BREAK OUT THE CRYSTAL — it’s time for a celebration! This year, 2018, marks the 15th anniversary of our GT Tested Reader Survey awards, and this year’s winners shine as brightly as the most rare gemstones. Join us on the following pages as we unveil the shimmering jewels of the travel industry in our 15th annual survey.

The traditional gift for a 15th anniversary is crystal, to represent a clear, sparkling commitment. All of the winners in this year’s survey know a thing or two about that, as each commits daily to providing an exceptional experience to travelers around the globe.

There’s a plethora of crystals designed to assist travelers on their way. Malachite provides protection for travel by airplane and can assist in overcoming fears of flying. While a touch of added protection can’t hurt, you can be confident you’re in the best hands with these award-winning airlines. You might, however, still need some moonstone to overcome that jet lag.

We kick off the winning airline list with Singapore Airlines, celebrating its fourth consecutive win as Best Overall Airline in the World. The airline launched service from Singapore (SIN) to Los Angeles (LAX) and Newark (EWR) this year, bringing North American travelers a premium service they crave. While that flight is served by an Airbus A350, another in the Airbus family receives honors this year, with Airbus A380 picking up the Best Aircraft Type title. There must be citrine — the crystal of success and luck — in Toulouse.

Domestically, American Airlines takes home a bevy of awards, earning nods this year as Best Airline Website, second consecutive year, for aa.com; another two-time honor as Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific; a third win as Best Airline for Domestic First Class; Best Airline in North America; and Best Airline App. Its AAdvantage frequent-flyer program earned Best Frequent- Flyer Customer Service, and its alliance, oneworld, is Best Airline Alliance for the ninth consecutive year. If turquoise is the crystal of abundance, American Airlines represents the turquoise of this survey.

One place you can expect a calm flight experience — and, of course, you can bring along agates to improve your odds — is in the premium cabins of airlines worldwide. Might we suggest Korean Air, Best Airline for International First Class, and Turkish Airlines, Best Airline for Business Class, for the second consecutive year? The European carrier also flies home with accolades for its Turkish Airlines Corporate Club, Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers, and Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents, two times running. Maintaining its commitment to traveler safety and security, EL AL Israel Airlines wins Best Airline for Security for the 12th consecutive year.

Asiana Airlines should probably receive an emerald — given its powers of communication — and not a crystal for this honor, as it celebrates its 15th consecutive win for Best Airline for Onboard Service and Best Airline for Flight Attendants.

Maybe it’s the lodestone, which attracts good fortune, but we’re guessing it’s just this airline’s premium product and service that landed it on this list for the first time … and as a double winner: Hong Kong Airlines was named Best Flight Attendant Uniforms and Best Airline for New Service Launch, with its San Francisco (SFO) to Hong Kong (HKG) flight. Another airline with its name on the winning roster two times is Alitalia, nine-time Best Airline Cuisine winner and first-time Best Business-Class Seat Design honoree. Air France tops the list for Best First-Class Seat Design for the first time.

Zebra stone helps in connecting to Mother Earth, but so do these airlines, winning recognition for services and products connecting all parts of the world. LATAM Airlines Group takes home its fifth consecutive win as Best Airline to South America, while Aeromexico is named Best Airline in Mexico for the ninth year in a row. Qantas is Best Airline to Australia and New Zealand, and Air Tahiti Nui wins for Best Airline in the South Pacific. Look to TAP Air Portugal, LOT Polish Airlines and Brussels Airlines for your next European flight — they win Best Airline in Europe (for the eighth consecutive time), Best Airline in Eastern Europe (second year in a row) and Best Trans-Atlantic Airline, respectively. Kudos to South African Airways for its 15th consecutive nod as Best Airline in Africa; Hainan Airlines also impresses with its sixth consecutive win as Best Airline in China. Five-time Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India winner is Air India. Japan Airlines wins two awards: Best Airline to Japan and Best Trans-Pacific Airline, both for the second consecutive year. Emirates earns the Best Airline in the Middle East nod, and EVA Air wins as Best Airline in North Asia.

Rounding out the airline category, United Airlines reigns supreme 15 times over with its win as Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program. The airline also picks up the Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program award for the sixth consecutive year. Other frequent-flyer standouts include Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan – MVP Gold for Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program, and Air Canada Aeroplan as Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption.

