The Business Traveler North America Award Winners 2024: Airlines and Cabins

Multiple Awards

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines / Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

Best Airline North America
Best Business Class North America
Best Premium Economy North America
Best Airline Lounge North America

For the third consecutive year, Delta Air Lines has claimed the title of North America’s Best Airline. With an impressive 85 percent of 1.6 million flights arriving punctually in 2023 and operating through nine U.S. hubs with a fleet of nearly 1,000 planes, Delta has built a reputation as one of the most dependable carriers in the country. What truly sets Delta apart, though, is its commitment to passenger connectivity. SkyMiles members enjoy fast, free Wi-Fi, and the introduction of Delta Sync offers a more customized in-flight experience. In a first for the airline, Delta now offers connectivity on select long-haul international routes—another stride toward providing free Wi-Fi on its entire fleet by year’s end. Despite these achievements, Delta faces a potential reckoning. Earlier this year, a major CrowdStrike software meltdown left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded, casting a shadow on the airline’s reliability. With competition intensifying, 2025 may test whether Delta can hold onto its hard-earned crown.

Meanwhile, Delta One continues to set the bar for business class in North America, securing the title of Best Business Class once again. From the moment passengers arrive at the airport, Delta One promises a smooth journey with perks such as Sky Club access, priority check-in and expedited security lanes. Onboard, Delta One passengers enjoy fully flat beds, gourmet dining options and attentive service, creating a consistently exceptional in-flight experience.

And Delta Premium Select continues to set the standard in premium economy, offering travelers an elevated experience focused on comfort and style. The roomy seats with adjustable headrests, footrests and high-definition entertainment screens create a relaxed environment, perfect for long flights. From memory foam pillows and noise-canceling headphones to premium amenity kits, Delta ensures that passengers have everything needed for a comfortable journey. Adding to the experience, Premium Select travelers enjoy Sky Priority boarding and ample baggage allowances. Welcoming passengers with sparkling wine and fine dining on china, the service exudes a premium touch.

Finally, the new Delta One Lounge at JFK has redefined luxury travel, providing nearly 40,000 square feet of refined elegance designed to elevate the airport experience. Beginning with private check-in, the lounge immerses guests in a spa-like atmosphere, complete with fine dining by Danny Meyer and serene wellness treatments, all complemented by sweeping runway views. The space exudes glamour with an art deco design, curated artwork and an ambiance that feels more high-end brasserie than airport lounge. Here, guests can unwind in wellness rooms, sample premium Grown Alchemist skincare, and savor a three-course meal in unmatched style.
—Enrique Perrella

Best Airline Alliance

Oneworld

oneworld / Photo: Courtesy of oneworld

Bringing together 13 world-class airlines—including American Airlines, British Airways and Qatar Airways—Oneworld offers travelers seamless connectivity across more than 900 destinations worldwide. Together, its members operate over 4.5 million flights annually, carrying over 500 million passengers—including 212 million loyalty program members—on a combined fleet of more than 3,400 aircraft. This reach unites customers, countries and businesses globally, with more than nine billion passengers flown since its inception. With Oman Air and Fiji Airways set to join soon, Oneworld will further increase its portfolio of lounges, priority boarding, and enhanced baggage allowances for its frequent flyers.
—George Gomez

Multiple Awards

American Airlines

American Airlines / Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

Best Frequent Flyer Program North America
Best Airline App North America

AAdvantage comes out on top not only for flexibility, route access and per-mile value, but also because it is the longest-running airline loyalty program on the books, launched in 1981. That fact makes it a frequent-flyer favorite. As it has four elite status levels, entrée can be managed with as few as 40,000 miles, and those carry a points-ratio value of up to 1.6—up by more than half from 2019. American flies to 50 countries (150 through its Oneworld partners) and awards can be redeemed for as few as 7,500 AAdvantage miles.

