PREPARE YOURSELF FOR ONE EPIC VOYAGE. This year’s 2017 GT Tested Reader Survey award winners take travelers around the world. Journey with us as we unveil the winners of our 14th annual survey, drifting around the continents to celebrate the best of the best in travel worldwide.

Perhaps the winners won’t come as a shock to you, our reader. You circumnavigated the globe with us all year long by voting for your favorite airlines, hotels, destinations and travel goods and services. Grab your boarding pass and come away with us as we traipse the world. Bon voyage!

It’s a big world out there — and certain providers find themselves with a lot of ground to cover. First stop in our trip across the globe is to recognize those in the travel industry offering best-in-the-world service. For the eighth consecutive year, oneworld dominates the Best Airline Alliance category, bridging the continents through member airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, LATAM Airlines Group, Qantas, Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways.

With more than 5,000 hotels across the universe, InterContinental Hotels Group aims to please millions of travelers and a multitude of cultures. For the 13th year in a row, the company’s IHG Rewards Club takes home the title of Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World.

Also earning worldwide acclaim, the 2017 survey honors Volvo, Best Overseas Delivery Program for the second consecutive year; Hertz, for a fourth time, as Best Rental Car Company; Boingo Wireless, Best WiFi Service for the seventh year in a row; and Verizon, named Best Wireless Service in the World two years running.

Fans from all nations agree Sony’s Digital Noise-Cancelling Headphones MDR1000X Wireless are the Best Noise-Cancelling Headset for the fourth consecutive year, while Nikon reigned supreme for the first time, winning Best Photographic Equipment for its D7500. Eight times over, voters agreed: Briggs & Riley is the Best Luggage Brand in all the land.

As the world ever changes, so do our awards. Among many categories introduced this year are the next three: Best Ride Share, won by Uber; Best Hotel App, earned by Hilton Hotels & Resorts; and Best Airline App, won by Delta Air Lines.

Let’s begin our around-the-world expedition close to home, honoring those stand-out travel companies serving or headquartered in North America. American Airlines found itself a multiple award recipient this year, named Best Airline Website; Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific; and Best Airline for Domestic First Class (second year in a row).

Also finding itself a big winner was The Ritz-Carlton, the luxury hotel company with 91 hotels worldwide. In 2017 The Ritz-Carlton was awarded Best International Hotel Chain (third consecutive year); Best Domestic Hotel Chain (third year in a row); Best Hotel Club Floor (second year running); and Best Hotel Website (third consecutive win).

Delta Air Lines makes its second appearance on this year’s list, honored for Best Airline for New Service Launch for its Detroit (DTW) to London (LHR) flight. The airline’s hub, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, won Best Airport Dining for the fourth consecutive year.

Our next stop is Chicago, home to another of North America’s award-winning airports. For the 14th consecutive year, Chicago O’Hare International Airport claims the title of Best Airport in North America. The city is also the headquarters of United Airlines, whose frequent-flyer program, United MileagePlus, earned top billing for the 14th time as Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program. For the fifth time, the program was named Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program.

Another company calling Chicago home, Hyatt picks up an armload of accolades: Best Lifestyle Hotel for Andaz, eight years running; and Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program, Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption and Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service, Americas (second consecutive year) for its recently rebranded World of Hyatt rewards program. Meanwhile, Marriott Rewards wins big as Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program.

To the Northwest, where Alaska Airlines won the impressive title of Best Airline in North America. Its Mileage Plan frequent-flyer program was dubbed Best Frequent- Flyer Customer Service, Americas.

Say aloha to the 50th state: Hawaiian Airlines earned the title of Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program for Hawaiian Miles – Pualani Platinum Membership. Before departing the United States, visit the 90210, home of the Best Hotel in the United States for the seventh year in a row, The Peninsula Beverly Hills.

Moving south, Mexico appeared several times on this year’s ballot. Aeromexico is the Best Airline in Mexico for the eighth time, and Fiesta Americana is the Best Hotel Chain in Mexico for the seventh year in a row. The country was also named Best Tourism Destination.

Time to pop across the pond and visit our trans-Atlantic neighbor, the European continent. Toulouse, France, is the home base for Airbus, where the Airbus A350 was conceived and built before being named Best Aircraft Type for 2017.

One of the biggest European winners was Turkish Airlines, winning Best Airline for Business Class and Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents. Its European airline counterparts claimed the No. 1 spots for Best Airline Cuisine, Alitalia for the eighth year in a row; TAP Air Portugal, seven-time Best Airline in Europe and first-time Best Trans-Atlantic Airline; and LOT Polish Airlines, Best Airline in Eastern Europe.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol pulls double duty this year, finding itself at the top of the list for two new 2017 categories: Best Airport Shopping and Best Duty-Free Shopping in Europe. Vienna International Airport also represents for the European gateways, named the firstever Best Airport in Europe.

