What is the significance of the number 22? A cursory Google search yielded several interest- ing facts, such as a Monopoly board has 22 colored properties, and 22 is a master number in numerology. The Earth’s axis tilts at 22.5 degrees, which gives us our four seasons. Twenty- two is the smallest number that can be expressed as the sum of two prime numbers in two different ways, and Joseph Heller used the number to coin the term Catch-22 in his novel of the same name. While he list could go on, 22 holds special meaning for Global Traveler this year, as our GT Tested Reader Survey awards celebrates its 22nd iteration!

As another year of travel comes to a close it’s time for Global Traveler to name the 2025 winners of its reader-voted survey. For 22 years, or 22 trips around the sun on that 22.5-degree-tilted axis, our readers — a group of intrepid, frequent, luxury travelers — have voted for their favorites in our annual survey, from airlines and airports to hotels and credit cards. Join us on the following pages as we roll out the prestigious winners in our 22nd annual survey and see if your favorites made the cut.

PHOTO: © DELTA AIR LINES

Like much in the world of pop culture today, we can even tie in the No. 22 to Taylor Swift, who has a song entitled “22.” To quote Ms.Swift, “I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling twenty-two!” Swift later goes on to sing, “We just keep dancing like we’re twenty-two,” so I will heed her advice and dance on over to our first set of winners: the airlines. Emirates bests a four-time winner to take top honors as Best Overall Airline in the World. Best Airline Alliance winner oneworld earns its 16th nod in this category, while Delta Air Lines flies home with a second win for Best Airline Website (delta.com); Best Airline for Domestic First Class, two years running; Best Airline Lounges, third consecutive year, for Delta Sky Club; Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers for Delta Business Traveler; Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption for Delta SkyMiles; Best Airline in North America; and Best Airline App for the third year in a row. The Boeing 787 reaches new heights as Best Aircraft Type.

PHOTO: © ETIHAD AIRWAYS

It’s a double-win year for Etihad Airways: Best Airline for International First Class and Best Airline in the Middle East, second consecutive year. Turkish Airlines also picks up more than one award: Best Airline for Business Class, nine years in a row; Best Airline Cuisine, second consecutive year; and Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents, also for the ninth time. Asiana Airlines returns to its role as titleholder for Best Airline for Onboard Service after a year’s hiatus, and the airline also earns its 22nd win as Best Airline for Flight Attendants.

Condor Airlines joins the winners’ list for the first time, taking home the title of Best Flight Attendant Uniforms. Best Airline for Business-Class Seat Design goes to Swiss International Air Lines. Congrats to Cathay Pacific Airways on its three wins: Best Airline for First- Class Seat Design; Best Airline in North Asia; and Best Trans-Pacific Airline, three years running. Air Canada regains its top spot as Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness, and its Aeroplan program wins Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service for a second year.

United Airlines pulls off a repeat three-peat: Its MileagePlus program earns its 22nd honor as Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program, a 13th win as Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Promotion and its fourth win as Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program for the Premier 1K level.

PHOTO: © AIR TAHITI NUI

Here are the remaining airline winners: avianca, Best Airline in South & Central America; Aeromexico wins Best Airline in Mexico for an impressive 16th consecutive year; Air Tahiti Nui earns its eighth Best Airline in the South Pacific; TAP Air Portugal takes its milestone 15th win as Best Airline in Europe; Air Serbia is Best Airline in Eastern Europe, two years in a row; Royal Air Maroc is Best Airline in Africa for the third consecutive year; Air China earns its second Best Airline in China nod; Air India is Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India, 12th year in a row; Qantas garners Best Airline in Australia and New Zealand; All Nippon Airways wins Best Airline to Japan; and, rounding out the airline winners, we have British Airways, two-time Best Trans-Atlantic Airline.

While there are 22 players on a complete soccer team, these award-winning airports run smoothly thanks to their incredible teams working in greater numbers so well together. We will start with Best Overall Airport in the World, going to Hamad International Airport for the second consecutive year. The airport is also a big winner as Best Airport in the Middle East for the ninth consecutive year. And back to the number 22, it’s the 22nd win for Chicago O’Hare International Airport as Best Airport in North America, followed by its second nod as Best Airport Dining.

