Our GT Tested Reader Survey has reached its 21st year — let’s raise a glass as we close another chapter of travel and announce the 2024 winners chosen by Global Traveler readers. For two decades plus one, frequent and luxury travelers have voted for their favorites across airlines, airports, hotels, credit cards and more.
Turn the pages to see the winners from our 21st annual survey and find out if your top choices made the list.
Frank Sinatra’s “Come fly with me…” feels apt as we reveal the world’s top airlines. Singapore Airlines again takes Best Overall Airline in the World, marking a fourth consecutive win. The oneworld alliance ranks No. 1 for Best Airline Alliance. Delta Air Lines claimed Best Airline Website this year, unseating a long-time winner, and picked up several other honors: Best Airline for Domestic First Class; Best Airline Lounges for the second year in a row for Delta Sky Club; and Best Airline App for a second straight year. The Airbus A350 is voted Best Aircraft Type.
PHOTO: © CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS
Japan Airlines is named Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific, and again wins Best Airline to Japan for the fourth consecutive year. Cathay Pacific Airways earns several top honors, including Best Airline for International First Class, Best Trans-Pacific Airline, and Best Airline for Business-Class Seat Design.
Turkish Airlines collected four awards, including Best Airline for Business Class for the eighth year running, Best Airline Cuisine, and Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers for the seventh consecutive year. Korean Air won Best Airline for Onboard Service and Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption for its SKYPASS program. Asiana Airlines retained Best Airline for Flight Attendants for the 21st year, while Air France earned top marks for Best Flight Attendant Uniforms and Best First-Class Seat Design.
PHOTO: © QATAR AIRWAYS
Qatar Airways won Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness. Air Canada was named Best Airline in North America and also earned Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service for its Aeroplan program. United Airlines’ MileagePlus program continued its strong showing, taking Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program for the 21st time, along with honors for bonus and elite-level programs.
Regionally, major airline winners include Copa Airlines as Best Airline to South & Central America; Aeromexico, Best Airline in Mexico for the 15th straight year; Air Tahiti Nui as Best in the South Pacific; TAP Air Portugal as Best Airline in Europe; Air Serbia as Best in Eastern Europe; Royal Air Maroc as Best in Africa; Etihad Airways as Best in the Middle East; China Airlines as Best in North Asia; Air China as Best in China; Air India as Best in Central/South Asia & India for the 11th year; and Fiji Airways as Best in Australia and New Zealand. British Airways is the Best Trans-Atlantic Airline.
Country musician Gary Allan sang about watching airplanes take off, and our readers named the top airports to do just that. Hamad International Airport is Best Overall Airport in the World and Best in the Middle East. Chicago O’Hare International Airport earned its 21st consecutive Best Airport in North America title and was also named Best Airport Dining.
PHOTO: © TANYA KEISHA | DREAMSTIME.COM
Incheon International Airport captured Best Airport in Asia and Best Duty-Free Shopping in Asia. iGA Istanbul Airport was chosen Best Airport in Europe, Best Airport Shopping and Best Duty-Free Shopping in Europe. El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá was named Best Airport in South America for the seventh time. O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg earned Best Airport in Africa and Best Duty-Free Shopping in Africa for the third time. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport was Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport, and Dubai Duty Free continued its long run as Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World.
PHOTO: © SAIKO3P | DREAMSTIME.COM
Brook Benton sang about “Hotel Happiness,” and our winners list highlights top hotels worldwide. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, was chosen Best Individual Hotel in the World.
IHG Hotels & Resorts and its brands stood out across multiple categories. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts won Best International and Best Domestic Hotel Chain honors for a second straight year. Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas was named Best MICE Hotel. ihg.com won Best Hotel Website, while IHG One Rewards secured its 20th consecutive Best Hotel Rewards Program title and Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program for Diamond Elite. IHG Business Edge was recognized again as the Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program.