Overall for accommodations in Europe, seek out St. Regis, the Best European Hotel Chain for the second consecutive year. Try one of the iconic Bloody Marys at seven European locations in Italy, Kazakhstan, Russia, Serbia, Spain and Turkey. For the first time, we award Best Hotel in Europe, and the newbie awardee is Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon.

Next stop? The Middle East, where award-winning airlines and hotels truly know how to serve travelers a dose of luxury. Take Qatar Airways, for example, which earned raves as Best Airline for International First Class, Best First-Class Seat Design and Best Airline in the Middle East, all for the second consecutive year. Keep an eye out for the airline’s newest innovation, the gamechanging QSuite business-class cabin, debuted earlier this year. Doha’s state-of-the-art airport, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways’ hub, opened in 2014, and its myriad offerings helped it earn the Best Airport in the Middle East, a first-time category in our survey.

For the 11th consecutive year, EL AL Israel Airlines is recognized for its dedication to safety and security for travelers, as Best Airline for Security.

Abu Dhabi knows style, evident in its flag carrier’s win this year. Etihad Airways flies away with the title of Best Flight Attendant Uniforms.

Moving to another of the U.A.E.’s emirates, Dubai makes its way onto the winner’s list with two acknowledgments for Dubai Duty Free, the 11-time titleholder for Best Duty-Free Shops and first-time winner in the new Best Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East race.

Considered the world’s first 7-star hotel, it’s no wonder Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai is the 2017 Best Hotel in the Middle East winner. For overall luxury in the Middle East, our survey respondents recommend repeat winner The Ritz-Carlton as Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East. The brand boasts properties in Bahrain, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Let’s journey onward to the fascinating continent of Asia, where travelers’ options range from the islands of Thailand to the frenetic city life of Beijing and the exoticism of India.

Taking home the top title in this region is Singapore Airlines, named Best Overall Airline in the World for the third year running. Its home airport, Singapore Changi Airport, also boasts a major accolade this year as the two-time winner of Best Overall Airport in the World. For the first time, the airport also nabbed the Best Duty-Free Shopping in Asia title.

Perennial favorite Asiana Airlines keeps its throne for the 14th time, continuing to shine and set a worldwide example as Best Airline for Onboard Service and Best Airline for Flight Attendants. After experiencing the fantastic service on an Asiana flight, find yourself at Incheon Airport, Best Airport in Asia. In the city, choose from a number of outstanding luxury hotels, including this year’s award winners: Lotte Hotel Seoul, Best MICE Hotel for the third year in a row and Best Hotel in South Korea for the sixth consecutive year; and Signiel Seoul, Best New Luxury Hotel in Asia. Seoul earns third-time accolades for Best MICE City.

Taiwan-based China Airlines receives double awards this year: Best Business-Class Seat Design for the third time and Best Airline in North Asia for the fifth time. While in Taipei, book a stay at the Best Hotel in Asia, Mandarin Oriental, Taipei. Our voters also prefer Grand Hyatt during trips to Asia. The Best Hotel Chain in Asia winner has properties in China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, India, Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan and coming soon to the Philippines.

Conclude your Asian visit with a flight on any of these award-winning airlines: Hainan Airlines, Best Airline in China for the sixth consecutive year; Air India, the four-time Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India; and two-time honoree, Japan Airlines, Best Airline to Japan and Best Trans-Pacific Airline.

Next up on our world tour, let’s head to Australia and the Pacific Rim. Helping us get there? Air New Zealand, named Best Airline to Australia and New Zealand. In the South Pacific, those surveyed opted for Fiji Airways, Best Airline in the South Pacific.

There’s so much left to see in this world, but our journey is almost concluding. Before heading home, let’s first visit the wonders of Africa, aided on our way by the reliable — so reliable, it’s been awarded 14 times over! — service of South African Airways, Best Airline in Africa. The accolades extend to Johannesburg’s airport, O.R. Tambo International Airport, voted both Best Airport in Africa and Best Duty-Free Shopping in Africa.

Coming nearly full circle and enjoying every moment of our once-in-a-lifetime jaunt around the globe, we end in South America, where five-time winner LifeMiles from Avianca Airlines will help frequent travelers find rewards, winning Best Frequent- Flyer Award Redemption.

LATAM Airlines Group is another of the continent’s award-winning carriers, finding itself named Best Airline to South America for the fourth consecutive year. Making a first-time appearance on the list of winners is Jorge Chávez International Airport, Peru’s largest and the 2017 Best Airport in South America.