Leave the calcite, known to reduce stress, at home, because when you travel through these award-winning airports, there’s no need to worry. Travelers’ needs are handled with ease. For the third year, Singapore Changi Airport is Best Overall Airport in the World, while in North America, Chicago O’Hare International Airport tops the charts as Best Airport in North America for the 15th year in a row. Singapore Changi also earns accolades as Best Duty-Free Shopping in Asia, two years running.

Black tourmaline, another traveler’s crystal, protects from crazy energy, which could be necessary in the frenzy of an airport. Grab some topaz to find balance, or book your flights through these top regional airports: Incheon International Airport, two-time Best Airport in Asia; Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Best Airport in Africa and Best Duty-Free Shopping in Africa; Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Best Airport in Europe and two-time Best Airport Shopping and Best Duty-Free Shopping in Europe; Hamad International Airport, Best Airport in the Middle East for the second consecutive year; and Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport, Best Airport in South America.

If yellow jasper, the traveler’s assistant stone, keeps us grounded, we hope it is in these, the final award-winning airports on this year’s list: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the five-time Best Airport Dining winner; Ontario International Airport in Ontario, California, Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport; and Dubai International Airport’s Dubai Duty Free, 12-time Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World and two-time Best Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East.

Grab your opal, the stone for inspiration, and prepare for inspiring stays at these award-winning hotels and brands. The Ritz-Carlton rounds up a collection of trophies this year, including Best International Hotel Chain and Best Domestic Hotel Chain, both for the fourth consecutive year.

As the last few years saw the merger of Marriott and Starwood, a large assortment of this year’s hotel winners are part of the Marriott International family. No barnacle crystals needed here, as this group clearly doesn’t have any issues to work through — they’ve found the winning way. Aside from The Ritz-Carlton nods mentioned above, other Marriott winning brands include Aloft Hotels, Best Lifestyle Hotel, upsetting long-time winner Andaz; Le Méridien Seoul, Best New Luxury Hotel in Asia; Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite, Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program; Marriott Rewards, Best Frequent- Stay Bonus Program and Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service, Americas; and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Best European Hotel Chain for the third consecutive year.

There’s no need for obsidian to ward off negativity; a stay at any of these winners will bring nothing but positive vibes. This year, Grand Hyatt Grand Club shines with hospitality as Best Hotel Club Floor. Lotte Hotels pulls off a hat trick: Lotte Hotel Seoul, Best MICE Hotel, fourth consecutive year, and Best Hotel in South Korea, seven years in a row; and SIGNIEL Seoul, Best Luxury Hotel in Asia. Another Asian hotel brand, The Peninsula Hotels, earned two honors, a first-time win as Best Hotel Website, and an eighth win as Best Hotel in the United States for The Peninsula Beverly Hills. A testament to Asian hospitality standards, Mandarin Oriental, Taipei wins Best Hotel in Asia, two years running; and Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts is Best Hotel Chain in Asia.

Let’s take a journey around the globe to visit some of the other best hotel winners. In Europe, the prestigious title of Best Hotel in Europe goes to Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice. In the Middle East, Jumeirah International tops the charts as both Best Hotel in the Middle East, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah for the second year, and for the brand overall as Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East. For the second year, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts takes home the award for Best Hotel Chain in Latin America, while eight-time winner Fiesta Americana earns Best Hotel Chain in Mexico.

Reap the rewards of all your travel with IHG Rewards Club, earning its 14th consecutive nod as Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World; Hilton Honors snags accolades as Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption.

Alongside your sugar crystals, these award-winning providers and destinations will help you find the beauty in any place. A unique experience awaits those using Volvo’s Overseas Delivery Program, three-time winner of Best Overseas Delivery Program. In keeping with the automotive theme, Hertz is Best Rental Car Company for the fifth consecutive year.

Looking to destinations, Kenya grabs the No. 1 spot, besting long-time favorite Ireland, to claim Best Tourism Destination, while perennial favorite Seoul nabs its fourth title as Best MICE City.

Boingo Wireless, celebrating its eighth consecutive win as Best WiFi Service, keeps you connected anywhere around the world, aiding in connecting to Hotel Tonight, Best Hotel App, and Lyft, Best Ride Share. And, of course, we’d be remiss to neglect the elements — and no, I don’t mean your crystals — that travel with you on most of the journey. With Briggs & Riley, a nine-time Best Luggage Brand, there’s no need for a ruby; the luggage will bring you happiness, as you can fit an incredible amount of clothing into a carry-on, sacrificing nothing for your journey. It will even fit your Sony Digital Noise-Cancelling Headphones MDR1000XM2 Wireless, Best Noise- Cancelling Headset.