PHOTO: © TANYA KEISHA | DREAMSTIME.COM

Incheon International Airport wins its ninth Best Airport in Asia honor. For Best Airport in Europe (four times running) and Best Airport Shopping (also four times), the winner is iGA Istanbul Airport. El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá is the eight-time Best Airport in South America winner, while O.R. Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg, takes its fourth Best Airport in Africa title. Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport goes to Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport, and Dubai Duty Free wins its 19th Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World title.

The Monopoly board may want to consider swapping out some of its 22 properties for these award-winning hotels, beginning with Address Downtown, Dubai, Best Individual Hotel in the World.

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ various brands and programs appear many times on this list: Best International Hotel Chain honors go to InterContinental Hotels & Resorts for the third consecutive year. IHG One Rewards takes its 21st consecutive win for Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World and its second win as Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service, while its Diamond Elite level wins Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program for the third year in a row. IHG Business Edge wins its impressive seventh Best Small-to Mid-Sized Business Program honor.

The Ritz-Carlton earns two honors this year: Best Domestic Hotel Chain and Best Hotel Chain in Europe. Andaz earns its second Best Lifestyle Hotel title. Hilton scoops up a duo, with hilton.com winning Best Hotel Website and Hilton Honors winning its third Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Promotion. Marriott Bonvoy wins its sixth Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption nod and its third win for Best Hotel App.

PHOTO: © THE PENINSULA BEVERLY HILLS

Let’s jet around the globe to these winning hotels: The Peninsula Beverly Hills, 15-time winner of Best Hotel in the United States; Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong as Best Hotel in Asia; LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL, winner of Best Hotel in South Korea and Best MICE Hotel; Conrad Tokyo, Best Hotel in Japan; The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Best Hotel in Singapore; The Langham Hotels & Resorts, Best Hotel Chain in Asia; Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich, Best Hotel in Europe; Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel, Best Hotel in the Middle East; Jumeirah International, Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East; and Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, a 15-time winner for Best Hotel Chain in Mexico and Best Hotel Chain in Latin America for the third time.

The atomic number of titanium is 22, and these winners are as lustrous as that metal: Hertz wins the prize of Best Rental Car Company, five years running; Greece makes its fifth appearance as Best Tourism Destination; Seoul takes its 11th win as Best MICE City; Ireland was named Best Offshore Business Location; Starlink upset a long-time winner to earn the Best WiFi Service; Briggs & Riley returns as Best Luggage Brand for the third year in a row; Best Travel Insurance Company is UnitedHealthcare Global, two years in a row; and Best Rail Service/Provider goes to Alaska Railroad for the third consecutive year.

Once again, a Special Publisher’s Award (an honorable recognition this year from publisher and CEO Francis X. Gallagher) is awarded to South Korea’s Gyeonggi as Fastest-Developing MICE City.

Did you know $1 million in $100 bills would weigh just around 22 pounds? Whether you spend $22 or $22,000 on them, these winning co-branded credit cards ensure everyday purchases help achieve travel dreams.

United Club Infinite Card from Chase wins Best Overall Credit Card for the sixth consecutive year. Best Small Business Credit Card goes to Ink Business Preferred Card from Chase, two years running. Best Credit Card Rewards Program goes to Capital One Venture Rewards; the Capital One Venture X card wins Best Credit Card Design. Also from Capital One, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card wins Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions.

The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card from Chase earns the Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card title for the third consecutive year, while the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase takes a third win for Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions and its first win for Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits.

Same amazing card, new name: Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature, formerly known as Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America, takes its 14th win as Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card and seventh win for Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits. The card also earns the Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions nod. For Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions, the winner is Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards. As Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card, we have Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card from Bank of America for the third time.

Congratulations to all the winners, 22 times over!

THE VOTING PROCESS
Open-ended ballots ran in subscriber copies of Global Traveler and online at globaltravelerusa.com/gt-tested-awards-ballot from Dec. 12, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2025. Ballots were distributed via direct mail and email during the same period. Ballots re- turned with less than 50 percent of the fields completed were disqualified. Employees of FX Express Publications, Inc., and affiliated members of the travel industry were not allowed to participate.