With 16 stellar hotel options in Latin and Central America, you can easily guess why InterContinental Hotels and Resorts earned No. 1 billing as Best Hotel Chain in Latin America, dethroning the previous 13-time winner.

Wherever in the world your travels may take you, a co-branded credit card can aid with both flights and accommodations. Whether a short business trip or circumnavigation of the globe, these credit cards earn raves from our well-traveled survey respondents.

For six years, the United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase has held the No. 1 spot for Best Overall Credit Card and Best Credit Card Rewards Program. The United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase ranks tops for Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions, and has for the past five years. Best Credit Card Special Events also goes to Chase, for the Inside Access from Chase program.

Other frequent-flyer affinity credit cards worth reserving a space for in your wallet include the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America, six-time Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card; Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard, Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions for the fourth consecutive year; and Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits for the third year in a row.

Make sure these frequent-stay affinity credit cards accompany you around the globe: Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase, winning Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card for the sixth time and Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits. The Hilton Honors Card from American Express takes the Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions title for the second year running. And The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card from J.P. Morgan features twice on this year’s roster, earning Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions honors for the third time and Best Small-Business Credit Card acclaim for the second.

Of course, you may choose to sail the seven seas instead. Our readers recommend the Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature card joins you. This is the third time the credit card has been named Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card.

Spin the globe. Grab your passport. Board the plane. Book the hotel room. Snap the photo. Make the dinner reservation. Gain a global perspective. It’s time to keep exploring, and we have a host of winning airlines, hotels, travel providers and services ready to take you. What are you waiting for? And raise a glass, say cheers and toast the winners, wherever you may find yourself around the world.

THE VOTING PROCESS
Open-ended ballots ran in subscriber copies of Global Traveler and online at globaltravelerusa .com/survey from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, 2017. 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 22,000 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 2017

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

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

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

Best Airline Website
1. aa.com
2. united.com
3. delta.com
4. jetblue.com
5. southwest.com
6. britishairways.com
7. lufthansa.com
8. alaskaair.com
9. qatarairways.com
10. china-airlines.com

Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific
1. American Airlines
2. Hainan Airlines
3. China Airlines
4. Xiamen Air
5. Korean Air
6. All Nippon Airways
7. United Airlines
8. Japan Airlines
9. China Southern Airlines
10. China Eastern Airlines

Best Airline for Business Class
1. Turkish Airlines
2. Qatar Airways
3. United Airlines
4. Singapore Airlines
5. Etihad Airways
6. Delta Air Lines
7. Asiana Airlines
8. Korean Air
9. Lufthansa
10. China Airlines

Best Airline for International First Class
1. Qatar Airways
2. Etihad Airways
3. Emirates
4. Asiana Airlines
5. Swiss International Air Lines
6. Singapore Airlines
7. Turkish Airlines
8. Lufthansa
9. Cathay Pacific Airways
10. Korean Air

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

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

Best Airline for Flight Attendants
1. Asiana Airlines
2. LATAM Airlines Group
3. Emirates
4. Singapore Airlines
5. airberlin
6. Etihad Airways
7. Cathay Pacific Airways
8. Qatar Airways
9. Korean Air
10. South African Airways

Best Flight Attendant Uniforms
1. Etihad Airways
2. Asiana Airlines
3. China Airlines
4. Emirates
5. Cathay Pacific Airways
6. Singapore Airlines
7. Delta Air Lines
8. Air France
9. Korean Air
10. Qatar Airways

Best Airline Cuisine
1. Alitalia
2. Qatar Airways
3. Etihad Airways
4. Air France
5. Cathay Pacific Airways
6. Lufthansa
7. Air New Zealand
8. Brussels Airlines
9. Singapore Airlines
10. Asiana Airlines

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

Best First-Class Seat Design
1. Qatar Airways
2. Etihad Airways
3. Emirates
4. Asiana Airlines
5. Singapore Airlines
6. Cathay Pacific Airways
7. British Airways
8. Qantas
9. Swiss International Air Lines
10. United Airlines

Best Business-Class Seat Design
1. China Airlines
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Swiss International Air Lines
4. LATAM Airlines Group
5. Etihad Airways
6. Turkish Airlines
7. airberlin
8. Qantas
9. Asiana Airlines
10. Cathay Pacific Airways

Best Airline for New Service Launch
1. Delta Air Lines (DTW to LHR)
2. LOT Polish Airlines (ORD to KRK)
3. Delta Air Lines (JFK to GLA)
4. LATAM Airlines Group (MCO to SCL)
5. United Airlines (SFO to SIN)
6. Singapore Airlines (SFO to SIN)
7. Delta Air Lines (ATL to BRU)
8. Virgin Atlantic Airways (SEA to LHR)
9. Emirates (EWR to ATH)
10. Air India (IAD to DEL)

