FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Enduring Excellence: Global Traveler Honors the Winners Achieving Top Status, Year After Year

by Aoife O'Riordan

Dec 12, 2023

© Patrick Pyszka/City of Chicago

December 2023

The highly anticipated GT Tested Reader Survey has more reason to celebrate in 2024 than ever before. This year marks the 20th anniversary of our GT Tested Reader Survey awards, with many of the winning brands earning milestone accolades for years of dedicated and consistent service.

Global Traveler awards Quint Status for five consecutive years winning in the same category; five recipients earn the prestigious achievement this year. Hall of Fame recognition honors 10 consecutive years, and those earning Crystal awards won top honors for 15 consecutive years.

Asiana

© Asiana Airlines

Now Global Traveler is thrilled to unveil the newest and most coveted achievement, Platinum Status, awarding those top-ranked brands winning a category for 20 years in a row. We recognize three winners this year with this prestigious Platinum Status. With this remarkable achievement, our first Platinum Status honorees truly represent an elite group within the industry.

Asiana Airlines wins two Platinum awards, one for Best Airline for Onboard Service and one for Best Airline for Flight Attendants. Since 2003 our readers have consistently voted Asiana Airlines as the top achiever in both categories in recognition of its extraordinary in-flight service, dedication to passenger comfort and attention to detail.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport receives its 20th consecutive award as Best Airport in North America. From its clean facilities to diverse dining options, the world-class airport impresses readers time and again with its continuing efforts to elevate the travel experience with superior dining, shopping, amenities and family-friendly facilities.

 China Airlines

© China Airlines

United MileagePlus joins Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Asiana Airlines in the Platinum arena. Winning Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program for the last 20 years, United MileagePlus shows a commitment to loyal customers, rewarding them with great perks and offering a broad network of partners through which members may earn and redeem miles. Many voters taking part in the GT Tested Reader Survey travel an average of 18 domestic flights per year, and their consistent top ranking of United MileagePlus reflects their unshakeable confidence in United’s frequent-flyer program.

Joining the Global Traveler Hall of Fame this year, Air India receives its 10th consecutive award for Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India. Fans of the airline will be delighted to learn the airline is currently undergoing a total rebrand in response to India’s push for more travel into the country and big investments in some of India’s largest airports.

Air India

© Boarding1now | Dreamstime.com

Global Traveler honors five Quint Status winners this year. Air Canada receives its fifth consecutive award for Best Airline in North America. This year Air Canada added a pre-meal bar service for passengers in premium economy for all flights exceeding two hours throughout North America. This addition and the consistent quality of service sees Air Canada attain this milestone.

Also for the fifth year in a row, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America wins Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits. Cardmembers receive benefits when booking flights, making in-flight purchases and shopping at stores.

This year marks China Airlines’ fifth consecutive award for Best Airline in North Asia. The Taiwanese airline offers flights to and from major U.S. gateways, including Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario (ONT), San Francisco (SFO) New York (JFK), Vancouver (YVR) and more.

Air Canada

© Air Canada

Two other awardees will take home a Quint Status award. IHG Business Edge earns its fifth consecutive Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program. IHG Business Edge continues to wow customers with hotel perks and guaranteed discounts.

The Parking Spot rounds out the last Quint award for 2023. With 38 locations at 22 airports across the country, Parking Spot consistently provides travelers with friendly airport parking shuttle service, fast and easy check-in and check-out, and more.

Platinum Status

20th Consecutive Year

Best Airline for Onboard Service

Asiana Airlines

Best Airline for Flight Attendants

Asiana Airlines

Best Airport in North America

Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program

United MileagePlus

 

Hall of Fame 

10th Consecutive Year

Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India

Air India

 

Quint Status

Fifth Consecutive Year

Best Airline in North America

Air Canada

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card from Bank of America

Best Airline in North Asia

China Airlines

Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program

IHG Business Edge

Best Airport Parking

The Parking Spot

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FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

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