The results are in! For the eighth 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 36,000 people responded.
This year, Global Traveler‘s distinguished readers recognized airlines, hotels, loyalty programs and travel-related products in 66 categories. The results of the survey are announced in the December 2011 issue, available today.
GT readers are frequent premium travelers averaging 16 international and 16 domestic round-trip flights a year, with an average household income of $340,000 per year. Global Traveler’s elite readers spend an average 80 nights per year away on foreign travel and 40 nights on domestic travel.A whopping 78 percent regularly travel in first or business class.
This year’s roster of highly regarded winners includes Singapore Airlines (Best Airline in the World), Emirates (Best Airline for First Class), Swiss International Air Lines (Best First-Class Seat Design) and Air Tahiti Nui (Best Airline in the South Pacific). Other top winners are South African Airways (Best Airline in Africa), Hainan Airlines (Best Airline in China), Incheon International Airport (Best Airport in the World), The Ritz- Carlton (Best Domestic Hotel Chain), The Peninsula Beverly Hills (Best Hotel in the United States), Boingo Wireless (Best WiFi Service) and Dubai Duty Free (Best Duty- Free Shops).
Over the past eight years, Global Traveler’s consistent, unbiased reporting has placed the GT Tested Reader Survey among the most highly regarded in the industry.
This year marks the first year for the following GT Tested categories: Best Private Jet Company in Asia (Deer Jet), Best Private Jet Company in the Americas (Delta Private Jets), Best Private Jet Company in Europe (Air Partner), Best Private Jet Company in the Middle East (Royal Jet), Best Hotel in the World (The Address Hotel Downtown Dubai), Best Overseas Delivery Program (Audi) and Best Noise-Canceling Headset (Sony Noise-Canceling Headsets).
“We are excited to announce the eighth annual GT Tested Reader Survey award results,” said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO of Global Traveler. “We received more than 36,000 responses this year, which is staggering. And, our readers know the best; the
2011 winners were truly chosen by the cream of the crop. Congratulations to all the winners. The companies topping our list this year are the very best of the best.”
This year’s winners will be feted at a cocktail reception this evening at award-winning The Peninsula Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, Calif. For more information, check out the December 2011 issue of Global Traveler or visit our website athttp://newgtsite.wpengine.com A. complete recap of tonight’s festivities will be featured in the March 2012 issue.
Best Airline in the World Singapore Airlines Best Airline for First Class Best Airline for Business Class Best Business-Class Seat Design Best First-Class Seat Design Best Airline in North America Best Airline for Domestic First Class Best Airline for Premium-Economy Best Airline for Onboard Service and Flight Attendants Best Airline in Central/South America Best Airline in Mexico Best Trans-Atlantic Airline Best Trans-Pacific Airline Best Airline to Australia and New Zealand Best Airline in the South Pacific Best Airline in Europe Best Airline in Africa Best Airline in the Middle East Best Airline in North Asia Best Airline in Southeast Asia Best Airline in China Best Airline in Central/South Asia and India Best Airline to Japan Best Airline for Security Best Airline Cuisine Best Airport Lounges Best Airport in the World Best Airport in North America Best Aircraft Type Best Frequent-Flyer Program Best Airport Dining Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents Best Airline Alliance |
Best Private Jet Company in Asia Best Private Jet Company in the Best Private Jet Company in Europe Best Private Jet Company in the Middle East Best Hotel in the World Best International Hotel Chain Best Domestic Hotel Chain Best Lifestyle Hotel Best Hotel in the United States Best Hotel in the Eastern United States Best Hotel in the Western United States Best European Hotel Chain Best Hotel Chain in Asia Best Hotel Chain in Latin America Best Hotel Chain in Mexico
FiestAmericana Hotels and ResortsBest Hotel Chain in the Middle East Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts Best Hotel Club Floor Best Domestic Tourism Destination Best International Tourism Destination Best Domestic Business City Best International Business City Best Spa Best Golf Resort Best Hotel Rewards Program Best Wireless Service in the World Best WiFi Service Best Luggage Brand Best Overseas Delivery Program Best Credit Card Rewards Program Best Travel Gadget Best Tour Operator Best Duty-Free Shops Best Noise-Canceling Headset |
Global Traveler will also recognize the following Wines on the Wing award winners at tonight’s reception: OpenSkies (Best Business-Class Wines on the Wing), Asiana Airlines (Best First-Class Wines on the Wing, Best First-Class Champagne, Best First- Class Red Wine), Etihad Airways (Best Business-Class White Wine), EL AL Israel Airlines (Best First-Class White Wine), South African Airways (Best Business-Class Sparkling Wine), V Australia (Best Business-Class Champagne), TAP Portugal (Best Business-Class Red Wine), Lufthansa (Best First-Class Red Wine), SkyTeam (Best Alliance Wines on the Wing), American Airlines (Best North American Wines on the Wing, Best North American Sparkling Wine, Best North American Red Wine) and US Airways (Best North American White Wine). The results of the Wines on the Wing airline wine survey were announced in the August 2011 issue.