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

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

Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program
1. United MileagePlus
2. American Airlines AAdvantage
3. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
4. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
5. Air Canada Aeroplan
6. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
7. LifeMiles
8. LATAM Fidelidade
9. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
10. Frontier Airlines EarlyReturns

Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption
1. LifeMiles
2. Air Canada Aeroplan
3. United MileagePlus
4. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
5. American Airlines AAdvantage
6. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
7. LATAM Fidelidade
8. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
9. Frontier Airlines EarlyReturns

Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service, Americas
1. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
2. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
3. American Airlines AAdvantage
4. United MileagePlus
5. Air Canada Aeroplan
6. LATAM Pass
7. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
8. LATAM Fidelidade

Best Airline in North America
1. Alaska Airlines
2. Delta Air Lines
3. United Airlines
4. American Airlines
5. Air Canada
6. JetBlue
7. Frontier Airlines
8. Porter Airlines
9. Southwest Airlines

Best Airline to South America
1. LATAM Airlines Group
2. Avianca
3. Aerolineas Argentinas

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

Best Airline to Australia and New Zealand
1. Air New Zealand
2. Qantas
3. Fiji Airways
4. Air Tahiti Nui
5. Virgin Australia

Best Airline in the South Pacific
1. Fiji Airways
2. Air Tahiti Nui
3. Qantas
4. Virgin Australia
5. Air New Zealand

Best Airline in Europe
1. TAP Air Portugal
2. Brussels Airlines
3. Austrian Airlines
4. Swiss International Air Lines
5. British Airways
6. Virgin Atlantic Airways
7. Lufthansa
8. Iberia
9. Aer Lingus
10. Alitalia

Best Airline in Eastern Europe
1. LOT Polish Airlines
2. Aeroflot
3. Transaero
4. Tarom Romanian Airlines
5. Wizzair
6. Adria Airways
7. Croatia Airlines
8. S7 Airlines

Best Airline in Africa
1. South African Airways
2. Royal Air Maroc
3. Air Seychelles
4. Kenya Airways
5. Air Namibia
6. Air Mauritius
7. Ethiopian Airlines
8. TAAG Angola Airlines
9. Mango
10. Kulula

Best Airline in the Middle East
1. Qatar Airways
2. Etihad Airways
3. Emirates
4. Saudi Arabian Airlines
5. EL AL Israel Airlines
6. Royal Jordanian
7. Middle East Airlines
8. Gulf Air
9. Royal Air Maroc
10. Egyptair

Best Airline in North Asia (excluding China)
1. China Airlines
2. EVA Air
3. Asiana Airlines
4. Korean Air
5. Cathay Pacific Airways
6. Japan Airlines
7. Dragonair
8. All Nippon Airways

Best Airline in China
1. Hainan Airlines
2. China Eastern Airlines
3. Air China
4. China Southern Airlines
5. Shenzhen Airlines
6. Juneyao Airlines
7. Shandong Airlines
8. Spring Airlines
9. Sichuan Airlines
10. Tianjin Airlines

Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India
1. Air India
2. SpiceJet
3. Indigo
4. SriLankan Airlines
5. Mihin Lanka
6. Jet Airways
7. Air Astana
8. Biman Bangladesh Airlines
9. PIA

Best Airline to Japan
1. Japan Airlines
2. All Nippon Airways
3. United Airlines
4. American Airlines
5. Delta Air Lines

Best Trans-Atlantic Airline
1. TAP Air Portugal
2. American Airlines
3. British Airways
4. United Airlines
5. Lufthansa
6. Austrian Airlines
7. Brussels Airlines
8. Swiss International Air Lines
9. Delta Air Lines
10. Air France

Best Trans-Pacific Airline
1. Japan Airlines
2. United Airlines
3. Asiana Airlines
4. Singapore Airlines
5. Korean Air
6. Cathay Pacific Airways
7. China Southern Airlines
8. Air China
9. All Nippon Airways

Best Overall Airport in the World
1. Singapore Changi Airport
2. Munich Airport
3. Incheon International Airport
4. Hamad International Airport
5. Hong Kong International Airport
6. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
7. Frankfurt am Main International Airport
8. Beijing Capital International Airport
9. Shanghai International Airport
10. Tokyo International Airport/ Haneda Airport

Best Airport in North America
1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
3. Denver International Airport
4. San Francisco International Airport
5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston
6. Newark Liberty International Airport
7. Portland International Airport
8. Pittsburgh International Airport
9. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
10. Miami International Airport