The right travel credit card is like amethyst, a protective stone for travelers, keeping your wallet safe and ensuring the user earns rewards and points for future travel. Take it from our readers when considering your next credit card or purchase and opt for these award winners. Celebrating two seven-time wins, the United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase earns Best Overall Credit Card and Best Credit Card Rewards Program status. The recently re-launched United Explorer Card from Chase takes home its sixth consecutive win as Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions. Inside Access from Chase is a threetime winner of Best Credit Card Special Events.

Other winning cards from Chase Bank include Marriott Rewards Card from Chase, seven-time Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card and two-time Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits. Best Small Business Credit Card goes to Chase Ink Cash Business Preferred Credit Card.

Rounding out the hotel affinity credit card winners we have Hilton Honors Card from American Express, Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions, three years running; and IHG Rewards Club Select Visa, Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions.

Take flight with these cards in your wallet: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America, Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card for seven consecutive years; and Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard, five-time Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions and first-time Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits. Or, perhaps, set sail with this one: Princess Cruises Visa Signature Card from Barclays, Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card.

Travel is tanzanite: magic. Travel is onyx: stabilizing. Travel is a nebula stone, promoting amazing memories. Travel inspires unconditional love, like rose quartz. Travel is coral, or nature. It brings wealth and happiness, like gold. Whatever element you may seek, it’s likely travel delivers. And the award-winning companies featured on this year’s list of 2018 GT Tested Reader Survey award winners help bring those promises to life. Let’s raise our crystal glasses to this year’s esteemed winners. Congratulations!

THE VOTING PROCESS

Open-ended ballots ran in subscriber copies of Global Traveler and online at globaltravelerusa.com/survey from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2018. 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 20,000 qualified ballots were returned during the voting period. Employees of FXExpress Publications, Inc., and affiliated members of the travel industry were not allowed to participate.

AWARD WINNERS 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Airline Cuisine
1. Alitalia
2. Swiss International Air Lines
3. Qatar Airways
4. Air France
5. Brussels Airlines
6. Lufthansa
7. Turkish Airlines
8. Etihad Airways
9. Singapore Airlines
10. Asiana Airlines

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

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

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

Best Airline for New Service Launch
1. Hong Kong Airlines (SFO to HGK)
2. American Airlines (DFW to KEF)
3. Aer Lingus (PHL to DUB)
4. Lufthansa (SJC to FRA)
5. American Airlines (PHL to BUD)
6. Norwegian (ORD to LGW)
7. British Airways (LHR to BNA)
8. United Airlines (EWR to OPO)
9. American Airlines (ORD to VCE)
10. LOT Polish Airlines (JFK to BUD)

Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers
1. Turkish Airlines Corporate Club
2. American Express Platinum Card
3. American Airlines Business Extra
4. United PerksPlus
5. Delta SkyBonus
6. Lufthansa PartnerPlus
7. Air France SkyBlue
8. British Airways One Business
9. Korean Air KAL BIZ
10. Air Canada Corporate Rewards

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

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

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

Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption
1. Air Canada Aeroplan
2. American Airlines AAdvantage
3. Delta SkyMiles
4. Hawaiian Airlines Hawaiian Miles
5. LifeMiles (Avianca TACA)
6. Southwest Airlines Rapid Returns
7. LATAM Fidelidade
8. United MileagePlus
9. Frontier Early Returns

Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service
1. American Airlines AAdvantage
2. LifeMiles (Avianca TACA)
3. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
4. United MileagePlus
5. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
6. LATAM Pass
7. Air Canada Aeroplan
8. Hawaiian Airlines Hawaiian Miles
9. LATAM Fidelidade

Best Airline in North America
1. American Airlines
2. United Airlines
3. Alaska Airlines
4. Delta Air Lines
5. JetBlue
6. Air Canada
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. Interjet
3. VivaAerobus
4. Volaris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Airline in China
1. Hainan Airlines
2. China Southern Airlines
3. Air China
4. Shenzhen Airlines
5. China Eastern 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. American Airlines
3. United Airlines
4. All Nippon Airways
5. Delta Air Lines

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

Best Trans-Pacific Airline
1. Japan Airlines
2. Singapore Airlines
3. China Southern Airlines
4. Asiana Airlines
5. Korean Air
6. Hong Kong Airlines
7. United Airlines
8. China Eastern Airlines
9. Delta Air Lines