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Best Overall Airline in the World
1. Emirates
2. Singapore Airlines
3. United Airlines

Best Airline Alliance
1. oneworld
2. Star Alliance
3. SkyTeam

Best Aircraft Type
1. Boeing 787
2. Boeing 777
3. Airbus A350

Best Airline Website
1. delta.com
2. united.com
3. aa.com

Best Airline for Business Class
1. Turkish Airlines
2. Singapore Airlines
3. United Airlines

Best Airline for International First Class
1. Etihad Airways
2. Air France
3. Cathay Pacific Airways

Best Airline for Domestic First Class
1. Delta Air Lines
2. United Airlines
3. American Airlines

Best Airline Lounges
1. Delta Sky Club
2. American Airlines Admirals Club
3. United Club

Best Airline for Onboard Service
1. Asiana Airlines
2. Korean Air
3. Cathay Pacific Airways

Best Airline for Flight Attendants
1. Asiana Airlines
2. Korean Air
3. Cathay Pacific Airways

Best Flight Attendant Uniforms
1. Condor Airlines
2. Emirates
3. Singapore Airlines

Best Airline Cuisine
1. Turkish Airlines
2. Air France
3. Korean Air

Best First-Class Seat Design
1. Cathay Pacific Airways
2. Korean Air
3. Emirates

Best Business-Class Seat Design
1. Swiss International Air Lines
2. United Airlines
3. Korean Air

Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers
1. Delta Business Traveler
2. American Airlines AAdvantage Business
3. Turkish Airlines Corporate Club

Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness
1. Air Canada
2. United Airlines
3. Cathay Pacific Airways

Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program
1. United MileagePlus
2. Delta SkyMiles
3. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program
1. United MileagePlus – Premier 1K
2. American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum
3. Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallion

Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Promotion
1. United MileagePlus
2. Delta SkyMiles
3. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption
1. Delta SkyMiles
2. Air Canada Aeroplan
3. American Airlines AAdvantage

Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service
1. Air Canada Aeroplan
2. United MileagePlus
3. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Best Airline in North America
1. Delta Air Lines
2. Air Canada
3. United Airlines

Best Airline to South America & Central America
1. avianca
2. LATAM Airlines Group
3. Copa Airlines

Best Airline in Mexico
1. Aeromexico
2. Volaris
3. VivaAerobus

Best Airline in the South Pacific
1. Air Tahiti Nui
2. Fiji Airways
3. Qantas

Best Airline in Europe
1. TAP Air Portugal
2. Lufthansa
3. Air France

Best Airline in Eastern Europe
1. Air Serbia
2. LOT Polish Airlines
3. Wizz Air

Best Airline in Africa
1. Royal Air Maroc
2. Ethiopian Airlines
3. Kenya Airways

Best Airline in Australia and New Zealand
1. Qantas
2. Fiji Airways
3. Air Tahiti Nui

Best Airline in the Middle East
1. Etihad Airways
2. Emirates
3. Gulf Air

Best Airline in North Asia (excluding China)
1. Cathay Pacific Airways
2. China Airlines
3. STARLUX Airlines

Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India
1. Air India
2. Indigo
3. SpiceJet

Best Airline in China
1. Air China
2. Xiamen Airlines
3. China Southern Airlines

Best Airline to Japan
1. All Nippon Airways
2. Japan Airlines
3. United Airlines

Best Trans-Atlantic Airline
1. British Airways
2. TAP Air Portugal
3. Air France

Best Trans-Pacific Airline
1. Cathay Pacific Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Japan Airlines

Best Overall Airport in the World
1. Hamad International Airport, Doha
2. iGA Istanbul Airport
3. Singapore Changi Airport

Best Airport in North America
1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
3. Miami International Airport

Best Airport in Asia
1. Incheon International Airport
2. Singapore Changi Airport
3. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport

Best Airport in Africa
1. O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa
2. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
3. Cape Town International Airport

Best Airport in Europe
1. iGA Istanbul Airport
2. Munich Airport
3. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Best Airport in the Middle East
1. Hamad International Airport, Doha
2. Dubai International Airport
3. Abu Dhabi International Airport

Best Airport in South America
1. El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá
2. orge Chávez International Airport
3. Quito International Airport

Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents
1. Turkish Airlines
2. United Airlines
3. Korean Air

Best Airport Dining
1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
2. iGA Istanbul Airport
3. Hamad International Airport, Doha

Best Airport Shopping
1. iGA Istanbul Airport
2. Miami International Airport
3. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport
1. Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport
2. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
3. Nashville International Airport

Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World
1. Dubai Duty Free
2. Incheon International Airport
3. iGA Istanbul Airport