Other hotel highlights include Andaz as Best Lifestyle Hotel, Hilton Honors as Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program, and Marriott Bonvoy earning Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption and Best Hotel App. The Peninsula Beverly Hills was the top hotel in the United States; The Peninsula Shanghai was Best Hotel in Asia; The Shilla, Seoul, was Best Hotel in South Korea; Park Hyatt Tokyo was Best Hotel in Japan; Raffles Hotel Singapore was Best Hotel in Singapore; Taj Hotels was voted Best Hotel Chain in Asia; The Peninsula London was Best Hotel in Europe; St. Regis Hotels & Resorts was Best Hotel Chain in Europe; One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, was Best Hotel in the Middle East; One&Only Resorts was Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East; and Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection was recognized again as Best Hotel Chain in Mexico and Best Hotel Chain in Latin America.
PHOTO: © HERTZ
The B-52’s “Roam” inspires the next section: top travel brands beyond airlines and hotels. Porsche won Best Overseas Delivery Program. Hertz was again voted Best Rental Car Company for the fourth consecutive year, and WallyPark earned Best Airport Parking.
PHOTO: © LEONID ANDRONOV | DREAMSTIME.COM
Greece was named Best Tourism Destination. Seoul earned its 10th win as Best MICE City, and the British Virgin Islands were chosen Best Offshore Business Location. Intelsat (Gogo Commercial Aviation) took Best WiFi Service, and Briggs & Riley returned as Best Luggage Brand. UnitedHealthcare Global was voted Best Travel Insurance Company, and Alaska Railroad was selected Best Rail Service/Provider. The publisher awarded a special recognition to Gyeonggi, South Korea, as Fastest-Developing MICE City.
Credit cards also feature prominently. The United Club Infinite Card from Chase won Best Overall Credit Card, Best Credit Card Rewards Program and Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions, while the United Explorer Card from Chase claimed Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions. Chase’s Ink Business Preferred Card won Best Small-Business Credit Card. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Card was named Best New Credit Card Launch. Marriott Bonvoy cards and IHG One Rewards cards also earned multiple accolades across design, benefits and redemption categories. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America continued its long run as Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card.
Raise a glass to this year’s winners — congratulations to all.
THE VOTING PROCESS
Ballots ran in subscriber copies of Global Traveler and online from Dec. 13, 2023, to Aug. 31, 2024, with distribution via direct mail and email during that period. Open-ended ballots were used. Ballots with less than half the fields completed were disqualified. Employees of FX Express Publications, Inc., and affiliated travel-industry members were not eligible to vote.
WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Best Overall Airline in the World
1. Singapore Airlines
2. United Airlines
3. Delta Air Lines
Best Airline Alliance
1. oneworld
2. Star Alliance
3. SkyTeam
Best Aircraft Type
1. Airbus A350
2. Boeing 777
3. Boeing 787
Best Airline Website
1. delta.com
2. united.com
3. aa.com
Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific
1. Japan Airlines
2. United Airlines
3. All Nippon Airways
Best Airline for Business Class
1. Turkish Airlines
2. Singapore Airlines
3. United Airlines
Best Airline for International First Class
1. Cathay Pacific Airways
2. Air France
3. Etihad 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. Korean Air
2. Asiana Airlines
3. Cathay Pacific Airways
Best Airline for Flight Attendants
1. Asiana Airlines
2. Korean Air
3. Cathay Pacific Airways
Best Flight Attendant Uniforms
1. Air France
2. Emirates
3. Singapore Airlines
Best Airline Cuisine
1. Turkish Airlines
2. Air France
3. Korean Air
Best First-Class Seat Design
1. Air France
2. Korean Air
3. Emirates
Best Business-Class Seat Design
1. Cathay Pacific Airways
2. United Airlines
3. Korean Air
Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers
1. Turkish Airlines Corporate Club
2. American Airlines AAdvantage Business
3. American Express Platinum Card
Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness
1. Qatar Airways
2. United Airlines
3. Cathay Pacific Airways
Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program
1. United MileagePlus
2. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
3. Air Canada Aeroplan
Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program
1. United MileagePlus – Premier 1K
2. American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum
3. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Diamond Medallion
Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program
1. United MileagePlus
2. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
3. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption
1. Korean Air SKYPASS
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. Air Canada
2. Delta Air Lines
3. United Airlines
Best Airline to South America & Central America
1. Copa Airlines
2. LATAM Airlines Group
3. Avianca
Best Airline in Mexico
1. Aeromexico
2. VivaAerobus
3. Volaris
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. Fiji Airways
2. Qantas
3. Air Tahiti Nui
Best Airline in the Middle East
1. Etihad Airways
2. Emirates
3. Gulf Air
Best Airline in North Asia (excluding Mainland China)
1. China Airlines
2. Cathay Pacific Airways
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. Japan Airlines
2. All Nippon Airways
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
Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport
1. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
2. Nashville International Airport
3. Sarasota Bradenton SRQ
Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World
1. Dubai Duty Free
2. Incheon International Airport
3. iGA Istanbul Airport
Best Duty-Free Shopping in Asia
1. Incheon International Airport
2. Singapore Changi Airport
3. Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Best Duty-Free Shopping in Africa
1. O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa
2. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
3. Seychelles International Airport
Best Duty-Free Shopping in Europe
1. iGA Istanbul Airport
2. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
3. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Best Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East
1. Dubai Duty Free
2. Hamad International Airport
3. Bahrain Duty Free
Best Airport Shopping
1. iGA Istanbul Airport
2. Miami International Airport
3. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Best Airport Dining
1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
2. iGA Istanbul Airport
3. Hamad International Airport
Best Individual Hotel in the World
1. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
2. Address Hotel Downtown, Dubai
3. Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
Best International Hotel Chain
1. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
2. The St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
3. Marriott Hotels
Best Domestic Hotel Chain
1. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
2. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
3. The Ritz-Carlton
Best Lifestyle Hotel
1. Andaz
2. Aloft Hotels
3. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Best MICE Hotel
1. Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas
2. LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL
3. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Best Hotel Website
1. ihg.com
2. peninsula.com
3. hilton.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 Program
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. The Peninsula Shanghai
2. Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
3. SIGNIEL SEOUL Lotte Tower
Best Hotel in South Korea
1. The Shilla, Seoul
2. Four Seasons Seoul
3. Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas
Best Hotel in Europe
1. The Peninsula London
2. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
3. Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal
Best Hotel in the Middle East
1. One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai
2. Emirates Palace Hotel
3. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel
Best Hotel in Japan
1. Park Hyatt Tokyo
2. Tokyo Station Hotel
3. Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo
Best Hotel in Singapore
1. Raffles Hotel Singapore
2. Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
3. The Fullerton Hotel
Best Hotel Chain in Asia
1. Taj Hotels
2. The Langham Hotels & Resorts
3. Anantara Hotels & Resorts
Best Hotel Chain in Europe
1. The St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
3. The Ritz-Carlton
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. One&Only Resorts
2. The Ritz-Carlton
3. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts
Best Overseas Delivery Program
1. Porsche
2. Volvo
Best Rental Car Company
1. Hertz
2. SIXT
3. Avis
Best Airport Parking
1. WallyPark
2. The Parking Spot
3. ParkRideFly
Best Tourism Destination
1. Greece
2. Ireland
3. Spain
Best MICE City
1. Seoul
2. London
3. Doha
Best WiFi Service
1. Intelsat (Gogo Commercial Aviation)
2. Boingo Wireless
3. Verizon 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. British Virgin Islands
2. U.S. Virgin Islands
3. Cayman Islands
Best Travel Insurance Company
1. UnitedHealthcare Global
2. Allianz Travel
3. AGI Travel
Best Rail Service/Provider
1. Alaska Railroad
2. Rocky Mountaineer
3. Amtrak Vacations
Best Overall Credit Card
1. United Club Infinite 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. Capital One Spark Miles for Business Card
3. American Express Business Platinum