Best Airport in Asia
1. Incheon International Airport
2. Singapore Changi Airport
3. Tokyo Haneda International Airport
4. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport
5. Osaka Kansai International Airport
6. Hong Kong International Airport
7. Kuala Lumpur International Airport
8. Tokyo Narita International Airport
9. Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
10. Beijing Capital International Airport

Best Airport in Africa
1. O.R. Tambo International Airport Johannesburg
2. Cape Town International Airport
3. King Shaka International Airport Durban
4. Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos
5. Port Elizabeth International Airport
6. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
7. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Mauritius International Airport
8. Cairo International Airport
9. Seychelles International Airport

Best Airport in Europe
1. Vienna International Airport
2. Munich Airport
3. Zürich Kloten International Airport
4. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
5. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
6. Brussels Airport
7. Frankfurt am Main International Airport
8. London Heathrow Airport
9. Copenhagen Airport
10. Hamburg Airport

Best Airport in the Middle East
1. Hamad International Airport
2. Dubai International Airport
3. Abu Dhabi International Airport
4. Bahrain International Airport
5. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport Medina
6. Muscat International Airport
7. King Khalid International Airport Riyadh
8. King Fahd International Airport Damman
9. Al Maktoum Dubai World Central

Best Airport in South America
1. Jorge Chávez International Airport
2. Quito International Airport
3. Bogota El Dorado
4. José Joaquín de Olmedo Guayaquil International Airport
5. Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez Santiago International Airport
6. Ministro Pistarini Buenos Aires International Airport
7. São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport
8. Rio de Janeiro International Airport
9. Simón Bolívar Caracas International Airport

Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents
1. Turkish Airlines
2. EVA Air
3. Delta Air Lines
4. Singapore Airlines
5. Qatar Airways
6. Lufthansa
7. Emirates
8. United Airlines
9. Asiana Airlines
10. Etihad Airways

Best Airport Dining
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
2. Singapore Changi Airport
3. Hamad International Airport
4. Vienna International Airport
5. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
6. London Heathrow Airport
7. Brussels Airport
8. Los Angeles International Airport
9. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
10. Frankfurt am Main International Airport

Best Airport Shopping
1. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
2. Dubai International Airport
3. Incheon International Airport
4. Hong Kong International Airport
5. Hamad International Airport
6. London Heathrow Airport
7. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
8. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
9. Miami International Airport
10. Zürich Kloten International Airport

Best Duty-Free Shops
1. Dubai Duty Free
2. Hamad International Airport
3. Incheon International Airport
4. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
5. Hong Kong International Airport
6. Singapore Changi Airport
7. Abu Dhabi International Airport
8. Frankfurt am Main International Airport
9. Vancouver International Airport
10. London Heathrow Airport

Best Duty-Free Shopping in Asia
1. Singapore Changi Airport
2. Incheon International Airport
3. Tokyo Haneda International Airport
4. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport
5. Osaka Kansai International Airport
6. Hong Kong International Airport
7. Kuala Lumpur International Airport
8. Tokyo Narita International Airport
9. Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
10. Beijing Capital International Airport

Best Duty-Free Shopping in Africa
1. O.R. Tambo International Airport Johannesburg
2. Cape Town International Airport
3. King Shaka International Airport Durban
4. Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos
5. Port Elizabeth International Airport
6. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
7. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolan Mauritius International Airport
8. Cairo International Airport
9. Seychelles International Airport

Best Duty-Free Shopping in Europe
1. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
2. London Heathrow Airport
3. Munich Airport
4. Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Rome
5. Zürich Kloten International Airport
6. Frankfurt am Main International Airport
7. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
8. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
9. Vienna International Airport
10. Brussels Airport

Best Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East
1. Dubai Duty Free
2. Hamad International Airport
3. Abu Dhabi International Airport
4. Bahrain Duty Free
5. Amman Queen Alia International Airport Jordan
6. Muscat International Airport
7. King Khalid International Airport Riyadh
8. Al Maktoum Dubai World Central

Best International Hotel Chain
1. The Ritz-Carlton
2. Westin Hotels & Resorts
3. The Peninsula Hotels
4. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
5. Hilton Hotels & Resorts
6. Conrad Hotels & Resorts
7. Marriott Hotels
8. Four Seasons
9. Park Hyatt
10. Waldorf Astoria

Best Domestic Hotel Chain
1. The Ritz-Carlton
2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
3. Hilton Hotels Corp.
4. Park Hyatt
5. Waldorf Astoria
6. Marriott Hotels
7. Four Seasons
8. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
9. W Hotels
10. Westin Hotels & Resorts

Best Lifestyle Hotel
1. Andaz
2. Aloft Hotels
3. W Hotels
4. Moxy
5. Element Hotels
6. Kimpton Hotels
7. Affinia Hotels
8. Hotel Indigo
9. Vida Hotels + Resorts

