Forbes Travel Guide Introduces the Verified Air Travel Awards
In a world where luxury travel is more than just a glamorous Instagram post or a sleek mission statement, a new standard is emerging. Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the authority on luxury hospitality, is shaking things up in the air travel industry with the launch of its inaugural Verified Air Travel Awards on October 22. What makes these awards different?
Let’s dive in and find out!
Why the Verified Air Travel Awards Matter
The Need for a New Standard in Air Travel
Luxury travel has been growing at a rapid pace, with more airlines and services claiming to offer “the best experience in the sky.” But how many of these claims stand up to real-world scrutiny? Many existing awards often rely on popularity rather than genuine quality, making it difficult to distinguish between true excellence and clever marketing.
Who Decides? The Experts Behind the Awards
The Verified Air Travel Awards aim to change this. Instead of relying on public votes or social media popularity, these awards will be decided by an invitation-only panel of 5,000 highly qualified travel advisors, FTG’s incognito inspectors, and global Learning & Development experts. In other words, those who truly know luxury travel like the back of their hand.
More Than Just Pretty Pictures and Promises
Peter Greenberg, an Emmy Award-winning travel journalist, puts it best:
“It’s not about pretty pictures or mission statements, but the unbiased opinions of veteran travelers coupled with reliable facts.”
This sentiment captures the essence of the Verified Air Travel Awards. These awards are grounded in real-world experiences, ensuring that the winners represent the pinnacle of luxury air travel.
The Categories and What They Mean for Travelers
Spotlighting Excellence in Every Corner of Air Travel
The awards will cover more than 20 categories, ranging from the Best Airlines and Best Airports to the Best Private Jet Services. Whether you’re flying first class or chartering a private jet, these awards promise to highlight the absolute best in each segment of the market.
Categories at a Glance
- Best Large Airlines
- Best Small Airlines
- Best Private Jet Services
- Best First-Class Experience
- Best In-Flight Dining
- Best Airport Lounges
Why These Categories Matter
Why do these categories matter? Because every detail counts when it comes to luxury travel. It’s not just about getting from Point A to Point B; it’s about the entire experience—from the moment you check in to the minute you land. These awards aim to recognize excellence across all aspects of air travel, providing a holistic view of what luxury truly means in the skies.
Who’s in the Running? The Contenders for 2024
A Lineup of the Best and Brightest
So, who are the key players vying for the top honors? FTG has unveiled a stellar lineup of nominees:
Large Airlines Nominated
- 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
- Virgin Atlantic
Small Airlines Nominated
- Beond
- BermudAir
- Cape Air
- La Compagnie
- Starlux
Private Jet Services Nominated
- Flexjet
- NetJets
- Tradewind Aviation
- VistaJet
- Wheels Up
The Big Event: The Summit in Monaco
The winners will be celebrated at The Summit in Monaco in February 2025, an annual event that brings together the crème de la crème of luxury brands and travel enthusiasts. This is where luxury takes center stage, and the best of the best are recognized for their contributions to the art of travel.
How the Awards Differ from Other FTG Ratings
Independent Yet Supported by Expertise
While these awards are supported by FTG’s extensive expertise, they are designed to operate independently from the company’s renowned Five-Star, Four-Star, and Recommended Ratings, which focus on hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises. This separation ensures the awards maintain a distinct identity while benefiting from FTG’s reputation for integrity and objectivity.
A Legacy of Trust: The 66-Year Heritage of FTG
For over 66 years, Forbes Travel Guide has been the global benchmark for luxury hospitality. Its Star Ratings are based on anonymous, in-person inspections that measure hundreds of exacting standards. Now, with the Verified Air Travel Awards, FTG extends this commitment to excellence from land to air.
Why You Should Care About the Verified Air Travel Awards
Travelers Rejoice: A Reliable Guide to Luxury
For us as travelers, these awards offer something invaluable: a reliable guide to luxury air travel. No more guessing or relying on dubious rankings. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, the Verified Air Travel Awards will help you make informed decisions based on real-world experiences and expert evaluations.
The Trust Factor: Real-World Experience Matters
Unlike many awards that focus on social media buzz or celebrity endorsements, these awards are grounded in the opinions of those who truly know what they’re talking about. From seasoned travel advisors to FTG’s incognito inspectors, the votes come from those who have experienced luxury travel in all its forms.
The Future of Luxury Travel: Where Do We Go From Here?
Pioneering a New Era of Excellence
With the introduction of the Verified Air Travel Awards, Forbes Travel Guide is pioneering a new era of excellence in luxury air travel. This is just the beginning, and we can expect these awards to set new standards for what it means to travel in style and comfort.
Summary: A New Dawn for Luxury Air Travel
To wrap things up, the Verified Air Travel Awards are set to change the game by offering a fresh, unbiased perspective on what it means to travel in true luxury. Backed by a panel of experts, and built on the solid foundation of Forbes Travel Guide’s decades-long commitment to excellence, these awards are poised to become the ultimate standard in luxury air travel. So buckle up, because the journey to redefine the skies begins now.
