The 21st annual GT Tested Reader Survey not only celebrates the best in the travel industry but also highlights winning brands who consistently received accolades for years of committed service. From top-notch frequent-flyer programs to favorite cities to credit cards with promising rewards, these winners go above and beyond time and time again.
Winners receiving Quint Status are recognized for five consecutive years of winning in the same category, with six recipients earning this prestigious achievement this year. Hall of Fame Status is awarded for 10 consecutive years, while Crystal Status honors those winning the same category for 15 years in a row. Hall of Fame saw one recipient this year, while two companies earned Crystal Status.
First debuted last year, Platinum Status celebrates top-ranked brands winning the same category for 20 consecutive years. Now in its second year, one recipient earned this prestigious award. IHG One Rewards has been named Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World for the 20th consecutive year, earning it the highly coveted Platinum Status. Free to join, IHG One Rewards gives members the chance to redeem earned IHG One Rewards points for hotel reward nights, airlines and more. With opportunities to earn IHG elite status and receive benefits like room upgrades and other special perks across more than 6,000 properties worldwide, IHG One Rewards consistently prioritizes members.
Winning Best Airline Alliance for the 15th year in a row, oneworld reaches Crystal Status. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this past February, oneworld has provided travelers and frequent flyers with a seamless travel experience with special rewards and privileges, a growing network of destinations, flexible global corporate travel program, and more. Today, oneworld has 13 members, including Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, American Airlines and Qatar Airways.
Also earning Crystal Status this year, Aeromexico holds the title of Best Airline in Mexico for 15 consecutive years. Earlier this year, the airline was named the most punctual airline in the world according to Cirium, a global aviation analytics company. In February 2024 alone, Aeromexico ranked as the most improved airline, with a 90.66 percent on-time performance.
This year, Seoul earns its 10th consecutive win for Best MICE City, securing Hall of Fame status. From a wide range of activities for MICE tourists to a plethora of event venues, Seoul continues to draw travelers year-round. The city regularly hosts large-scale conventions and high-level meetings such as the G20 Summit.
Five winners join Global Traveler’s Quint Status this year. Marriott Bonvoy receives its fifth consecutive award for Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption. With five different elite membership tiers and a variety of ways to earn points, Marriott Bonvoy gives members plenty of ways to redeem rewards.
United Club Infinite Card from Chase racked up not one but three Quint Status awards for Best Overall Credit Card, Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions and Best Credit Card Rewards Program. With cardmembers earning bonus miles, premium travel rewards and benefits, and four times the miles on United purchases, this card routinely meets the needs of travelers.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is this year’s final recipient of Quint Status for its fifth consecutive year winning Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions. With this card, cardholders earn six times the Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, three times the Marriot Bonvoy points at restaurants worldwide and flights booked directly with airlines, and twice the Marriott Bonvoy points on all other eligible purchases. Cardholders also get perks such as Priority Pass lounge access.
PLATINUM STATUS
20th Consecutive Year
Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World
IHG One Rewards
CRYSTAL STATUS
15th Consecutive Year
Best Airline Alliance
oneworld
Best Airline in Mexico
Aeromexico
HALL OF FAME
10th Consecutive Year
Best MICE City
Seoul
QUINT STATUS
Fifth Consecutive Year
Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption
Marriott Bonvoy
Best Overall Credit Card
United Club Infinite Card from Chase
Best Credit Card Rewards Program
United Club Infinite Card from Chase
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions
United Club Infinite Card from Chase
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jan 20, 2025Accor Debuts in Australia with Mondrian Gold Coast
Since the opening of the first Mondrian property in Los Angeles in 1996, Accor’s Mondrian brand has continued to break the mold of lifestyle hospitality venues in every new destination Mondrian appears in. Each new hotel seems to emerges as an ultra-creative property, where the fantastical meets the future, and dream-like spaces envelop guests in the culture of the place it inhabits.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
Daily
Jan 20, 2025Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Opens in Dubai This March
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai’s newest resort icon, opens this March. The new property sits on the tip of Dubai’s largest private beach and will complete the oceanic-inspired trilogy with Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. The property’s superyacht-inspired design was created by world-renowned architect Shaun Killa, known for his previous work such as Museum of the Future, Dubai Opera and Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.
Daily
Jan 20, 2025Charter Smarter Redefines Caribbean Travel with Yacht Vacations
Private yacht vacations are on the rise, especially in the Caribbean, with Charter Smarter, which specializes in luxury yacht charters in the Caribbean. Wake up to a new horizon every morning with a yacht vacation.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands
Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.
Slideshow
Jan 20, 20257 European-Looking U.S. Towns to Put on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these European-looking U.S. towns with us.
Daily
Jan 15, 2025Luxury Hotel Debuts at Hegra UNESCO World Heritage Site
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra — known also as Mada’in Salih — in Saudi Arabia is the setting for the archaeological remains from the Nabataean Kingdom, including 111 ancient tombs, many of which are beautifully decorated. This unique historic site is the location of The Chedi Hegra, built on the ruins of Hegra Train Station in AlUla. Now, visitors can immerse themselves in the setting with a stay in extraordinary luxury at the new hotel.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Daily
Jan 15, 2025W Hotels Opens First Property in Brazil
W Hotels makes its debut in Brazil with W São Paulo, a luxury hotel within a modern skyscraper atop Rua Funchal in the city’s southern business district. With views of the Pinheiros River and city skyline, W São Paulo brings unparalleled opulence to Brazil’s lively city.
ShareThis