Sweet 16

Global Traveler sings the praises of the 2019 GT Tested Reader Survey award winners.

- Kimberly Krol

WELCOME TO OUR SUPER SWEET 16! Much like the iconic MTV show of the same name, we’re throwing an over-the-top, grand celebration in honor of this year’s GT Tested Reader Survey award winners! This year, 2019, marks the 16th anniversary of our GT Tested Reader Survey awards, and what better way to commemorate the milestone than with an epic Sweet 16 shindig.

Raymond Duncan, an American dancer, artist and poet, said, “The best substitute for experience is being sixteen.” As we turn 16, we know where to look for experience, and that’s to you, our readers. Intrepid, frequent, luxury travelers yourselves, you know the standouts, and you voted for them, from airlines and airports to hotels and credit cards. Join us on the following pages as we throw confetti on the sparklers of the travel industry and unveil the winners in our 16th annual survey.

On this year’s guest list is a who’s who of the travel industry’s best and brightest, and we begin with the airlines. Paint a party hat and a birthday cake on these liveries, because they’re joining the Sweet 16 party.

For the fifth consecutive year, Singapore Airlines is flying away with the Best Overall Airline in the World accolade. Another milestone birthday, oneworld celebrates its 10th consecutive win as Best Airline Alliance. For Best Aircraft Type, Airbus A350 takes home this year’s nod.

American Airlines wins a bevy of awards this year including Best Airline Website for AA.com, for the third consecutive year; Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific, also for the third year in a row; a fourth win as Best Airline for Domestic First Class; a two-time nod as Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service for the AAdvantage program; and Best Airline App for the second consecutive year.