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Global Traveler Sings the Praises of the 21st Annual GT Tested Reader Survey Award Winners

by Kimberly Inlander

Dec 3, 2024

PHOTO: © DELTA AIR LINES

December 2024

Our GT Tested Reader Survey awards has reached its 21st birthday — let’s raise a glass and say cheers as another year of travel comes to a close and it’s time for Global Traveler to announce the 2024 winners of its reader-voted survey. For 21 years, our readers — a group of intrepid, frequent, luxury travelers — have voted for their favorites in our annual survey, from airlines and airports to hotels and credit cards.

Join us on the following pages as we roll out the prestigious winners in our 21st annual survey and see if your favorites made the cut.

Frank Sinatra sings, “Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away …” and take a look at the world’s winning airlines. Singapore Airlines once again takes top honors as Best Overall Airline in the World for a fourth consecutive year. It’s No. 15 for Best Airline Alliance winner oneworld. Delta Air Lines upset a seven-time winner to fly home with a win for Best Airline Website (delta.com). Delta picks up a bevy of other awards this year, as well: Best Airline for Domestic First Class; Best Airline Lounges, second consecutive year, for Delta Sky Club; and Best Airline App for the second year in a row. The Airbus A350 soars above the rest as Best Aircraft Type.

PHOTO: © CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS

Japan Airlines pops up on this year’s survey as Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific, and Best Airline to Japan, fourth consecutive year. Cathay Pacific Airways takes home a number of No. 1 accolades this year, winning Best Airline for International First Class, its second Best Trans-Pacific Airline, and Best Airline for Business-Class Seat Design.

Four — that’s the number of awards for Turkish Airlines, and they include Best Airline for Business Class, eight years running; Best Airline Cuisine; Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers, seven consecutive years, for its Turkish Airlines Corporate Club; and a nine- time win for Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents. Korean Air wins Best Airline for Onboard Service, unseating a 20-year winner, and also takes its second Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption for SKYPASS. Asiana Airlines retains its title of Best Airline for Flight Attendants for its 21st year. It’s two three-time wins for Air France: Best Flight Attendant Uniforms and Best Airline for First-Class Seat Design.

PHOTO: © QATAR AIRWAYS

Qatar Airways takes the Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness award away from a four-time winner. Air Canada picks up a duo: a sixth win as Best Airline in North America and Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service for its Aeroplan program. United Airlines delivers a three- peat this year: Its MileagePlus program earns its 21st honor as Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program, a 12th win as Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program and its third win as Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program for the Premier 1K level.

Looking at airlines regionally, here are the big winners: Copa Airlines, Best Airline to South & Central America; Aeromexico wins Best Airline in Mexico for an impressive 15th consecutive year; Air Tahiti Nui earns its seventh Best Airline in the South Pacific; TAP Air Portugal takes its 14th win as Best Airline in Europe; Air Serbia makes an appearance as Best Airline in Eastern Europe; Royal Air Maroc is Best Airline in Africa for the second consecutive year; Etihad Airways is Best Airline in the Middle East; China Airlines grabs its Best Airline in North Asia award for the sixth consecutive year; Air China wins Best Airline in China; Air India is Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India, for the 11th year in a row; and Fiji Airways is Best Airline in Australia and New Zealand. Rounding out the airline winners, we have British Airways, Best Trans- Atlantic Airline.

As country musician Gary Allan croons, “I’m just sittin’ out here watching airplanes take off and fly.” And according to our readers, the best airports to do so around the globe include the following incredible hubs, starting with Best Overall Airport in the World, Hamad International Airport. The airport is also the big winner of Best Airport in the Middle East. Wow, it’s the 21st consecutive win for Chicago O’Hare International Airport as Best Airport in North America! The gateway was also named Best Airport Dining.