Meanwhile, the race for top place for North American airline mobile app was incredibly tight this year, especially as this technology has come a long way and keeps improving. But the American Airlines app is proven to serve all the information a traveler needs to find, book, monitor, optimize and manage a flight through the journey, whether receiving alerts for last-minute upgrades or checking out in-flight movies. In 2021, it was the first airline to incorporate health passport technology. And if connectivity is key, customers can contact live support through the app or get 24/7 assistance through the chat tool.
—Lark Gould

Multiple Awards

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines / Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Airlines

Best Airline World
Best Transpacific Airline
Best In-Flight Food & Beverage World

Singapore Airlines has once again claimed the prestigious title of Best Airline in the World for the third consecutive year, along with Best In-Flight Food and Beverage World and Best Transpacific Airline. Renowned for its excellence in service and comfort, the airline connects travelers from its Southeast Asia hub to more than 75 destinations worldwide, including six U.S. gateways. Its transpacific offerings, such as the world’s longest nonstop flight from Singapore to New York, deliver the airline’s consistent and reliable service with a fleet of Boeing 777s, Airbus A350s and A380s.

First Class suites on the A380, available on select routes, provide a luxurious experience similar to that of a high-end hotel. Each suite features private, lie-flat beds and separate reclining armchairs. In Business Class, passengers enjoy fully flat leather seats with direct aisle access, enhanced by the airline’s signature Book the Cook service. This allows travelers to preselect gourmet meals created by the airline’s International Culinary Panel, which includes renowned chefs such as Georges Blanc from France, Matt Moran from Australia, Sanjeev Kapoor from India, Yoshihiro Murata from Japan, and Zhu Jun from China. Their collaboration infuses the airline’s menus with cultural diversity and culinary expertise, ensuring that every meal celebrates global flavors. Adding to its allure, the airline’s flagship lounges at Singapore Changi Airport provide a seamless transition from ground to air, featuring curated food and beverage offerings, luxury amenities and exceptional comfort.
—George Gomez

Best Latin-American Airline

LATAM Airlines

LATAM Airlines / Photo: Courtesy of LATAM Airlines

LATAM has set a new regional standard with its service enhancements, achieving the top position in this new category. Passengers can enjoy upgraded cabins with ergonomic seats and an evolving in-flight entertainment system on Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft, making travel between South and North America exceptionally comfortable. Its culinary program highlights authentic flavors from Brazil, Peru, Chile and Ecuador. At Santiago International Airport, LATAM’s flagship lounge—the largest in South America—provides an impressive oasis of luxury and comfort.
—Enrique Perrella

Best Frequent Flyer Program World

British Airways Executive Club

British Airways Executive Club / Photo: Courtesy of British Airways

Executive Club is the world’s Best Frequent Flyer Program, and for good reason. Known for its Avios currency, it offers an impressive range of ways to earn and redeem points, including on flights, upgrades, hotel stays and car rentals. Avios can be earned through Oneworld members, such as American Airlines and Cathay Pacific, as well as hotel chains such as Marriott and IHG. Members can even pool Avios across six members of their household, accelerating their access to awards. Its flexibility and partner network make it a standout choice for frequent flyers.
—George Gomez

Best Leisure Transatlantic Airline

Condor

Condor Airlines / Photo: Courtesy of Condor Airlines

With the introduction of its new Airbus A330neos at 12 U.S. gateways from its Frankfurt hub, German carrier Condor has transformed the leisure travel experience. The airline now features a stunning Business Class cabin equipped with refined lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-2-1 layout. This design ensures privacy and direct aisle access, making it a standout option among leisure airlines. Enhanced by exclusive perks such as its Ferien Lager by BrewDog craft beer and a broad selection of in-flight entertainment, Condor provides business and leisure travelers with an upscale and comfortable journey.
—Enrique Perrella

Best Business Class Plus World

Virgin Atlantic Retreat Suite

Virgin Atlantic / Photo: Courtesy of Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic has captured this year’s new category recognizing the evolving front-of-the-cabin “business plus” concept. The airline’s innovative Retreat Suites on its Airbus A330-900neo offer a first class experience within a business class cabin. These suites feature a large 27-inch screen and generous legroom, along with sliding doors for privacy and an ottoman for added comfort, allowing passengers to dine with a companion. Exceptional amenities include advanced technology and dedicated social spaces, such as The Loft.
—Enrique Perrella

Multiple Awards

Emirates

Emirates / Photo: Courtesy of Emirates

Best Premium Economy World
Best Airline App World

Emirates has truly redefined Premium Economy, creating an experience closer to Business Class. The all-new spacious cabin welcomes travelers with refined wood paneling, plush cream leather seats and exclusive position at the front of the aircraft’s lower deck on the Airbus A380 and just behind Business Class on the Boeing 777—ensuring easy and quick disembarkation.

