The results are in! For the 14th consecutive year, Global Traveler conducted its GT Tested Reader Survey, asking frequent business and leisure luxury travelers to name the best in a variety of travel-related categories.
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 2017 issue, available now.
GT readers are frequent premium travelers averaging 11 international and 13 domestic round-trip flights a year, with an average household income of $312,000 per year. Global Traveler’s elite readers spend an average 60 nights per year in hotels. A whopping 68 percent regularly travel in first and business class.
“For 14 years, we’ve been proudly honoring the very best in travel,” said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, Global Traveler. “We continue again in 2017, awarding some of the most sought-after honors in travel to an elite group of the best and brightest in the industry. But the awards are also a testament to our readers, well-traveled, savvy frequent flyers who each year vote for their favorites. All winners have three things in common — true dedication to travelers, exceptional service and leadership in the industry. Congratulations!”
This year’s winners will be feted at a cocktail reception Dec. 12, at The Peninsula Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, Calif. For more information, check out the December 2017 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 2018 issue.
A complete list of winners is as follows:
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 Airlines 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
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 International 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 and 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 EliteTM 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
Global Traveler will also recognize the following Wines on the Wing award winners at the reception: Air Canada (Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing and Best International Business-Class White Wine); Asiana Airlines (Best International First- Class Wines on the Wing and Best International First-Class Red Wine); Aeroflot (Best International Business-Class Champagne); United Airlines (Best International First-Class Champagne); Brussels Airlines (Best International Business-Class White Wine); EL AL Israel Airlines (Best International First-Class White Wine); All Nippon Airways (Best International Business-Class Red Wine); TAP Air Portugal (Best International Business- Class Sparkling Wine); oneworld (Best Alliance Wines on the Wing); American Airlines (Best North American Wines on the Wing, Best North American White Wine and Best North American Red Wine); and Hawaiian Airlines (Best North American Sparkling Wine). The results of the Wines on the Wing airline wine survey were announced in the August 2017 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, 2017, to Aug. 31, 2017. Questionnaires were available in subscriber copies of the magazine, online 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
With nearly 300,000 readers, Global Traveler connects with U.S.-based frequent, affluent, international travelers. According to MediaMark Research (MRI), GT readers have an average net worth of $2 million and 50 percent are CEOs and owners of companies. Our readers average nine domestic flights per year and 93 percent travel internationally on a regular basis, mostly in first and business class. More than 55 percent stay in 4- and 5-star hotels, at an average 60 nights per year. Four special editions — Leisure Lifestyle Edition, Global City Guidebook, Class Act Guide and The Trazee Book — complement 12 monthly issues. Each year, Global Traveler awards the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, the Leisure Lifestyle Awards and the Wines on the Wing awards.
About FXExpress Publications, Inc.
FXExpress Publications, Inc., based in Yardley, Pa., is a privately held company publishing Global Traveler, eFlyer USA, eFlyer Asia, Trazee Travel, WhereverFamily and several annuals; and also operating globaltravelerusa.com, globaltravelerusa.com/blog, trazeetravel.com and whereverfamily.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
Apr 23, 2024Where to Find Some of Ireland’s Best Lighthouses
Surrounded by ocean on all sides, from the rocky Atlantic Ocean to the Irish Sea in the east and Celtic Sea in the south, Ireland’s beautiful coastlines also come with both historic and captivating lighthouses, many atop dramatic rocks and cliffs.
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips. From Piraeus port, you can access Hydra, Spetses, Aegina and Poros directly. Come explore these stunning islands with us and find the inspiration to plan your next trip to these islands. Hydra Hydra town curves around a slope overlooking the Argosaronic Gulf like an amphitheater and is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Most unique to the island is its lack of vehicles. People on the island get around on mules and donkeys as well as water taxis, making for a peaceful and laid-back day. Hydra lies a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port in Athens.
Daily
Apr 22, 2024Meet 5 Women Shaping the Brixen/South Tyrol Travel Experience
Although a destination’s terrain, cuisine and cultural attributes always draw travelers in, it is often the people they meet that make the trip an enduring memory rather than a box to be checked off. It’s a job responsibility that people working around the Plose and adjoining town of Brixen (in Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region) take seriously. This is even more true for five women dedicated to introducing visitors to new aspects of the time-honored ski, leisure and hiking mountain destination in the Dolomites.
Daily
Apr 22, 2024Explore The Chatwal Brand from City to Countryside
The Chatwal brand offers guests the opportunity to explore the city or countryside with its properties The Chatwal, New York and The Chatwal Lodge. Part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, these two hotels feature spring and summer experiences for all types of travelers.
Sponsored Content
Experience Luxury and Tranquility at Hamad International Airport’s Hotel
Known as one of the best airports in the world and voted Best Airport in the Middle East by Global Traveler readers, Hamad International Airport aims to set new standards for the airport industry that exceed the expectations of travelers through its facility.
Cruising
Apr 22, 2024Your Guide to Holland America Line’s “Nieuw Amsterdam”’s Signature Restaurants
Aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam, which sails to Canada, the Pacific Coast of the United States, Alaska, Mexico, Panama and the Caribbean, you’ll find no shortage of dining options. But with such a limited amount of time on board, why not head to the best of the best on the ship?
7 Reasons to Put Curaçao on Your Travel List
Slideshow
Apr 22, 2024Turtle Bay Resort Partners with Salesforce
Daily
Apr 19, 2024Daily
Apr 18, 2024Exclusive Golf and Tennis Itineraries from Kensington Tours
Kensington Tours recently announced a limited series of luxury itineraries centered on golf and tennis, including world-famous events like Wimbledon.
Sponsored Content
A New Perspective on Incentive Travel
Incentive travel has long been a way for organizations to drive sales and reward employees with opulent trips to exotic destinations. Today it encompasses even more.
Bhutan
Apr 17, 2024Mindfulness City in Kingdom of Bhutan Unveiled as Future Economic Hub
In front of an audience of 30,000 Kingdom of Bhutan residents and officials, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck presented his vision for a new economic hub in Bhutan. Located between India to the south and China to the north, Bhutan is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Bhutan came late to global tourism. It opened its borders to international visitors in 1974 and, while tourism definitely increased, residents are enduring “light” rush-hour traffic in Thimphu, its capital city, as the only Asian capital without traffic lights.
ShareThis