This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Disclosure, visit this page.

Forbes Travel Guide just launched its first-ever Verified Air Travel Awards, celebrating excellence in air travel across a range of categories, from luxury lounges to the best in-flight dining. They also name the best U.S. airline and airport as well as international winners. According to Forbes, “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.”

LaGuardia Airport in New York.
So, which airlines and airports top the list? Below are the winners across a range of categories:

Best International Airline: Emirates

Emirates continues to lead the way in international travel thanks to spacious seating, top-tier amenities like a personal chauffeur service to and from the airport, and a world-class culinary program.

Best U.S. Airline: Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines clinches the title of Best U.S. Airline, thanks to its reputation for consistency, customer service, and a robust loyalty program. The airline will be celebrating its centennial in 2025.

Best International Airport: Singapore Changi Airport

Singapore Changi Airport’s unique features such as a butterfly garden, rooftop swimming pool, and a free 24-hour movie theater, make it a destination in its own right and is often cited as one of the world’s most well-designed airports.

Best U.S. Airport: LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia Airport has undergone an $8 billion renovation, earning it its top spot as Best U.S. Airport. With modernized check-in areas, additional security lanes, and local food favorites like Junior’s and H&H Bagels, the once-criticized airport is now an example of how airports can enhance the travel experience.

Best First Class: Emirates

Emirates dominates again with its first-class service, providing passengers with fully enclosed private suites, luxurious skincare amenities, and personalized dining services featuring caviar and Dom Pérignon champagne. Passengers also enjoy chauffeured transfers and access to the airline’s first-class lounges worldwide.

Best Jet: NetJets

For private air travel, NetJets takes the prize. The company offers a range of options, including fractional ownership, leasing, and jet cards. This flexibility makes private jet travel more accessible for those seeking an elevated, tailored experience.

Best Independent Airport Lounge: Louis Vuitton Lounge, Hamad International Airport

Hamad International Airport in Doha offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience with its Louis Vuitton Lounge by renowned chef Yannick Alléno. The upscale environment blends French culinary traditions with local Qatari ingredients, offering an exquisite à la carte menu to travelers.

Best Innovation of the Year: TSA Facial Recognition Technology

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) earned recognition for its rollout of facial recognition technology at major U.S. airports. This advancement speeds up the identity verification process, offering a faster and more efficient travel experience while maintaining strong security measures.

Best Airport Wellness Experience: Jewel Changi Airport

Changi Airport’s Jewel, with its lush gardens and show-stopping Rain Vortex, also scooped the Best Wellness Experience award. The natural surroundings, combined with art installations and tranquil environments, allow travelers to recharge amid the hustle of global travel.

Best In-Flight Cocktail Lounge: Emirates

Emirates ups the ante with its in-flight cocktail bar, offering a signature Breakfast Martini that pairs perfectly with the airline’s world-class food menu. The open bar on the A380 allows passengers to mingle and enjoy crafted drinks mid-flight.

For more details on the awards and winners, check the full Forbes Travel Guide Luxury Air Travel Awards here.

KEEP READING

Is it okay to recline your seat on a short flight?
‘Eliminate those buttons!’ Larry David rants about reclining seats on airplanes
Why you need to let the passenger behind you know you’re about to do this
United Airlines passenger aggressively kicks seat in front because passenger reclined – Airline investigating the incident
10 air travel pet peeves and how to deal with them

Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSNFacebook, InstagramPinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.

Leave a Reply

Required fields are marked *