When it comes to identifying the very best, there are many ways to measure excellence. Competitions take different forms, but at Global Traveler we turn to the people who matter most: our readers.
Each year, Global Traveler runs the GT Tested Reader Survey and celebrates winners at an awards gala. In its 15th year, the survey once again highlights brands that consistently deliver outstanding experiences. Among those, a small number of organizations have earned a place in the Quint Status, reserved for brands that have been voted best in their category for five consecutive years.
Quint Status is not achieved by chance. Inductees earn this recognition by evolving with customers, maintaining high standards, and consistently exceeding expectations. The 2018 Quint Status honorees were selected by our well-traveled readers, who returned their votes year after year.
We welcome five organizations to Quint Status in 2018: LATAM Airlines Group (Best Airline to South America), Air India (Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Best Airport Dining), Hertz (Best Rental Car Company), and the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard (Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions).
LATAM Airlines Group earns Quint Status as Best Airline to South America. The group includes multiple subsidiaries across the continent, serving 140 destinations in 25 countries. Operating more than 1,200 flights daily and carrying about 67 million passengers a year, LATAM’s presence is extensive. Before the LATAM merger, the airline won this category multiple times under the LAN Airlines name, demonstrating long-term regional leadership.
Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India © MARK RODEL DELA ROSA – DREAMSTIME.COM
Air India joins the Quint Status group after being voted Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India. This category debuted in 2007, and Air India first captured the title in 2009 before securing consecutive wins from 2014 through 2018 to achieve Quint Status. Founded in 1932 as Tata Sons, the carrier grew from mail and cargo service into one of the region’s largest airlines. Today Air India serves 37 international and 69 domestic destinations across four continents.
Best Airport Dining © HARTSFIELD JACKSON ATLANTA AIRPORT
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport earned Quint Status as Best Airport Dining after leading this category for five straight years. Atlanta’s food and beverage program spans the airport campus, with 168 dining outlets ranging from quick-service options like Jamba Juice to sit-down concepts such as Wolfgang Puck Express. Whether you’re transiting any concourse or terminal, Atlanta delivers many quality choices. The airport’s history stretches back to its founding as Candler Field in 1925 and includes notable early moments, such as Charles Lindbergh’s visit in 1927.
Best Car Rental Company © HERTZ
Hertz becomes a Quint Status inductee as Best Rental Car Company, having topped the category for five consecutive years. Although Best Rental Car is a relatively new survey category—introduced in 2013—Hertz rose quickly to the top and retained reader favor. For travelers who prefer to explore on their own, a dependable rental car partner is essential; Hertz has also emphasized corporate responsibility through initiatives like its Hertz Giving program and sustainability efforts through the Living Journey program.
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions © AMERICAN AIRLINES
The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard rounds out the 2018 Quint Status inductees with its continued success in the Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions category. Popular with business travelers, the card offers practical benefits such as free checked bags, preferred boarding on American Airlines flights, bonus miles, and no foreign transaction fees—features that resonate with frequent flyers.
Congratulations to the 2018 Quint Status inductees. We expect these brands to keep evolving and to remain top performers in future GT Tested Reader Survey cycles. Looking ahead, these winners are strong candidates for induction into the GT Tested Reader Survey Awards Hall of Fame.
LATAM AIRLINES GROUP
Best Airline to South America
AIR INDIA
Best Airline in Central/ South Asia & India
HARTSFIELD-JACKSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Best Airport Dining
HERTZ
Best Rental Car Company
CITI / AADVANTAGE PLATINUM SELECT WORLD ELITE MASTERCARD
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions