2016 Hall of Fame & Quint Inductees Announced

As Global Traveler celebrates the 13th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards, we recognize repeat champions who continue to earn readers’ trust year after year. The Hall of Fame honors those who have won the GT Tested Reader Survey award in the same category for ten consecutive years. New this voting season, Quint Status recognizes winners who have held a category title for five consecutive years.

Voted on by our experienced readership, the GT Tested Reader Survey awards highlight the best of travel: favorite airlines, credit cards, destinations, hotels, and travel goods and services. Global Traveler readers are seasoned travelers who frequently fly in first and business class on domestic and international carriers and stay in 4- and 5‑star properties around the world.

This year, two companies were inducted into the Hall of Fame and six reached Quint Status. These elite winners are consistently recognized by readers for delivering high standards of service, a steadfast commitment to excellence, and ongoing innovation.

EL AL Israel Airlines and Dubai Duty Free join the Hall of Fame for 2016. “The Hall of Fame awards are a significant honor, showing unusual loyalty to a brand for 10 consecutive years,” said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO of Global Traveler. “Only a rare few have ever been entered into the Hall of Fame.”

Winning for the 10th consecutive year, EL AL Israel Airlines takes home the award for Best Airline for Security. The carrier maintains stringent screening procedures to ensure passenger safety. Travelers are advised to arrive three to four hours before departure when checking luggage and about 90 minutes early if traveling with carry-on only. Passengers should expect detailed questioning, thorough luggage inspections, and careful review of travel documents. To streamline the process, EL AL provides expedited check-in options online, through mobile devices, and at airport kiosks.

Dubai Duty Free again earns Best Duty-Free Shops. Founded in 1983, the company manages duty-free retail at Dubai International Airport and is one of the world’s largest travel retail operators. In 2015 Dubai Duty Free reported $1.888 billion in sales and operates over 100,000 square feet of retail space across the airport, including the modern Concourse D. That facility serves 18 million passengers annually and places Dubai Duty Free at a central crossroads of restaurants and departure gates.

For the first time, Global Traveler recognizes Quint Status winners. “The Quint Status awards honor those who have held onto their category win for five years, reflecting strong customer loyalty and brand leadership,” said Gallagher. Six organizations join this elite group this year: Hainan Airlines (Best Airline in China); Lotte Hotel, Seoul (Best Hotel in South Korea); Ireland (Best Tourism Destination); United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase (Best Credit Card, Best Credit Card Rewards Program); Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase (Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card); and Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America (Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card).

Hainan Airlines earned Best Airline in China for the fifth consecutive year. The carrier operates a fleet of 162 aircraft serving passenger and cargo routes. Passengers praise Hainan’s business-class product for its 180-degree lie-flat seats, menus inspired by Chinese cuisine, wide inflight entertainment options, Bvlgari amenity kits, access to VIP lounges, and private airport transfer services in select cities.

Lotte Hotel, Seoul is the readers’ choice for Best Hotel in South Korea for the fifth straight year. This 5‑star property sits near Myeongdong in Seoul’s Central Business District and is well connected by public transit. The hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers with flexible meeting spaces and multiple on-site dining venues.

Ireland is recognized as Best Tourism Destination for the fifth consecutive year. The country’s varied landscapes and cultural attractions offer rich experiences for visitors, from the scenic Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way to lively city life in Dublin. Ireland continues to appeal to both leisure and business travelers.

The United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase earned Quint Status in two categories: Best Credit Card and Best Credit Card Rewards Program. Cardmembers earn miles on all purchases and receive two miles per dollar spent on tickets bought from United. Additional benefits include United Club access, free first and second checked bags, and no foreign transaction fees.

The Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase wins Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card for the fifth consecutive year. Cardholders earn points on every purchase and receive five times the points on Marriott stays, plus two points per dollar at restaurants, car rental agencies, and on airline tickets purchased directly from airlines.

 

The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America takes Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card for the fifth year running. New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days. The card also awards three miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines tickets, vacation packages, cargo and in-flight purchases.

Congratulations to all the winners. Which brands will join the Hall of Fame and Quint Status club next year? Voting for 2017 is now open, so be sure to cast your ballot for your favorites.