlyer Asia, Trazee Travel and several annuals; and also operating globaltravelerusa.com, globaltravelerusa.com/blog, china-globaltraveler.com and trazeetravel.com.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 26, 2024Accor Unveils Its First Handwritten Collection Brand in the United States
San Francisco, a city renowned for its commercial hubs and cultural sites, will become the first destination in the United States for one of Accor's newest brands, Handwritten Collection. The city’s Hotel Stratford San Francisco, Handwritten Collection is a European-style boutique property located near Union Square on the famous Powell Street cable car line. The area will now have the Handwritten Collection name behind it. The property becomes Accor's third hotel in San Francisco, joining the Fairmont properties atop Nob Hill and at Ghirardelli Square.
Sponsored Content
L’Ermitage: Your Beverly Hills Self-Care Haven
Nestled amidst the palm-lined boulevards of Beverly Hills, L'Ermitage exudes refined elegance and unparalleled service. This haven, a Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond and, most recently, Two Key MICHELIN Guide recipient, continues to captivate discerning travelers and Angelenos with its unwavering dedication to personalized hospitality and self-care.
Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 26, 2024Bask in Nature’s Tranquility at The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo
When the two of us entered The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo, past the backlit boutique items and local artisan-painted wood carvings, the place wrapped us in a feeling of tranquility. Its stone walls, earth tones, woven wall hangings and furniture made of natural materials reminded us we are part of nature’s spectrum, the abundant windows showing native plants and trees outside.
Daily
Jul 26, 20244 Boutique Hotels with Exclusive Wedding Buyout Offerings
Couples looking for an over-the-top wedding, consider one of these properties around the world, offering total property buyouts to say your “I do’s.”
Sponsored Content
Hit the High Notes in Nashville
Nashville’s once-modest skyline continues to evolve as its luxury market grows. Lavish hotel properties are added to the landscape while acclaimed chefs stake claim in the robust culinary scene and premier cultural offerings round out the city’s repertoire.
Airlines
Jul 26, 2024BermudAir Maximizes Choices for Travelers with New Options
BermudAir announced an expanded fare structure, allowing customers to choose from five fare types across economy and business class, up from the previous three options. Travelers can now select fares based on their preferences for lounge access, checked baggage, change fees, refunds and priority boarding.
Discover Hvar, Croatia’s, Best-Kept Secrets
Daily
Jul 25, 2024Daily
Jul 24, 2024SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites Introduces Custom Wine Itineraries
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites offers guests personalized journeys to Mendoza’s finest wineries from Susana Balbo’s family. Immerse yourself in bespoke wine itineraries recommended by Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker; her son and third-generation winemaker, José Lovaglio Balbo; and her daughter, hotelier and wine tourism marketer, Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
eFlyer Reviews
Jul 24, 2024Althoff Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg Review
After a long drive from our previous destination, it was a relief to see Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg in our view. When we pulled into the hotel court, I felt like we were pulling up to a royal palace. Considering the hotel was originally built as a castle for Prince Elector Johann Wilhelm II of Duesseldorf and his wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family, my thought wasn’t that far off.
ShareThis