Best MICE Hotel
1. Lotte Hotel Seoul
2. The Fairmont San Francisco
3. Hyatt Regency Incheon
4. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
5. China World Hotel, Beijing
6. Crowne Plaza Changi
7. Grosvenor House, London
8. Kempinski Hotel Wuxi
9. Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong
10. The Gleneagles

Best Hotel Club Floor
1. The Ritz-Carlton
2. JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts
3. Grand Hyatt Grand Club
4. The Peninsula Hotels
5. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
6. Hilton Hotels
7. Marriott Hotels & Resorts
8. Westin Hotels & Resorts
9. Renaissance Hotels

Best Hotel Website
1. ritzcarlton.com
2. peninsula.com
3. marriott.com
4. intercontinental.com
5. hilton.com
6. loews.com
7. starwood.com
8. mandarinoriental.com
9. hyatt.com

Best New Luxury Hotel in Asia
1. Signiel Seoul
2. Park Hyatt, Bangkok
3. Conrad Bora Bora Nui
4. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
5. Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
6. The St. Regis Langkawi
7. Kokomo Island, Fiji
8. Alila Fort Bishangarh
9. W Shanghai The Bund

Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World
1. InterContinental Hotels Group IHG Rewards Club
2. Marriott Rewards
3. Hilton Honors
4. Starwood Preferred Guest
5. World of Hyatt
6. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Golden Circle
7. Loews Hotel YouFirst
8. Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club
9. Fairmont President’s Club
10. Club Carlson

Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program
1. World of Hyatt Platinum
2. Hilton Honors Diamond
3. Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite
4. Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum Preferred
5. InterContinental Hotels Group IHG Rewards Club Platinum Elite
6. Wyndham Rewards ByRequest
7. Fairmont President’s Club Platinum
8. Sol Meliá MAS Rewards
9. Choice Privileges Platinum

Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program
1. Marriott Rewards
2. Hilton Honors
3. InterContinental Hotels Group IHG Rewards Club
4. World of Hyatt
5. Club Carlson
6. Starwood Preferred Guest
7. Wyndham Rewards
8. Omni Select Guest
9. Sol Meliá MAS Rewards
10. Fairmont President’s Club

Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption
1. World of Hyatt
2. Hilton Honors
3. InterContinental Hotels Group IHG Rewards Club
4. Starwood Preferred Guest
5. Club Carlson
6. Sol Meliá MAS Rewards
7. Wyndham Rewards
8. Omni Select Guest
9. Fairmont President’s Club

Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service, Americas
1. World of Hyatt
2. Marriott Rewards
3. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards
4. InterContinental Hotels Group IHG Rewards Club
5. Sol Meliá MAS Rewards
6. Starwood Preferred Guest
7. Hilton Honors
8. Club Carlson
9. Kimpton In Touch
10. Fairmont President’s Club

Best Hotel in the United States
1. The Peninsula Beverly Hills
2. The Langham, Chicago
3. The Peninsula Chicago
4. Montage Beverly Hills
5. Park Hyatt New York
6. Mandarin Oriental, New York
7. Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas
8. The Four Seasons, New York
9. The Waldorf Astoria Chicago
10. The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown

Best Hotel in Asia
1. Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
2. Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
3. Four Seasons Seoul
4. The Peninsula Bangkok
5. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
6. The Peninsula Shanghai
7. The Mulia, Bali
8. Signiel Seoul
9. The Upper House, Hong Kong
10. The Peninsula Hong Kong

Best Hotel in South Korea
1. Lotte Hotel Seoul
2. Park Hyatt Seoul
3. The Plaza Seoul
4. Four Seasons Seoul
5. Grand Hyatt Seoul
6. The Shilla, Seoul
7. InterContinental Seoul
8. The Ritz-Carlton, Seoul
9. The Westin Chosun

Best Hotel in the Middle East
1. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
2. Al Maha Resort & Spa
3. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
4. One&Only Royal Mirage
5. The St. Regis Dubai
6. Four Seasons Bahrain Bay
7. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel
8. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
9. Emirates Palace Hotel
10. The Palace Downtown Dubai

Best Hotel in Europe
1. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
2. Le Meurice Paris
3. Hotel de Russie Rome
4. Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich
5. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Place Budapest
6. Belmond Hotel Cipriani Venice
7. Merrion Hotel Dublin
8. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
9. Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome
10. Le Bristol Paris

