From the best airlines and private jet carrier to the top culinary programs and lounges, introducing a new metrics-based accolade for high-flyers.
By Jennifer Kester, Contributor
Before you check into a stunning hotel or explore a new city, chances are your travels will begin at the airport. And the journey is just as important as the destination. That’s why Forbes Travel Guide is launching its first Verified Air Travel Awards to celebrate the best airline and airport experiences.
The 22 awards highlight a range of categories—from fine airport dining and lavish lounges, to top-of-the-line first-class suites and in-flight cocktail bars. For those who prefer traversing the globe in a more exclusive style, the Air Travel Awards also cover private jet and private airport services.
Emirates and Delta Air Lines were named Best International Airline and Best U.S. Airline, respectively. Singapore Changi Airport earned the title of Best International Airport, while LaGuardia’s renovation landed it the Best U.S. Airport accolade. And the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) picked up Innovation of the Year for introducing facial recognition at major U.S. airports.
FTG’s air travel experts scoured the globe to come up with a list of nominees. Then the Verified Air Travel Award winners were decided by an invitation-only survey of 5,000 of the most well-traveled people in the hospitality industry, including luxury travel advisors and FTG’s most frequent fliers, its incognito inspectors and training team. The results were validated by the experts at FTG, known for the integrity and objectivity of its 66-year-old Star Ratings system (which relies on incognito inspections by expert inspectors to determine the annual ratings of hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruise ships).
“Too many travel industry awards are the result of a somewhat suspect popularity contest. The Verified Air Travel Awards are important because the metrics are based on real-world experience and real-world accountability,” says Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-winning travel journalist and host of Eye on Travel on CBS Radio. “In a world experiencing an explosion of luxury brands, it’s not about pretty pictures or mission statements, but the unbiased opinions of veteran travelers coupled with reliable facts that lead to a credible and relevant definition of excellence.”
Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for takeoff with these worldwide winners.
2024 Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards
Best International Airline
Emirates
Best U.S. Airline
Delta Air Lines
Best Small Airline
La Compagnie
Best Jet
NetJets
Best International Airport
Singapore Changi Airport
Best U.S. Airport
LaGuardia Airport
Best First Class
Emirates
Best International Business Class
Qatar Airways
Best Domestic Business Class
Delta Air Lines
Best Independent Airport Lounge
Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno, Hamad International Airport
Ready for Takeoff: The Delta One Lounge at New York’s JFK Airport was named Best U.S. Airline Lounge.
Delta Air Lines
Best U.S. Airline Lounge
Delta One, John F. Kennedy International Airport
Best International Airline Lounge
Emirates First Class Lounge, Dubai
Best Airport Dining
Dubai International Airport
Best Wine List
Air France
Best Culinary Program
Emirates
Innovation of the Year
Transportation Security Administration (for implementing facial recognition at major U.S. airports)
Best Airport Design
Singapore Changi Airport
Best Loyalty Program
Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
Best In-Flight Cocktail Lounge
Emirates
Runway Success: Heathrow’s VIP service provides baggage assistance, fast track through security and private lounge access.
Heathrow
Best Private Airport Experience
Heathrow VIP
Best Airport Wellness Experience
Jewel Changi Airport (for the Forest Valley and Rain Vortex gardens)
Best Airline App
Delta Air Lines
The Verified Air Travel Award winners will be honored at The Summit, Forbes Travel Guide’s annual event dedicated to travel and luxury, in Monaco in February 2025.
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