PHOTO: © TANYA KEISHA | DREAMSTIME.COM

Incheon International Airport wins its eighth Best Airport in Asia nod and fourth Best Duty-Free Shopping in Asia win. For Best Airport in Europe (three times running), Best Airport Shopping (third year in a row) and Best Duty-Free Shopping in Europe (also a third win), the winner is iGA Istanbul Airport. A few more airport winners: El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá, seven-time Best Airport in South America; O.R. Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg, three-time Best Airport in Africa and three-time Best Duty-Free Shopping in Africa; Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport; and Dubai International Airport’s Dubai Duty Free, 18-time Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World and three-time Best Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East.

PHOTO: © SAIKO3P | DREAMSTIME.COM

Brook Benton sang, “I’m checking into Hotel Happiness (oh, yeah).” While it was because he found love, here, it’s because we found a long list of winning hotels, beginning with The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, Best Individual Hotel in the World.

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ various brands and programs appear many times on this list: Best International Hotel Chain and Best Domestic Hotel Chain honors go to InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, both for the second consecutive year. Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas wins Best MICE Hotel, and ihg.com wins its third award as Best Hotel Website. A cause for massive celebration is IHG One Rewards’ 20th consecutive win for Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World, while its Diamond Elite level wins Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program for the second year in a row. IHG One Rewards also wins its first Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service nod. IHG Business Edge wins its impressive sixth Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program honor.

Andaz earns the Best Lifestyle Hotel title, and Hilton Honors wins its second Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program. Marriott Bonvoy wins its fifth Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption nod and its second win for Best Hotel App.

There’s no heartbreak found at these winning hotels around the world: The Peninsula Beverly Hills, 14-time winner of Best Hotel in the United States; The Peninsula Shanghai as Best Hotel in Asia; The Shilla, Seoul, winner of Best Hotel in South Korea; Park Hyatt Tokyo, Best Hotel in Japan; Raffles Hotel Singapore, Best Hotel in Singapore, second consecutive year; Taj Hotels, Best Hotel Chain in Asia; The Peninsula London, Best Hotel in Europe; St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, nine-time Best Hotel Chain in Europe; One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai as Best Hotel in the Middle East; One&Only Resorts, Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East; and two- time winner Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, a 14- time winner for Best Hotel Chain in Mexico and Best Hotel Chain in Latin America for the second time.

PHOTO: © HERTZ

As The B-52’s once said, “Roam if you want to, roam around the world.” And roam we will with the rest of the winning travel brands in this year’s survey. Porsche drives away with the Best Overseas Delivery Program win. Also in the automotive sector, Hertz wins the prize of Best Rental Car Company, four years running, and WallyPark upsets a five-time winner to earn the Best Airport Parking nod.

 

PHOTO: © LEONID ANDRONOV | DREAMSTIME.COM

Greece makes its fourth appearance as Best Tourism Destination, and Seoul takes its landmark 10th win as Best MICE City. British Virgin Islands was named Best Offshore Business Location. Intelsat (Gogo Commercial Aviation) takes its fourth Best WiFi Service nod, while Briggs & Riley returns as Best Luggage Brand for the second year in a row. Best Travel Insurance Company is UnitedHealthcare Global, and Best Rail Service/Provider goes to Alaska Railroad for the second consecutive year. A Special Publisher’s Award (an honorable recognition this year from publisher and CEO Francis X. Gallagher) is awarded to South Korea’s Gyeonggi as Fastest-Developing MICE City.

Who would think someone would write a tune about credit cards? Alas, it’s true, as Dick Feller once opined, “I said: ‘Just put it on my credit card. Write that dude up!’” Today we sing the praises of these co-branded credit cards that ensure everyday purchases help achieve travel dreams.

© UNITED EXPLORER CARD FROM CHASE

United Club Infinite Card from Chase wins Best Overall Credit Card, Best Credit Card Rewards Program and Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions, all for the fifth time; and the United Explorer Card from Chase celebrates its 12th Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions win.