About the Survey
Global Traveler conducted an open-ended survey of its readers to determine the best in
66 travel-related categories. The survey was conducted from Jan. 1, 2011, to Aug. 31, 2011. Questionnaires were available in subscriber copies of the magazine, online athttp://newgtsite.wpengine.com/surveyand 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/FXExpress Publications, Inc.
Global Traveler, the only ABC-audited U.S.-based magazine for the international
business traveler, is a business travel and lifestyle publication with an ABC-paid
circulation of 107,140+. FXExpress Publications, Inc., based in Yardley, Pa.,
is a privately held company publishing Global Traveler, eFlyer;
eFlyerAsia and several annuals; and also operating newgtsite.wpengine.com,
http://www.globaltravellerasia.com and blog.globaltravelerusa.com.
Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/globaltravelermagazine
and follow us on Twitter, @Gtmag.
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
May 29, 2025You Can Now Take a Private Charter to Tulum’s Casa Xixim Villa
Eco-indulgence reaches new heights with the Go Green Luxury Getaway, a collaboration between Monarch Air Group’s private jet charter service and Casa Xixim eco-luxury villa. After all, it’s a natural partnership: Located in Soliman Bay, Casa Xixim has been extensively lauded for its architecture and environmental practices, while Monarch Air Group offers fully offset carbon emissions, gourmet meals with sustainably sourced ingredients and eco-friendly travel essentials.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Daily
May 29, 2025These 5 Hotels Offer Beekeeping Experiences
Find out what all the buzz is about at these U.S. hotels and resorts offering beekeeping experiences.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
May 2025
May 29, 2025Escape to a Private Island For the Ultimate in Seclusion and Luxury
At one time, the only people who might seriously consider vacationing on a private island were escapists looking to indulge their Robinson Crusoe fantasies or billionaires and celebrities in search of a luxurious respite from the cameras.
Tea Time is Tree Time at This Banyan Tree Resort
Daily
May 28, 2025Williamsburg Inn Review
eFlyer Reviews
May 28, 2025eFlyer News
May 28, 2025American Airlines Opens 2 New Lounges at Philadelphia International Airport
On May 22, American Airlines opened two new lounges at Philadelphia International Airport in the A-West Terminal. The Flagship and Admirals Club lounges span 25,000 square feet and have a shared entryway, accessible between Gates A15 and A16.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
eFlyer News
May 28, 2025Aman Debuts Amancaya, A New Island Sanctuary in the Bahamas
Aman expands its portfolio with its third property in the Caribbean. Set to debut in Exuma in The Bahamas, this luxury property will mark the brand’s first location in The Bahamas. Amancaya will be built across two of Exumas’ most secluded private cays, comprising a 36-pavilion Aman hotel and limited collection of fully serviced Aman Residences.
ShareThis