Best European Hotel Chain
1. St. Regis
2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
3. The Ritz-Carlton
4. The Luxury Collection
5. Westin Hotels & Resorts
6. W Hotels
7. Marriott Hotels
8. Kempinski Hotels
9. Hilton Hotels & Resorts
10. Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotel Chain in Asia
1. Grand Hyatt
2. Mandarin Oriental
3. The Peninsula Hotels
4. Park Hyatt
5. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
6. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
7. Four Seasons
8. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
9. Conrad Hotels & Resorts
10. Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces

Best Hotel Chain in Latin America
1. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
2. Westin Hotels & Resorts
3. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
4. Sol Meliá Hotels
5. Barceló Hotels & Resorts
6. Fiesta Americana
7. Accor Hospitality
8. Riu Hotels & Resorts
9. The Ritz-Carlton
10. Caesar Park Hotels

Best Hotel Chain in Mexico
1. Fiesta Americana
2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
3. Sheraton Hotels
4. Westin Hotels
5. W Hotels
6. Barceló Hotels & Resorts
7. Riu Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East
1. The Ritz-Carlton
2. Jumeirah International
3. Marriott International
4. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
5. The Address Hotels + Resorts
6. Four Seasons
7. Kempinski Hotels
8. W Hotels
9. Raffles Hotels
10. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

Best Overseas Delivery Program
1. Volvo
2. Porsche
3. BMW
4. Audi
5. Mercedes

Best Car Rental Company
1. Hertz
2. Avis
3. National Car Rental
4. Budget
5. Enterprise
6. Alamo
7. Sixt

Best Tourism Destination
1. Mexico
2. Ireland
3. Spain
4. South Africa
5. United Kingdom
6. Australia
7. Israel
8. Hong Kong
9. Brazil
10. India

Best MICE City
1. Seoul
2. Abu Dhabi
3. Singapore
4. Dubai
5. Hong Kong
6. Madrid
7. London
8. Sydney
9. San Francisco
10. Paris

Best WiFi Service
1. Boingo Wireless
2. AT&T Wireless
3. Verizon
4. iPass
5. LodgeNet

Best Wireless Service in the World
1. Verizon
2. AT&T Wireless
3. T-Mobile
4. U.S. Cellular
5. Sprint
6. MetroPCS
7. Cricket Wireless
8. Boost Mobile

Best Noise-Cancelling Headset
1. Sony Digital Noise-Cancelling Headphones MDR1000X Wireless
2. Sony 1ABT Wireless
3. Sennheiser Urbanite XL
4. Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones
5. Sony H.ear on Wireless NC
6. Beats Solo3
7. JVC 900 Mhz Wireless Headphones
8. Audio-Technica ATH M50x Headphones

Best Luggage Brand
1. Briggs & Riley
2. Samsonite
3. Tumi
4. Delsey
5. Travelpro
6. Hartmann
7. Swiss Army
8. Rimowa
9. Victorinox
10. Louis Vuitton

Best Photographic Equipment
1. Nikon D7500
2. Nikon CoolPix P900
3. Nikon D5500
4. Canon EOS 3D Mark I
5. Sony a6000/a6300
6. Fujifilm X-T10
7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
8. Sony Alpha a7RII
9. Canon EOS 6D
10. Canon Rebel SL1

Best Ride Share
1. Uber
2. Lyft
3. Juno
4. Curb
5. Via
6. Summon
7. Bridj
8. Way2Ride
9. Arro
10. Flywheel

Best Hotel App
1. Hilton Hotels & Resorts
2. Hyatt Hotels
3. The Ritz-Carlton
4. Marriott Hotels
5. Starwood Hotels & Resorts
6. Four Seasons
7. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
8. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
9. Sofitel

Best Airline App
1. Delta Air Lines
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Asiana Airlines
4. United Airlines
5. American Airlines
6. Etihad Airways
7. Alaska Airlines
8. Swiss International Air Lines
9. Lufthansa
10. Air Canada

Best Overall Credit Card
1. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
2. American Express Platinum Card
3. Delta SkyMiles Gold Card from American Express
4. American Express Blue Card
5. Chase Ink Card
6. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
7. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard
8. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
9. Escape Card from Discover
10. Plum Card from American Express Open

Best Small-Business Credit Card
1. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card from J.P. Morgan
2. Chase Ink Cash Business Credit Card
3. American Express Business Platinum Card from Open
4. Capital One Spark Miles for Business
5. Chase Ink Plus Business Credit Card
6. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Credit Card from American Express
7. Business Card from Discover

Best Credit Card Special Events
1. Inside Access from Chase
2. Citi Private Pass
3. Chase Sapphire

Best Credit Card Rewards Program
1. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
2. Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
3. Membership Rewards Program from American Express
4. Capital One Venture Rewards
5. Delta SkyMiles by American Express
6. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
7. Chase Sapphire
8. Miles by Discover
9. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
10. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card from Chase