Best Small Business Credit Card goes to Ink Business Preferred Card from Chase. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Card earns the Best New Credit Card Launch title. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase wins for Best Credit Card Design, as well as Best Frequent- Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits for the fourth year. Meanwhile, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions, five years in a row.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card from Chase appears for the second time on the list as Best Frequent- Stay Affinity Credit Card. The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase also takes a second win for Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America takes its 13th win as Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card, and sixth win for Best Frequent- Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits. For Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card, Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card from Bank of America is a two-time honoree.

Along with Pink, we ask, “Won’t you come on and come on and raise your glass?” to help commemorate this year’s winners. Congratulations!

THE VOTING PROCESS
Open-ended ballots ran in subscriber copies of Global Traveler and online at globaltravelerusa.com/ gt-tested-awards-ballot from Dec. 13, 2023, to Aug. 31, 2024. 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. Employees of FX Express Publications, Inc., and affiliated members of the travel industry were not allowed to participate.

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Best Overall Airline in the World
1. Singapore Airlines
2. United Airlines
3. Delta Air Lines

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

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

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

Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific
1. Japan Airlines
2. United Airlines
3. All Nippon Airways

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Flight Attendant Uniforms
1. Air France
2. Emirates
3. Singapore Airlines

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

Best First-Class Seat Design
1. Air France
2. Korean Air
3. Emirates

Best Business-Class Seat Design
1. Cathay Pacific Airways
2. United Airlines
3. Korean Air

Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers
1. Turkish Airlines Corporate Club
2. American Airlines AAdvantage Business
3. American Express Platinum Card

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

Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program
1. United MileagePlus
2. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
3. Air Canada Aeroplan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Duty-Free Shopping in Asia
1. Incheon International Airport
2. Singapore Changi Airport
3. Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Best Duty-Free Shopping in Africa
1. O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa
2. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
3. Seychelles International Airport

Best Duty-Free Shopping in Europe
1. iGA Istanbul Airport
2. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
3. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Best Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East
1.Dubai Duty Free
2. Hamad International Airport
3. Bahrain Duty Free

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Hotel in Asia
1. The Peninsula Shanghai
2. Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
3. SIGNIEL SEOUL Lotte Tower

Best Hotel in South Korea
1. The Shilla, Seoul
2. Four Seasons Seoul
3. Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas

Best Hotel in Europe
1. The Peninsula London
2. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
3. Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Overseas Delivery Program
1. Porsche
2. Volvo

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

Best Airport Parking
1. WallyPark
2. The Parking Spot
3. ParkRideFly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Credit Cards Rewards Program
1. United Club Infinite Card from Chase
2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase
3. Membership Rewards Program from American Express

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

Best New Credit Card Launch
1. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Card
2. U.S. Bank Business Altitude Power World Elite Mastercard
3. Marriott Bonvoy Bold Visa Signature Card by Chase

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

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

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

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

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card
1. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
2. Delta SkyMiles Card from American Express
3. United Club Infinite Card from Chase

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions
1. United Club Infinite Card from Chase
2. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
3. United Explorer Card from Chase

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits
1. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
2. CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select MasterCard
3. British Airways Visa Signature Card

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
1. United Explorer Card from Chase
2. United Club Infinite Card from Chase
3. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America

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

Special Publisher’s Recognition: Fastest-Developing MICE City Gyeonggi, South Korea

