What makes the number 22 noteworthy? A quick search brings up a host of intriguing facts: a Monopoly board includes 22 colored properties; 22 is a master number in numerology; Earth’s axis is tilted about 22.5 degrees, which helps create our seasons; and author Joseph Heller immortalized “Catch‑22” in his novel. For Global Traveler, the number has special significance this year: our GT Tested Reader Survey celebrates its 22nd edition.
As another travel season wraps, Global Traveler proudly announces the 2025 winners of its reader-voted awards. For 22 years—22 orbits around the sun on our 22.5-degree-tilted planet—frequent, experienced luxury travelers have chosen their favorites across airlines, airports, hotels, credit cards and more. Below are the winners of our 22nd annual survey. See whether your top picks made the list.
PHOTO: © DELTA AIR LINES
Pop culture fans might notice another 22 reference: Taylor Swift’s song “22.” To echo her chorus, “I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling twenty‑two,” we’ll kick off with the airline winners. Emirates earns Best Overall Airline in the World, unseating a four-time champion. oneworld is once again Best Airline Alliance, marking its 16th win in this category. Delta Air Lines enjoyed a standout year with multiple wins, including Best Airline Website (delta.com), Best Airline for Domestic First Class (for the second consecutive year), Best Airline Lounges (Delta Sky Club, third straight year), Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers (Delta Business Traveler), Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption (Delta SkyMiles), Best Airline in North America, and Best Airline App (third year running). The Boeing 787 is honored as Best Aircraft Type.
PHOTO: © ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Etihad Airways collected two major awards: Best Airline for International First Class and Best Airline in the Middle East, both for the second consecutive year. Turkish Airlines also won multiple categories, taking Best Airline for Business Class for the ninth year running, Best Airline Cuisine for a second year, and Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents for the ninth time. Asiana Airlines returned to the top for Best Airline for Onboard Service and secured its 22nd win for Best Airline for Flight Attendants.
Condor Airlines appears on the winners’ list for the first time with Best Flight Attendant Uniforms. Swiss International Air Lines won Best Airline for Business-Class Seat Design. Cathay Pacific earned three honors: Best First-Class Seat Design, Best Airline in North Asia, and Best Trans‑Pacific Airline (three years running). Air Canada reclaimed Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness and its Aeroplan program again took Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service.
United Airlines posted notable repeat victories: MileagePlus was named Best Overall Frequent‑Flyer Program for the 22nd time, Best Frequent‑Flyer Bonus Promotion for the 13th time, and Best Frequent‑Flyer Elite‑Level Program for Premier 1K for the fourth time.
PHOTO: © AIR TAHITI NUI
Other airline winners include avianca as Best Airline in South & Central America; Aeromexico as Best Airline in Mexico for a remarkable 16th straight year; Air Tahiti Nui as Best Airline in the South Pacific (its eighth win); TAP Air Portugal marking its 15th win as Best Airline in Europe; Air Serbia as Best Airline in Eastern Europe (second year running); Royal Air Maroc as Best Airline in Africa (third consecutive year); Air China with its second Best Airline in China nod; Air India as Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India for the 12th consecutive year; Qantas as Best Airline in Australia and New Zealand; All Nippon Airways as Best Airline to Japan; and British Airways as a two-time Best Trans‑Atlantic Airline winner.
Airports rely on large, coordinated teams—and these winning airports reflect that teamwork. Hamad International Airport was named Best Overall Airport in the World for the second consecutive year and retained Best Airport in the Middle East for its ninth straight year. Chicago O’Hare celebrated its 22nd win as Best Airport in North America and also earned Best Airport Dining for the second time.
PHOTO: © TANYA KEISHA | DREAMSTIME.COM
Incheon International Airport earned its ninth Best Airport in Asia title. iGA Istanbul Airport was recognized as Best Airport in Europe for the fourth consecutive year and also took Best Airport Shopping. El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá won Best Airport in South America for the eighth time. O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg captured its fourth Best Airport in Africa award. Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport was named Fastest‑Growing U.S. Airport, and Dubai Duty Free claimed its 19th Best Duty‑Free Shopping in the World title.