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card
1. Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
2. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card from J.P. Morgan
3. Choice Privileges Visa Signature
4. World of Hyatt Card
5. Hilton Honors Card from American Express
6. US Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa Card
7. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions
1. Hilton Honors Card from American Express
2. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa
3. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card from J.P. Morgan
4. Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
5. World of Hyatt Credit Card
6. Choice Privileges Visa Signature

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits
1. Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
2. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa
3. Hilton Honors Card from American Express
4. World of Hyatt Credit Card
5. Choice Privileges Visa Signature

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
1. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card from J.P. Morgan
2. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa
3. Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
4. World of Hyatt Card
5. Choice Privileges Visa Signature
6. Hilton Honors Card American Express

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card
1. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
2. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard
3. Delta SkyMiles Card from American Express
4. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
5. British Airways Visa Signature Card
6. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
7. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card
8. JetBlue American Express Card
9. Lufthansa Miles & More Card

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions
1. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard
2. JetBlue American Express Card
3. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
4. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
5. British Airways Visa Signature Card
6. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
7. Delta SkyMiles by American Express
8. Lufthansa Miles & More Card
9. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits
1. Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
2. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard
3. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
4. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
5. Aeromexico Club Premier La Tarjeta from American Express
6. British Airways Visa Signature Card
7. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
8. Lufthansa Miles & More Card
9. JetBlue American Express Card
10. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Card

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
1. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
2. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
3. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard
4. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
5. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Card
6. British Airways Visa Signature Card
7. JetBlue American Express Card
8. Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express

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

Wines on the Wing 2017

The results of Global Traveler’s annual Wines on the Wing Airline Wine Competition were first released in our August 2017 issue. A number of airlines submitted samples of their in-flight wine and sparkling selections. Twenty-one professional wine experts presided as judges over the annual competition. Starting in Asia, we find our Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing award winner, Asiana Airlines. The carrier also won Best International First-Class Red Wine. Japanese airline All Nippon Airways won Best International Business-Class Red Wine. Our around-the-world wine tasting includes a stop in the Middle East, as EL AL Israel Airlines earned Best International First-Class White Wine accolades. Next, we’re off to Europe, where three airlines received wine honors: Aeroflot, Best International Business-Class Champagne; TAP Air Portugal, Best International Business-Class Sparkling; and Brussels Airlines, tied for Best International Business-Class White Wine. That tie takes us to North America, where Air Canada also won a nod for Best International Business-Class White Wine. The airline took top honors as Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing. United Airlines dominated, winning Best International First-Class Champagne. Speaking of bubbles, Hawaiian Airlines won Best North American Sparkling Wine. American Airlines’ vinos took the No. 1 spot in three categories: Best North American Wines on the Wing, Best North American White Wine and Best North American Red Wine. AA’s alliance, oneworld, won Best Alliance Wines on the Wing.

WINES ON THE WING WINNERS LIST

Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing
Gold: Asiana Airlines
Silver: British Airways
Bronze: United Airlines

Best International First-Class Champagne
Gold: United Airlines
Silver: American Airlines
Bronze: Singapore Airlines

Best International First-Class White Wine
Gold: EL AL Israel Airlines
Silver: All Nippon Airways/Asiana Airlines (TIE)
Bronze: British Airways

Best International First-Class Red Wine
Gold: Asiana Airlines
Silver: Asiana Airlines
Bronze: Singapore Airlines

Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing
Gold: Air Canada
Silver: Brussels Airlines
Bronze: TAP Air Portugal

Best International Business-Class Champagne
Gold: Aeroflot
Silver: All Nippon Airways
Bronze: Delta Air Lines

Best International Business-Class White Wine
Gold: Air Canada/Brussels Airlines (TIE)
Silver: Air Serbia
Bronze: United Airlines

Best International Business-Class Red Wine
Gold: All Nippon Airways
Silver: American Airlines
Bronze: Aeromexico

Best International Business-Class Sparkling Wine
Gold: TAP Air Portugal
Silver: Alitalia
Bronze: Hawaiian Airlines

Best Airline Alliance Wines on the Wing
Gold: oneworld
Silver: Star Alliance
Bronze: SkyTeam

Best North American Wines on the Wing
Gold: American Airlines
Silver: JetBlue
Bronze: Delta Air Lines

Best North American Sparkling Wine
Gold: Hawaiian Airlines
Silver: Delta Air Lines/JetBlue (TIE)
Bronze: Virgin America

Best North American White Wine
Gold: American Airlines
Silver: United Airlines
Bronze: JetBlue

Best North American Red Wine
Gold: American Airlines
Silver: JetBlue
Bronze: Delta Air Lines