The roomy 40-inch-pitch seats with an eight-inch recline, adjustable headrests and cushioned leg rests are perfect for settling in on long-haul flights. Dining is also elevated with meals served on Royal Doulton china, complemented by premium wines and light bites for mid-flight cravings. Thoughtful details such as amenity kits, large pillows and a cozy blanket complete the experience. And with the airline’s ICE entertainment system on a 13.3-inch screen, Emirates delivers a travel experience beyond expectations.

Meanwhile, the airline’s mobile app takes the win thanks to its intuitive, comprehensive travel tool that makes managing every step of a journey effortless. Travelers can book flights, view menus and arrange extras (such as chauffeur pickup) all in one place.

On the day of travel, the app transforms into a mobile boarding pass with just a scan of a barcode. It even personalizes in-flight options, giving passengers control over everything from entertainment to dining preferences. The Emirates app combines ease and convenience, improving the passenger experience.
—George Gomez

Best In-Flight Food & Beverage North America

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines / Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines turned heads this year with its enhanced in-flight dining experience, incorporating West Coast flavors and a spirit of collaboration. The airline partnered with chef Brandon Jew, the acclaimed chef and owner of San Francisco’s Michelin-starred restaurant Mister Jiu’s. He crafted a lineup of Asian-inspired dishes, rich in nuanced flavors and made with fresh ingredients. Additionally, Alaska has improved its beverage selection by introducing the exclusive Cloud Cruiser IPA, produced by Fremont Brewing in Seattle, along with Best Day Brewing’s nonalcoholic Kölsch. Through its partnerships, thoughtful menu and commitment to high-quality ingredients, Alaska has set a new standard for in-flight dining and earned well-deserved recognition.
—Enrique Perrella

Best Business Class World

Qatar Airways Qsuite

Qatar Airways Qsuite / Photo: Courtesy of Qatar Airways

For the second consecutive year, Qatar Airways has won the Business Traveler Award for Best Business Class in the World, highlighting the exceptional Qsuite. This luxurious feature is available on most Boeing 777s and A350s, with plans to include it on 787s soon. The Qsuite redefines luxury travel with its sliding door, ample storage space and a vibrant 21.5-inch touch screen. Its versatile layouts, including the Quad Qsuite, offer passengers the opportunity to work, dine or socialize at 35,000 feet. And with the upcoming launch of the Qsuite Next Gen in 2026, Qatar Airways continues to enhance luxury travel and strengthen its position in this competitive arena.
—Enrique Perrella

Multiple Awards

Air France

Air France’s La Première / Photo: Courtesy of Air France

Best First Class World
Best Airline Lounge World

Air France’s La Première, awarded Best First Class in the World for the second consecutive year, sets the standard for luxury, privacy and exceptional dining. This exclusive experience is available on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring only four suites per cabin. Each suite offers a 30-inch-wide seat that reclines into a fully flat bed, complete with memory foam, a plush duvet and comfortable pillows. The elegant decor includes soft leather, tweed accents and subtle wood and metallic finishes, creating a timeless in-flight sanctuary. Travelers can enjoy extensive storage, an individual cloakroom and bedside lamp, allowing them to relax as if in a private hotel room. Dining is a refined experience, with culinary creations by three-Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse and a wine and champagne selection tailored to customers’ preferences. Entertainment is featured on a 24-inch high-definition screen that offers 1,500 hours of content in 12 languages, enhanced by high-quality noise-canceling headphones. With a new cabin set to be unveiled in 2025, Air France is committed to continually elevating its top product.

And the airline’s La Première Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers an indulgent escape before your flight. Guests can sample gourmet cuisine created by Ducasse, complemented by an exceptional wine list in a serene dining atmosphere. The lounge also features the Sisley beauty center, which provides exclusive botanical treatments designed to enhance the well-being of frequent travelers. For those seeking privacy, 484-square-foot private suites are available, each equipped with a minibar, dining table, bedroom and private patio. A dedicated butler is on hand to cater to every need, including shoeshine and ironing services. With elegant relaxation areas and designated workspaces, the La Première Lounge embodies sophistication, comfort and impeccable service.
—Enrique Perrella