This year, Global Traveler marks the 11th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards, our readers’ authoritative ranking of the best in airlines, hotels, credit cards, travel brands and loyalty programs. Our respondents are frequent premium travelers—averaging more than 30 round-trip international and domestic flights per year in first and business class and stays in 4- and 5-star hotels—making them uniquely qualified to judge service, comfort and overall experience across the travel industry.
Last year we introduced the 10-Year Hall of Fame to honor recipients that have earned the same GT Tested Reader Survey award for a decade. This year three more companies join that elite group, each recognized by our readers for excellence in their category for 10 of the past 11 years. These winners are celebrated for consistently maintaining high quality standards, delivering exceptional service and driving innovation in their fields.
BEST OVERALL AIRPORT IN THE WORLD is Incheon Airport, chosen by our well-traveled readers for the 10th time thanks to its efficient operations, robust infrastructure and wide-ranging passenger amenities. Often called the “Winged City,” Incheon serves around 41 million passengers annually on 89 airlines to 194 destinations. It boasts an exceptionally low baggage mishandling rate, numerous cultural experience zones and a museum dedicated to traditional Korean culture, tranquil gardens, extensive lounges, diverse dining options, high-end retail, two movie theaters and even an ice rink. With so many facilities and attentive customer service, Incheon makes long layovers and delays far more bearable for travelers.
To welcome more visitors and support travelers arriving for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, the airport launched a major expansion program to boost passenger-handling capacity. With a strong existing infrastructure and ambitious plans for growth, Incheon International Airport is positioned to sustain its high standards for years to come.
© Air Canada
OUR READERS BESTOWED the title Best Airline in North America on Air Canada for the 10th consecutive year, reflecting the carrier’s consistent service excellence and industry-leading amenities. Canada’s flag carrier impresses with a broad route network serving more than 180 destinations across five continents, along with notable ground and onboard services such as fully flat beds in International Business Class, comfortable Maple Leaf Lounges and dedicated concierge agents who provide premium, service-oriented support at numerous global airports.
Known for innovation, Air Canada recently introduced a new International Business Class standard on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The redesigned Executive Pod delivers 180-degree lie-flat seating with massage functions, 18-inch entertainment screens, and freshly brewed Lavazza espresso and cappuccino on board. With a planned delivery of multiple 787s through 2019, Air Canada is modernizing its international wide-body fleet—ensuring advanced comfort and technology that help sustain its standing among readers as Best Airline in North America.
© Intercontinental Hotels Group
IHG REWARDS CLUB earned the title Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World ten times since the GT Tested awards began, recognized for generous benefits and numerous ways to earn and redeem points. As one of the largest guest loyalty programs, IHG Rewards Club serves more than 82 million members who can earn points at over 4,700 hotels across nine brands, from InterContinental Hotels & Resorts to Hotel Indigo and EVEN Hotels. Members enjoy perks like no blackout dates for Rewards Nights and fast-track opportunities to Elite status, which include priority check-in, rollover points and complimentary room upgrades.
To increase flexibility and value for members, IHG Rewards Club relaunched with improved benefits, including free internet at all properties worldwide and expanded options to redeem points for stays, flights, car rentals and cruises. These enhancements reinforce the program’s strong reputation and continued appeal among savvy travelers.
Congratulations to this distinguished group of winners and welcome to the GT Hall of Fame. Incheon Airport, Air Canada and IHG Rewards Club now join previous Hall of Fame members such as Singapore Airlines, Asiana Airlines, United MileagePlus, South African Airways, Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts in this exclusive circle of consistent excellence.