WINES ON THE WING 2024
“A bottle of white, a bottle of red …” While we’re not meeting Billy Joel at our Italian restaurant, we are celebrating in a big way as Global Traveler’s Wines on the Wing Airline Wine Competition made its triumphant return in 2024 after a three-year hiatus. The results were first released in our August 2024 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. Whether it’s “Red, red wine” or a “Champagne supernova in the sky,” here’s a listing of the best wines served at 30,000 feet this year: Top International First-Class Wines on the Wing award winner is STARLUX Airlines. The carrier also won Top White Wine International First Class and Top Red Wine International First Class. Qatar Airways earned accolades for Top International Business-Class Wines on the Wing as well as Top Non-Vintage Champagne/Sparkling International Business Class. In the first-class international category, Air France and British Airways tied for Top Vintage and Non-Vintage Champagne, each serving Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Grande Cuvée. United Airlines won Top White Wine International Business Class, with Brussels Airlines taking the top spot for red wine in business class. When it comes to the winners for North American premium-class wines, we have American Airlines as Top North America First-Class Wines on the Wing, Best Champagne/Sparkling and Best White Wine; and Alaska Airlines is Best Red Wine North America First Class. Best Alliance Wines on the Wing went to oneworld. Along with Rihanna, “Everybody put ya glasses up,” and cheers!

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Top International First-Class Wines on the Wing
1. STARLUX Airlines
2. Air France
3. British Airways

Top International Business-Class Wines on the Wing
1. Qatar Airways
2. United Airlines
3. Brussels Airlines

Top North America First-Class Wines on the Wing
1. American Airlines
2. JetBlue

Top Vintage and Non-Vintage Champagne International First Class
1. Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Grande Cuvée (TIE: Air France and British Airways)
2. Bollinger La Grande Année 2014 (STARLUX Airlines)
3. Krug Grande Cuvée 170eme Edition (Qatar Airways)

Top Non-Vintage Champagne/ Sparkling International Business Class
1. Champagne Gosset Brut Grande Reserve (Qatar Airways)
2. Fratelli Lunelli Ferrari Brut (Italian Franciacorta) (American Airlines)
3. Duval-Leroy Brut (Delta Air Lines)

Top White Wine International First Class
1. Schloss Gobelsburg, Ried Grub |1 Kamptal (STARLUX Airlines)
2. Grand Vin de Bourgogne Meursault Albert Bichot (Air France)
3. Frederic Emile Alsace Trimbach Riesling 2016 (STARLUX Airlines)

Top White Wine International Business Class
1. Château de Cruzeau Grand Vin de Bordeaux 2020 (United Airlines)
2. Starmont Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 2019 (Qatar Airways)
3. Schouwen-D®uiveland Rivaner De Kleine Schorre 2022 (KLM Royal Dutch Airlines)

Top Red Wine International First Class
1. Château Bélair-Monange Premier Grand Cru Classé, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2014 (STARLUX Airlines)
2. Château La Dominique Grand Cru Classé Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016 (Air France)
3. La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2016 Rioja (British Airways)

Top Red Wine International Business Class
1. Château Clement-Pichon Cru Bourgeois Supérieur Haut-Médoc 2018 (Brussels Airlines)
2. Baron de Lay Club Privado Rioja 2020 (KLM Royal Dutch Airlines)
3. Proventus Tr3smano 2019 (Aeromexico)

Best Champagne/Sparkling North America First Class
1. Boizel Brut Reserve (American Airlines)
2. Scarpetta Ribolla Gialla Brut 2023 (JetBlue)

Best White Wine North America First Class
1. Aussieres Chardonnay 2022 (American Airlines)
2. House of Brown California Chardonnay 2022 (Delta Air Lines)
3. Lagar de Proventus Alvarinho (Aeromexico)

Best Red Wine North America First Class
1. Browne Family Vineyards Red Blend 2022 (Alaska Airlines)
2. Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2019 (Delta Air Lines)
3. Stephane Aviron Beaujolais Village 2022 (JetBlue)

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

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Dec 2, 2024

Puerto Rico Welcomes First The Leading Hotels of the World Property

Next spring, Puerto Rico is set to welcome its first The Leading Hotels of the World property. VERANÓ San Juan will open in the city’s vibrant Santurce neighborhood, bringing luxury and a new level of sophistication to the island. The hotel takes over a former 1950s office building, with BLOC Design transforming the space into a luxury hotel in the heart of San Juan.

Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight

As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.

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.