Best Credit Cards Rewards Program
1. United Club Infinite Card from Chase
2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase
3. Membership Rewards Program from American Express
Best Credit Card Design
1. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve
3. Capital One Venture X
Best New Credit Card Launch
1. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Card
2. U.S. Bank Business Altitude Power World Elite Mastercard
3. Marriott Bonvoy Bold Visa Signature Card by 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. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase
2. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
3. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
1. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase
3. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card
1. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
2. Delta SkyMiles Card from American Express
3. United Club Infinite Card from Chase
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions
1. United Club Infinite Card from Chase
2. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
3. United Explorer Card from Chase
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits
1. 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. United Explorer Card from Chase
2. United Club Infinite Card from Chase
3. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card
1. Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card from Bank of America
2. Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
3. Princess Cruises Visa Signature Card from Barclays
Special Publisher’s Recognition: Fastest-Developing MICE City — Gyeonggi, South Korea
WINES ON THE WING 2024
Global Traveler’s Wines on the Wing competition returned in 2024. Airlines submitted in-flight wine and sparkling selections and professional judges evaluated the entries. STARLUX Airlines won Top International First-Class Wines on the Wing and took top honors for both red and white wines in international first class. Qatar Airways led International Business-Class categories, while United Airlines and Brussels Airlines earned top business-class wine honors in other categories. American Airlines and Alaska Airlines were recognized among North American premium-class winners. The oneworld alliance won Best Alliance Wines on the Wing. Cheers to the winners!
WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Top International First-Class Wines on the Wing
1. STARLUX Airlines
2. Air France
3. British Airways
Top International Business-Class Wines on the Wing
1. Qatar Airways
2. United Airlines
3. Brussels Airlines
Top North America First-Class Wines on the Wing
1. American Airlines
2. JetBlue
Top Vintage and Non-Vintage Champagne International First Class
1. Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Grande Cuvée (TIE: Air France and British Airways)
2. Bollinger La Grande Année 2014 (STARLUX Airlines)
3. Krug Grande Cuvée 170ème Edition (Qatar Airways)
Top Non-Vintage Champagne/Sparkling International Business Class
1. Champagne Gosset Brut Grande Réserve (Qatar Airways)
2. Fratelli Lunelli Ferrari Brut (American Airlines)
3. Duval-Leroy Brut (Delta Air Lines)
Top White Wine International First Class
1. Schloss Gobelsburg, Ried Grub 1 Kamptal (STARLUX Airlines)
2. Grand Vin de Bourgogne Meursault Albert Bichot (Air France)
3. Frédéric Émile Alsace Trimbach Riesling 2016 (STARLUX Airlines)
Top White Wine International Business Class
1. Château de Cruzeau Grand Vin de Bordeaux 2020 (United Airlines)
2. Starmont Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 2019 (Qatar Airways)
3. Schouwen-Duiveland Rivaner De Kleine Schorre 2022 (KLM Royal Dutch Airlines)
Top Red Wine International First Class
1. Château Bélair-Monange Premier Grand Cru Classé, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2014 (STARLUX Airlines)
2. Château La Dominique Grand Cru Classé Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016 (Air France)
3. La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2016 Rioja (British Airways)
Top Red Wine International Business Class
1. Château Clement-Pichon Cru Bourgeois Supérieur Haut-Médoc 2018 (Brussels Airlines)
2. Baron de Lay Club Privado Rioja 2020 (KLM Royal Dutch Airlines)
3. Proventus Tr3smano 2019 (Aeromexico)
Best Champagne/Sparkling North America First Class
1. Boizel Brut Reserve (American Airlines)
2. Scarpetta Ribolla Gialla Brut 2023 (JetBlue)
Best White Wine North America First Class
1. Aussieres Chardonnay 2022 (American Airlines)
2. House of Brown California Chardonnay 2022 (Delta Air Lines)
3. Lagar de Proventus Alvarinho (Aeromexico)
Best Red Wine North America First Class
1. Browne Family Vineyards Red Blend 2022 (Alaska Airlines)
2. Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2019 (Delta Air Lines)
3. Stéphane Aviron Beaujolais Village 2022 (JetBlue)
Best Alliance Wines on the Wing
1. oneworld
2. SkyTeam
3. Star Alliance