In Global Traveler’s 14th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards, we recognize the top performers in travel for the year. Quint Status honors those winners who have received the same GT Tested Reader Survey award in the same category for five consecutive years. While the Hall of Fame traditionally celebrated a decade of consecutive wins, there are no new Hall of Fame inductees this year; however, this year’s Quint Status recipients are strong candidates for future induction.
Chosen by our discerning readers, the GT Tested Reader Survey identifies the best in travel—airlines, credit cards, destinations, hotels and travel services. GT readers are experienced travelers who frequently fly in first and business class on domestic and international carriers and stay at 4- and 5-star properties around the world.
This year, four outstanding programs and brands earned Quint Status. These organizations have consistently demonstrated exceptional service, innovation and a commitment to delivering excellent travel experiences.
The new Quint Status honorees are United MileagePlus (Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program), LifeMiles (Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption), China Airlines (Best Airline in North Asia) and the United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase (Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemption).
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United MileagePlus claimed Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program for the fifth straight year. Strategic partnerships with brands such as Hilton, Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises let members earn bonus miles when booking vacations. For example, past promotions have offered Hilton stays that included 5,000 bonus miles. United continues to lead the industry by introducing incentives and initiatives that build member loyalty and enhance the overall value of the program.
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LifeMiles was voted Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption for the fifth consecutive year. The unified loyalty program from Avianca and TACA blends the strengths of both airlines to benefit members worldwide. With more than 5 million members, LifeMiles has earned international recognition for its award redemption options. It remains one of the most flexible programs, providing access to more than 1,200 cities and over 1,000 VIP lounges. In 2014, LifeMiles was the only loyalty program in Latin America to receive a Freddie Award—an accolade that highlights its strong reputation among frequent flyers.
China Airlines earned Best Airline in North Asia for the fifth year running. Readers praised the carrier’s ongoing investments in technology, safety, passenger comfort and in-flight entertainment. The airline operates a fleet of 96 aircraft, including 75 passenger jets, and serves 143 destinations across 29 countries and territories. Passengers consistently note China Airlines’ attentive hospitality and quality onboard service. As Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO of Global Traveler, remarked after flying China Airlines’ business class from New York to Taipei: “If you have not flown China Airlines’ business class … I suggest you try it.”
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The United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase secured Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemption for its fifth year. Cardholders can earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 within three months of account opening and receive two miles per dollar spent on United ticket purchases. Additional perks include a free first checked bag, priority boarding and no foreign transaction fees. Its straightforward earning and redemption features help members convert everyday spending into travel rewards efficiently, which keeps the card popular among frequent flyers.
Congratulations to all the winners. We look forward to seeing which programs and brands join the Quint Status club next year.