AS GLOBAL TRAVELER CELEBRATES the 15th year of the annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards, we honor brands that have demonstrated long-term excellence in the travel industry by recognizing record-breaking consecutive wins. Crystal Status winners are those brands that have claimed the same category for 15 straight years. In this milestone year, we introduce the first group of Crystal Status honorees.
“Winning Crystal Status in the GT Tested Reader Survey awards reader voting is the ultimate achievement of the best,” said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, Global Traveler. “Very few companies can maintain this level of consistency over a 15-year period.”
Each year our engaged readers vote for the finest in travel, choosing top airlines, credit cards, destinations, hotels and travel services. This year four brands rose above the rest to secure their 15th consecutive wins. The inaugural Crystal Status winners are Asiana Airlines, United MileagePlus, South African Airways and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Best Airline for Onboard Service and Flight Attendants © ASIANA AIRLINES
Asiana Airlines has two reasons to celebrate. The Asian carrier earned both Best Airline for Onboard Service and Best Airline for Flight Attendants for 15 consecutive years. Founded in 1988 with a focus on “maximum safety and customer satisfaction through service,” Asiana’s corporate philosophy emphasizes quick, comfortable service delivered when and where customers need it. That commitment is reflected in consistent reader recognition for onboard service and cabin crew performance.
Asiana’s cabin crew follow traditional Korean courtesy throughout the passenger journey, offering attentive service and thoughtful touches. Travelers can expect high-end offerings such as the First Suite cabin with a full-flat bed and a two-door seat for added privacy. The airline also provides specialized assistance like Happy Mom Service for female passengers traveling with infants aged seven days to three years. No matter the cabin, Asiana aims to place passengers in capable, courteous hands.
Best Airport in North America © CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION
Readers named Chicago O’Hare International Airport the Best Airport in North America for the 15th year running. One of the busiest airports in the United States, O’Hare continues to expand to meet rising demand. Planned improvements include a new state-of-the-art baggage system, roughly 25 percent more gate capacity, expanded self-service check-in technologies and modernization of existing terminals. These upgrades support stronger flight connectivity, a strength already recognized by OAG, which recently ranked O’Hare among the nation’s best for connections.
In May, five new gates opened in Terminal 3’s L Concourse, the airport’s first significant gate expansion in 25 years and the initial phase of a larger program. The additional gates improve transfer opportunities and increase flight options for travelers. With ongoing development, O’Hare is projected to handle about 100 million passengers annually by 2026.
South African Airways was again voted Best Airline in Africa. The national carrier serves more than 35 destinations across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America. The airline’s first flight took place in 1934, and it has a long history of connecting the continent to the world.
In recent years SAA faced financial challenges and at one point confronted the prospect of bankruptcy. The airline has since shown signs of recovery, posting improved results early in the current financial year and implementing cost-reduction and revenue-enhancement measures aimed at returning to break-even operations. Despite difficulties, South African Airways maintains notable on-time performance and continues pursuing operational improvements.
Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program © UNITED MILEAGEPLUS
United MileagePlus retains the title of Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program for the 15th year in a row. The loyalty program lets members earn miles through everyday purchases and redeem them for dining, experiences, flights and hotel stays. Members can use miles for eGift cards from hundreds of merchants, international and domestic travel with United and partner airlines, and hotel bookings around the globe. Co-branded credit cards expand earning opportunities and deliver additional travel benefits.
To innovate for members, United deployed new tools and partnerships. The MileagePlus X app, free to download, enables members to earn up to five miles per dollar at tens of thousands of retail and restaurant locations across the U.S. Premier status members receive extra perks such as bonus award miles, priority upgrades, expedited travel services, fee waivers and benefits when flying Star Alliance partners.
Congratulations to Asiana Airlines, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, South African Airways and United MileagePlus on achieving Crystal Status. These organizations exemplify consistent quality and service in travel. Voting for next year’s awards will open with the GT Tested Reader Survey; readers are invited to participate in determining future winners.