Best Individual Hotel in the World
1. Address Downtown, Dubai
2. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
3. Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

Best International Hotel Chain
1. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
2. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
3. Marriott Hotels

Best Domestic Hotel Chain
1. The Ritz-Carlton
2. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
3. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

Best Lifestyle Hotel
1. Andaz
2. Aloft Hotels
3. Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants

Best MICE Hotel
1. LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL
2. Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas
3. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

Best Hotel Website
1. hilton.com
2. peninsula.com
3. ihg.com

Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World
1. IHG One Rewards
2. Marriott Bonvoy
3. Hilton Honors

Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program
1. IHG One Rewards – Diamond Elite
2. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite
3. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards

Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Promotion
1. Hilton Honors
2. Marriott Bonvoy
3. IHG One Rewards

Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption
1. Marriott Bonvoy
2. Hilton Honors
3. IHG One Rewards

Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service
1. IHG One Rewards
2. World of Hyatt
3. Marriott Bonvoy

Best Hotel in the United States
1. The Peninsula Beverly Hills
2. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
3. Terranea Resort

Best Hotel in Asia
1. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
2. Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
3. SIGNIEL SEOUL Lotte Tower

Best Hotel in South Korea
1. LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL
2. Four Seasons Seoul
3. The Shilla, Seoul

Best Hotel in Europe
1. Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich
2. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
3. The Peninsula London

Best Hotel in the Middle East
1. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel
2. Emirates Palace Hotel
3. One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai

Best Hotel in Japan
1. Conrad Tokyo
2. Tokyo Station Hotel
3. Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo

Best Hotel in Singapore
1. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
2. Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
3. Raffles Hotel Singapore

Best Hotel Chain in Asia
1. The Langham Hotels & Resorts
2. Taj Hotels
3. Anantara Hotels & Resorts

Best European Hotel Chain
1. The Ritz-Carlton
2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
3. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotel Chain in Latin America
1. Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection
2. Sol Meliá
3. Westin Hotels

Best Hotel Chain in Mexico
1. Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection
2. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
3. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East
1. Jumeirah International
2. The Ritz-Carlton
3. One&Only Resorts

Best Rental Car Company
1. Hertz
2. SIXT
3. Avis

Best Tourism Destination
1. Greece
2. Ireland
3. Spain

Best MICE City
1. Seoul
2. London
3. Doha

Best WiFi Service
1. Starlink
2. Intelsat (Gogo Commercial Aviation)
3. Boingo Wireless

Best Luggage Brand
1. Briggs & Riley
2. Away
3. Tumi

Best Hotel App
1. Marriott Bonvoy
2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
3. Hilton Hotels

Best Airline App
1. Delta Air Lines
2. United Airlines
3. Alaska Airlines

Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program
1. IHG Business Edge
2. American Airlines AAdvantage Business
3. Hilton for Business

Best Offshore Business Location
1. Ireland
2. U.S. Virgin Islands
3. Cayman Islands

Best Travel Insurance Company
1. UnitedHealthcare Global
2. Travel Guard
3. AGI Travel

Best Rail Service/Provider
1. Alaska Railroad
2. Rocky Mountaineer
3. Amtrak Vacations

Best Overall Credit Card
1. United Club Card from Chase
2. United Explorer Card from Chase
3. American Express Platinum

Best Small-Business Credit Card
1. Ink Business Preferred Card from Chase
2. TIE: Capital One Spark Miles for Business Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
3. American Express Business Platinum

Best Credit Cards Rewards Program
1. Capital One Venture Rewards
2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase
3. Membership Rewards Program from American Express

Best Credit Card Design
1. Capital One Venture X
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve
3. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card
1. IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card from Chase
2. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
3. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions
1. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
2. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
3. Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits
1. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase
3. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase
3. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card
1. Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature, formerly known as the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
2. Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards
3. United Club Card from Chase

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions
1. Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards
2. Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature formerly known as the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card
3. United Explorer Card from Chase

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits
1. Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature, formerly known as the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
2. CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard
3. British Airways Visa Signature Card

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
1. Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature, formerly known as the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
2. United Club Card from Chase
3. United Explorer Card from Chase

Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card
1. Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card from Bank of America
2. Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Card
3. Princess Cruises Visa Signature Card from Barclays

SPECIAL PUBLISHER’S AWARD:
Fastest-Developing MICE City Gyeonggi Province