Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the global authority on luxury hospitality, is making its mark on the skies. On October 22nd, they will unveil their inaugural Verified Air Travel Awards, recognizing the crème de la crème of luxury airlines and private jet services.
These awards are a testament to FTG’s commitment to providing discerning travelers with a reliable guide to the best travel experiences. A panel of 5,000 highly skilled travel advisors, FTG’s incognito inspectors, and Learning & Development experts, all boasting extensive travel experience, will carefully evaluate contenders across over 20 categories, including Best Airlines, Best Airports, and Best Private Jet Services.
Their votes will be meticulously reviewed by FTG experts, utilizing the same rigorous standards that have made their esteemed 66-year-old Star Ratings system a hallmark of trust and impartiality.
“Too many travel industry awards are based on popularity contests,” said Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-winning travel journalist and host of “Eye on Travel” on CBS Radio. “The Verified Air Travel awards are different because they are rooted in real-world experiences and accountability.” He emphasized that in today’s crowded luxury market, true excellence lies not in glossy marketing, but in the unbiased opinions of seasoned travelers coupled with reliable facts.
Jeff Arnold, Forbes Travel Guide Chairman of the Board, reinforces the interconnectedness of luxury travel: “The quality of both air and hotel experiences is crucial for a seamless journey. Our Verified Air Travel Awards are a natural progression in FTG’s dedication to excellence, ensuring discerning travelers can rely on the highest standards of service and comfort from takeoff to landing.”
The nominees for large airlines are a who’s who of global aviation: Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
Small airlines vying for the title include Beond, BermudAir, Cape Air, La Compagnie, and Starlux.
And in the private jet service category, the contenders are Flexjet, NetJets, Tradewind Aviation, VistaJet, and Wheels Up.
The winners will be celebrated at The Summit in Monaco in February 2025, FTG’s prestigious annual event showcasing the finest luxury brands and travel experiences.
It’s worth noting that these Verified Air Travel Awards operate independently from Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star, Four-Star, and Recommended Ratings, which are exclusively bestowed upon hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruise ships worldwide. These ratings are based on meticulous, anonymous, in-person inspections, ensuring the highest standards of luxury hospitality.