Hotels also feature prominently among this year’s winners. Address Downtown, Dubai was named Best Individual Hotel in the World. IHG Hotels & Resorts and its programs received multiple honors: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts again won Best International Hotel Chain; IHG One Rewards topped Best Hotel Rewards Program for the 21st straight year and won Best Frequent‑Stay Customer Service; its Diamond Elite level earned Best Frequent‑Stay Elite‑Level Program for the third consecutive year; and IHG Business Edge was named Best Small‑to‑Mid‑Sized Business Program for the seventh time.
The Ritz‑Carlton was recognized as Best Domestic Hotel Chain and Best Hotel Chain in Europe, while Andaz secured Best Lifestyle Hotel. Hilton’s hilton.com won Best Hotel Website, and Hilton Honors won Best Frequent‑Stay Bonus Promotion. Marriott Bonvoy earned Best Frequent‑Stay Award Redemption for the sixth time and Best Hotel App for the third time.
PHOTO: © THE PENINSULA BEVERLY HILLS
Top hotel winners around the world include The Peninsula Beverly Hills as Best Hotel in the United States (its 15th win), Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong as Best Hotel in Asia, LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL as Best Hotel in South Korea and Best MICE Hotel, Conrad Tokyo as Best Hotel in Japan, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore for Best Hotel in Singapore, The Langham Hotels & Resorts as Best Hotel Chain in Asia, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich as Best Hotel in Europe, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel as Best Hotel in the Middle East, and Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection as Best Hotel Chain in Mexico (15th win) and Best Hotel Chain in Latin America (third time).
The element titanium has atomic number 22, and several other winners shine just as brightly. Hertz was named Best Rental Car Company for the fifth consecutive year. Greece was selected Best Tourism Destination for the fifth time. Seoul won Best MICE City for the 11th time. Ireland was named Best Offshore Business Location. Starlink unseated a longtime leader to win Best WiFi Service. Briggs & Riley reclaimed Best Luggage Brand for the third year. UnitedHealthcare Global was voted Best Travel Insurance Company for the second year, and Alaska Railroad took Best Rail Service/Provider for the third straight year.
A Special Publisher’s Award this year went to Gyeonggi Province in South Korea, recognized as the Fastest‑Developing MICE City.
Whether you spend $22 or $22,000, co‑branded credit cards help turn everyday spending into travel. The United Club Infinite Card from Chase was named Best Overall Credit Card for the sixth straight year. Ink Business Preferred Card from Chase took Best Small Business Credit Card for the second consecutive year. Capital One Venture Rewards was voted Best Credit Card Rewards Program, while the Capital One Venture X won Best Credit Card Design. Capital One’s Venture Rewards Credit Card also earned Best Frequent‑Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card from Chase won Best Frequent‑Stay Affinity Credit Card for the third year running, and its IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase secured Best Frequent‑Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions for the third time and Best Frequent‑Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits for the first time. Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature (formerly the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America) captured Best Frequent‑Flyer Affinity Credit Card for the 14th time and won additional honors for benefits and redemptions. Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards led Best Frequent‑Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions, and Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card from Bank of America was named Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card for the third time.
Congratulations to all this year’s winners—celebrated across categories and regions, 22 times over.
THE VOTING PROCESS
Open-ended ballots ran in subscriber copies of Global Traveler and online at the GT Tested awards ballot from Dec. 12, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2025. Ballots were also distributed via direct mail and email during that period. Entries with fewer than half the required fields completed were disqualified. Employees of FX Express Publications, Inc., and related travel‑industry members were ineligible to participate.
WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Best Overall Airline in the World
1. Emirates
2. Singapore Airlines
3. United Airlines
Best Airline Alliance
1. oneworld
2. Star Alliance
3. SkyTeam
Best Aircraft Type
1. Boeing 787
2. Boeing 777
3. Airbus A350
Best Airline Website
1. delta.com
2. united.com
3. aa.com
Best Airline for Business Class
1. Turkish Airlines
2. Singapore Airlines
3. United Airlines
Best Airline for International First Class
1. Etihad Airways
2. Air France
3. Cathay Pacific 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. Asiana Airlines
2. Korean Air
3. Cathay Pacific Airways
Best Airline for Flight Attendants
1. Asiana Airlines
2. Korean Air
3. Cathay Pacific Airways
Best Flight Attendant Uniforms
1. Condor Airlines
2. Emirates
3. Singapore Airlines
Best Airline Cuisine
1. Turkish Airlines
2. Air France
3. Korean Air
Best First-Class Seat Design
1. Cathay Pacific Airways
2. Korean Air
3. Emirates
Best Business-Class Seat Design
1. Swiss International Air Lines
2. United Airlines
3. Korean Air
Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers
1. Delta Business Traveler
2. American Airlines AAdvantage Business
3. Turkish Airlines Corporate Club
Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness
1. Air Canada
2. United Airlines
3. Cathay Pacific Airways
Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program
1. United MileagePlus
2. Delta SkyMiles
3. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program
1. United MileagePlus – Premier 1K
2. American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum
3. Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallion
Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Promotion
1. United MileagePlus
2. Delta SkyMiles
3. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption
1. Delta SkyMiles
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. Delta Air Lines
2. Air Canada
3. United Airlines
Best Airline to South America & Central America
1. avianca
2. LATAM Airlines Group
3. Copa Airlines
Best Airline in Mexico
1. Aeromexico
2. Volaris
3. VivaAerobus
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. Qantas
2. Fiji Airways
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. Cathay Pacific Airways
2. China Airlines
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. All Nippon Airways
2. Japan Airlines
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
Best Airport Dining
1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
2. iGA Istanbul Airport
3. Hamad International Airport, Doha
Best Airport Shopping
1. iGA Istanbul Airport
2. Miami International Airport
3. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport
1. Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport
2. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
3. Nashville International Airport
Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World
1. Dubai Duty Free
2. Incheon International Airport
3. iGA Istanbul Airport
Best Individual Hotel in the World
1. Address Downtown, Dubai
2. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
3. Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
Best International Hotel Chain
1. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
2. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
3. Marriott Hotels
Best Domestic Hotel Chain
1. The Ritz-Carlton
2. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
3. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
Best Lifestyle Hotel
1. Andaz
2. Aloft Hotels
3. Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants
Best MICE Hotel
1. LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL
2. Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas
3. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Best Hotel Website
1. hilton.com
2. peninsula.com
3. ihg.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 Promotion
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. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
2. Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
3. SIGNIEL SEOUL Lotte Tower
Best Hotel in South Korea
1. LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL
2. Four Seasons Seoul
3. The Shilla, Seoul
Best Hotel in Europe
1. Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich
2. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
3. The Peninsula London
Best Hotel in the Middle East
1. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel
2. Emirates Palace Hotel
3. One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai
Best Hotel in Japan
1. Conrad Tokyo
2. Tokyo Station Hotel
3. Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo
Best Hotel in Singapore
1. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
2. Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
3. Raffles Hotel Singapore
Best Hotel Chain in Asia
1. The Langham Hotels & Resorts
2. Taj Hotels
3. Anantara Hotels & Resorts
Best European Hotel Chain
1. The Ritz-Carlton
2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
3. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
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. Jumeirah International
2. The Ritz-Carlton
3. One&Only Resorts
Best Rental Car Company
1. Hertz
2. SIXT
3. Avis
Best Tourism Destination
1. Greece
2. Ireland
3. Spain
Best MICE City
1. Seoul
2. London
3. Doha
Best WiFi Service
1. Starlink
2. Intelsat (Gogo Commercial Aviation)
3. Boingo 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. Ireland
2. U.S. Virgin Islands
3. Cayman Islands
Best Travel Insurance Company
1. UnitedHealthcare Global
2. Travel Guard
3. AGI Travel
Best Rail Service/Provider
1. Alaska Railroad
2. Rocky Mountaineer
3. Amtrak Vacations
Best Overall Credit Card
1. United Club 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. TIE: Capital One Spark Miles for Business Card / Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
3. American Express Business Platinum
Best Credit Cards Rewards Program
1. Capital One Venture Rewards
2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase
3. Membership Rewards Program from American Express
Best Credit Card Design
1. Capital One Venture X
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve
3. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from 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. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase
3. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase
3. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card
1. Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature (formerly the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America)
2. Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards
3. United Club Card from Chase
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions
1. Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards
2. Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature (formerly the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card)
3. United Explorer Card from Chase
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits
1. Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature (formerly the 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. Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature (formerly the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America)
2. United Club Card from Chase
3. United Explorer Card from Chase
Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card
1. Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card from Bank of America
2. Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Card
3. Princess Cruises Visa Signature Card from Barclays
SPECIAL PUBLISHER’S AWARD:
Fastest-Developing MICE City: Gyeonggi Province