Best Overall Airport in the World
1. Singapore Changi Airport
2. Incheon International Airport
3. Hamad International Airport
4. Munich Airport
5. Shanghai International Airport
6. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
7. Frankfurt am Main Airport
8. Beijing Capital International Airport
9. Hong Kong 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. Miami International Airport
5. San Francisco International Airport
6. Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston
7. Portland International Airport
8. Pittsburgh International Airport
9. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
10. Newark Liberty International Airport

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

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

Best Airport in Europe
1. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
2. Vienna International Airport
3. Zürich Kloten International Airport
4. Frankfurt am Main Airport
5. Munich Airport
6. Brussels Zaventem Airport
7. Helsinki-Vantaa 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. Bahrain International Airport
4. Abu Dhabi 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. Bogotá El Dorado International Airport
2. Jorge Chávez International Airport
3. Quito International Airport
4. José Joaquín de Olmedo Guayaquil International Airport
5. São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport
6. Ministro Pistarini Buenos Aires International Airport
7. Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez Santiago 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. Lufthansa
4. Singapore Airlines
5. Qatar Airways
6. Delta Air Lines
7. Asiana Airlines
8. United Airlines
9. Emirates
10. Etihad Airways

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

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

Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport
1. Ontario International Airport, Ontario, California
2. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
3. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
4. Dallas Love Field Airport
5. Los Angeles International Airport
6. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
7. Nashville International Airport
8. Portland International Airport
9. William P. Hobby Airport, Houston
10. Oakland International Airport

Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World
1. Dubai Duty Free
2. Hamad International Airport
3. Incheon International Airport
4. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
5. Frankfurt am Main Airport
6. Singapore Changi Airport
7. Abu Dhabi International Airport
8. Hong Kong 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. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport
4. Tokyo International Airport/ Haneda Airport
5. Osaka Kansai International Airport
6. Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
7. Kuala Lumpur International Airport
8. Tokyo Narita International Airport
9. Hong Kong International Airport
10. Beijing Capital International Airport

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best MICE Hotel
1. Lotte Hotel Seoul
2. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
3. Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, Los Angeles
4. Aspen Meadows Resort
5. Hilton London Metropole
6. Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Center
7. Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin
8. Kempinski Hotel Wuxi
9. Four Seasons Hong Kong
10. The Gleneagles

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

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

Best New Luxury Hotel in Asia
1. Le Méridien Seoul
2. Park Hyatt, Bangkok
3. Murray Hong Kong
4. COMO Una Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
5. Six Senses Fiji
6. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andaman Islands
7. Morpheus, Macau
8. Mandarin Oriental, Qianmen
9. Six Senses Bhutan

Best Luxury Hotel in Asia
1. SIGNIEL Seoul
2. Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
3. Le Méridien Seoul
4. The Peninsula Hong Kong
5. The Peninsula Shanghai
6. The Mulia, Bali
7. Four Seasons Bali at Sayan, Indonesia
8. The Upper House, Hong Kong
9. Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi
10. Four Seasons Seoul

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Hotel in South Korea
1. Lotte Hotel Seoul
2. The Plaza Seoul
3. SIGNIEL Seoul
4. Grand Hyatt Seoul
5. The Shilla, Seoul
6. Four Seasons 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. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel
3. One&Only Royal Mirage
4. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
5. The St. Regis Dubai
6. Four Seasons Bahrain Bay
7. Al Maha Resort & Spa
8. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
9. Emirates Palace Hotel
10. The Palace Downtown Dubai

Best Hotel in Europe
1. Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice
2. Le Meurice Paris
3. Hotel de Russie Rome
4. Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski, Munich
5. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Place, Budapest
6. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz, Lisbon
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 Hotels & Resorts
2. Kempinski Hotels
3. The Ritz-Carlton
4. The Luxury Collection
5. Westin Hotels & Resorts
6. W Hotels
7. Marriott Hotels
8. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
9. Hilton Hotels & Resorts
10. Conrad Hotels & Resorts

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

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. The Ritz-Carlton
9. Riu Hotels & Resorts
10. Caesar Park Hotels

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

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

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

Best Car Rental Company
1. Hertz
2. Sixt
3. Avis
4. Budget
5. Enterprise
6. Alamo
7. National Car Rental
8. Dollar
9. Thrifty
10. Payless

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

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

Best WiFi Service
1. Boingo Wireless
2. AT&T Wireless
3. Verizon Wireless
4. iPass
5. U.S. Mobile
6. GoGo Inflight

Best Noise-Cancelling Headset
1. Sony Digital Noise-Cancelling Headphones MDR1000XM2 Wireless
2. SonAKG N60NC Wireless
3. Bowers and Wilkins PX Wireless
4. Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones
5. Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC
6. Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
7. Sennheiser PXC 550
8. Samsung Level On Pro Wireless Headphones

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

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

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

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

Best Overall Credit Card
1. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
2. Delta SkyMiles Gold Card from American Express
3. American Express Platinum Card
4. American Express Blue Card
5. Chase Ink Card
6. United 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. Chase Ink Cash Business Preferred Credit Card
2. American Express Business Platinum
3. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card from J.P. Morgan
4. Capital One Spark Miles for Business
5. American Express Business Platinum Card from Open
6. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Credit Card from American Express
7. American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Business Card

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 Card from Chase
3. Membership Rewards Program from American Express
4. Capital One Venture Rewards
5. Delta SkyMiles by American Express
6. United 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 Card from Chase
2. American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Card
3. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa
4. World of Hyatt Card
5. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card from J.P. Morgan
6. Hilton Honors Card from American Express
7. American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Luxury Card
8. Choice Privileges Visa Signature
9. US Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa Card

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 Card from Chase
5. American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Card
6. World of Hyatt Credit Card
7. Choice Privileges Visa Signature
8. American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Luxury Card

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

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

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

Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card
1. Princess Cruises Visa Signature Card from Barclays
2. Royal Caribbean Visa Credit Card from Bank of America
3. Norwegian Cruise Line MasterCard from Bank of America
4. Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Card
5. Carnival World MasterCard Barclaycard
6. Disney Premier Visa

Wines on the Wing 2018

The results of Global Traveler’s annual Wines on the Wing Airline Wine Competition were first released in our August 2018 issue. A number of airlines submitted samples of their in-flight wine and sparkling selections. Professional wine experts presided as judges over the annual competition. Glittering like emeralds, here are this year’s airlines serving the best wines in the sky. Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing award winner is All Nippon Airways. The carrier also won Best International First-Class Champagne. Delta Air Lines earned accolades for Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing. In the first-class category, the winners were EL AL Israel Airlines, Best International First- Class White Wine; and American Airlines, Best International First-Class Red Wine. American Airlines also won Best International Business-Class Champagne; Best North American Wines on the Wing; Best North American White Wine; and Best North American Red Wine. Aeroflot was named Best International Business-Class White Wine. United Airlines earned raves as Best International Business-Class Red Wine, and JetBlue rounds out the winners list as Best North American Sparkling Wine. Best Alliance Wines on the Wing went to oneworld. Cheers!

WINES ON THE WING WINNERS LIST

Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing
1. All Nippon Airways
2. British Airways
3. American Airlines
4. United Airlines

Best International First-Class Champagne
1. All Nippon Airways
2. American Airlines
3. British Airways

Best International First-Class White Wine
1. EL AL Israel Airlines
2. British Airways
3. All Nippon Airways
4. American Airlines
5. British Airways

Best International First-Class Red Wine
1. American Airlines
2. All Nippon Airways
3. United Airlines
4. United Airlines
5. EL AL Israel Airlines

Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing
1. Delta Air Lines
2. United Airlines
3. All Nippon Airways
4. Brussels Airlines
5. British Airways

Best International Business-Class Champagne
1. American Airlines
2. Aeroflot
3. All Nippon Airways
4. United Airlines
5. Brussels Airlines

Best International Business-Class White Wine
1. Aeroflot
2. British Airways
3. British Airways
4. Delta Air Lines
5. Brussels Airlines

Best International Business-Class Red Wine
1. United Airlines
2. Brussels Airlines
3. Alitalia
4. Alitalia
5. American Airlines

Best Airline Alliance Wines on the Wing
1. oneworld
2. SkyTeam
3. Star Alliance

Best North American Wines on the Wing
1. American Airlines
2. Delta Air Lines
3. United Airlines
4. JetBlue

Best North American Sparkling Wine
1. JetBlue
2. Delta Air Lines/United Airlines (TIE)
3. American Airlines

Best North American White Wine
1. American Airlines
2. American Airlines
3. JetBlue
4. United Airlines
5. Delta Air Lines

Best North American Red Wine
1. American Airlines
2. Delta Air Lines
3. United Airlines
4. United Airlines