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As Ol’ Blue Eyes himself might have said, it was a very good year for the winners of the 2012 GT Tested Awards. For the ninth year, the well-traveled readers of Global Traveler identified the king of the hill, top of the heap — the cream of the crop — when it comes to airlines, hotels, destinations, travel goods and services around the world.

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Come fly with me as we rain praise on Singapore Airlines. For the ninth consecutive year, readers named the carrier Best Airline in the World. Asiana Airlines jumped from No. 4 in 2011 to claim second place this year. Lufthansa, British Airways and South African Airways round out the top five in the category.

When it comes to Best Airline for International First Class, GT readers say “let’s fly, let’s fly away” with Emirates for the second year in a row. British Airways, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines all held steady in the top four, while Swiss International Air Lines jumped in as a contender at No. 5.

British Airways took first place as the Best Airline for Business Class for the eighth consecutive year, followed by Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Asiana Airlines and Lufthansa. SWISS settled into the top spot for Best Business-Class Seat Design, and Emirates earned No. 1 kudos for Best First-Class Seat Design.

For the eighth year in a row, readers voted Air Canada Best Airline in North America, followed by United, American Airlines, Virgin America and, returning to the list for the first time since 2008, JetBlue. American Airlines held tight to its No. 1 spot as Best Airline for Domestic First Class for the sixth consecutive year, and Asiana Airlines is sitting pretty as Best Airline for Onboard Service for the ninth year in a row, also staking a claim to the top spot for Best Airline for Flight Attendants for the ninth year. In a new category this year, GT readers gave rave reviews to Etihad Airways, winner of Best Airline Flight Attendant Uniforms.

For the second consecutive year, LAN landed at the top of the chart for Best Airline in Central/South America, while Aeromexico proved its staying power with a third consecutive win as Best Airline in Mexico. For the fourth year in a row, Lufthansa held tight to its perch as the Best Trans-Atlantic Airline, and Asiana Airlines got the nod for Best Trans-Pacific Airline for the third consecutive year. We saw a flip-flop for first place as Best Airline to Australia and New Zealand, with Qantas edging out last year’s winner, V Australia, which fell to No. 2. Air Tahiti Nui maintained the status quo as the leader for Best Airline in the South Pacific, with the rest of the pack — Air Pacific, Qantas, V Australia and Air New Zealand — each reclaiming their respective spots at Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Repeating its win last year, TAP Portugal took first place as Best Airline in Europe, while South African Airways adds a ninth trophy to its collection of awards for Best Airline in Africa. For the second year in a row, Emirates took top spot as Best Airline in the Middle East, and EVA Air unseated Korean Air as the winner for Best Airline in North Asia (excluding China). Singapore did a flip-flop with last year’s winner, Thai Airways, to reign supreme as Best Airline in Southeast Asia; and 2011’s No. 2 pick for Best Airline in China, China Southern Airlines, traded places with last year’s title-holder, Hainan Airlines, to land in the No. 1 spotlight.

For the third consecutive year, Jet Airways took the prize for Best Airline in Central/South Asia and India, and All Nippon Airways becomes a four-time winner in first place for Best Airline to Japan. Readers named perennial favorite EL AL Israel Airlines the Best Airline for Security for the sixth consecutive year, and — who doesn’t like Italian? — Alitalia served up its third consecutive win for Best Airline Cuisine.

Brussels Airlines saw an opening and went for it, taking first place as Best Airline for New Service Launch for its New York (JFK) route. Lufthansa Cargo did some heavy lifting to reel in the prize for Best Airline for Cargo, and Emirates earned kudos for Best Airport Lounges. For the seventh year in a row, Incheon Airport laid claim to its No. 1 ranking as Best Airport in the World, beating out contenders Singapore Changi Airport, Munich Airport, Düsseldorf International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport, which took second, third, fourth and fifth place, respectively.

Maintaining its standing as the Best Airport in North America, Chicago O’Hare International Airport becomes a nine-time winner; and proving everyone loves a classic, readers voted the Boeing 747 Best Aircraft Type for the sixth consecutive year.

In other airline-related categories, GT readers demonstrated loyalty, naming United MileagePlus the Best Frequent-Flyer Program for the ninth time. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America took top scores for Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card, and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP Gold earned a rating as Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program. Fans of oneworld gave it the nod for Best Airline Alliance for the third time in a row, and readers applauded Qatar Airways for Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents.

When it comes to good taste, readers identified Singapore Changi Airport for Best Airport Dining. The good life can mean traveling in style aboard a private jet. Readers’ picks around the world include Executive Jets Asia, named Best Private Jet Company in Asia; CitationAir, Best Private Jet Company in the Americas; NetJets Europe, Best Private Jet Company in Europe; and Royal Jet Group, a second-time winner for Best Private Jet Company in the Middle East.

The best is yet to come

GT readers expect an excellent experience getting there, and their standards are just as high when it comes to staying there. Best Individual Hotel in the World? Readers didn’t hesitate to crown The Address Downtown Dubai for the second year in a row. The Ritz-Carlton earned top honors for Best International Hotel Chain, and Conrad Hotels & Resorts took first prize for both Best Domestic Hotel Chain and Best European Hotel Chain. Andaz got the nod for Best Lifestyle Hotel for the third consecutive year, and The Peninsula Beverly Hills retains its title as Best Hotel in the United States.

Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces jumped from No. 6 last year to take top honors as Best Hotel Chain in Asia, and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts held steady at No. 1 for the ninth year for Best Hotel Chain in Latin America. Also holding steady, Fiesta Americana picked up its second first-place win for Best Hotel Chain in Mexico, and Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts adds a seventh win for Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East to its trophy cache. In a new category this year, Lotte Hotel in Seoul sets the bar as the winner for Best Hotel in Korea.

Readers whose life mantra is “the best of everything” named The Ritz-Carlton Club Level the Best Hotel Club Floor and identified Hyatt Regency Incheon as their premier choice for Best Airport Hotel. Ireland popped to the top of the roster for Best Tourism Destination, while Abu Dhabi garnered the most votes for Best Business City.

When GT readers want to feel like they’re swinging on a star, they head for Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Ore. This year, the course picked up its second win for Best Golf Resort. InterContinental Hotels Group Priority Club Rewards is a winner, too, with an eighth consecutive No. 1 finish for Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World. The award for Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Program goes to Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase, and Hilton HHonors Diamond earned kudos as Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program.

Everybody loves somebody sometime, and staying connected in the 21st century is easier than ever. For the second year in a row, Boingo Wireless earned top honors for Best WiFi Service, and Verizon takes home its third consecutive win for Best Wireless Service in the World. And when you no longer want to listen to the music of the traffic in the city, don a Sony Noise Canceling Headset, readers’ choice for Best Noise-Canceling Headset for the second year.

Whether you’re on the road to Mandalay or Miami, pack your travel gear in award-winning luggage by Briggs & Riley, three-time winner for Best Luggage Brand, and tuck a winning credit card in your wallet. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase is this year’s choice for Best Credit Card; the Club Card also tied with the American Express Membership Rewards program (weighing in for a ninth year) for Best Credit Card Rewards Program. You’ll want to have one or both at the ready to pick up the baubles, bangles and beads that catch your attention as you stroll through Dubai Duty Free, six-time winner for Best Duty-Free Shops. And when it’s time to take a sentimental journey, Audi drives onto the field with its second consecutive win for Best Overseas Delivery Program.

Wines on the Wing

The days of wine and roses take on new meaning each year during Global Traveler’s annual Wines on the Wing survey of the wines airlines around the world serve to first- and business-class passengers.

Let’s recap the highlights of the winetasting event and survey results initially revealed in the August 2012 issue of Global Traveler. On a spring afternoon in New York City, a panel of 28 judges convened at SD26, an eatery known for its contemporary Italian fare and its extensive (550 and counting) wine list, to sample 134 wines submitted by 29 airlines.

When the scores were tallied, British Airways emerged as the top overall point earner in the International First Class category, and Brussels Airlines placed first in the International Business Class category, an accomplishment Brussels Airlines’ passengers noted with interest.

“Due to articles about our wine and prominent mention on our business-class menu, our passengers were curious and frequently asked cabin attendants for ‘the award-winning wine’,” said Philip Mortier, Brussels Airlines in-flight product manager. “Our frequent travelers are aware this is not the first time Brussels Airlines has won a wine award.

“We wish to offer our long-haul passengers a real wining-and-dining experience that represents our brand and takes into account that we serve passengers from different nationalities who have their own expectations of a tasty wine,” said Mortier. “The award confirmed that we were making the right choices.”

Judges also got a kick from the Champagne (Pol Roger 1999) Asiana Airlines serves to its first-class passengers and the bubbly (G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge, NV) Hainan Airlines pours in its business-class cabins. Asiana also took home the prize for white wine (Roux Clos des Poruzots Meursault 2009, Burgundy, France) served in international first class, while South African Airways earned kudos for its international businessclass white wine (Driehoek Sauvignon Blanc 2011, South Africa).

“We are incredibly proud of this feat, so we quickly promoted it to our customers and partners throughout the globe,” said Bongi Sodladla, who oversees food and beverage offerings for SAA. “The winning wine estate also promoted the award through its own channels.”

In the red wine category, British Airways took the top spot for both international first class (Newton Johnson Family Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010, South Africa) and international business class (Domaine Font de Michelle Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009).

On the domestic front, American Airlines took top prize overall for Best North American Wines on the Wing. American also emerged a winner for Best North American Sparkling Wine (Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut, NV, California) and for Best North American Red Wine (181 Merlot 2008, California).

“Those quality wines that have been recognized by Global Traveler continue to show up on our wine lists, but we are also excited to introduce new selections featuring some of the most popular varietals today,” said Chris Isaac, American Airlines manager of in-flight dining and retail.

United got the nod for Best North American White Wine (Canyon Road Chardonnay 2010, California), and the top prize for wines served by an airline alliance went to oneworld, an honor member airlines around the world share.

“It is always wonderful to receive a prize, but to be given a Wines on the Wing award from the globetrotters’ bible that is Global Traveler, based on tastings by such a distinguished panel, is something of which we are so proud, as indeed are all of our airlines who have done so well in this year’s awards,” said Michael Blunt, oneworld vice president of communications. “Like us, they will be promoting this success to the people who matter the most, our customers, in their menu wine lists and various other customer communications.”

The Voting Process

Open-ended ballots ran in subscriber copies of Global Traveler and online at globaltravelerusa.com/survey from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, 2012. Ballots were distributed via direct mail and email during the same period. Ballots returned with less than 50 percent of the fields completed were disqualified. More than 28,000 qualified ballots were returned during the voting period. Employees of FX Express Publications, Inc., and affiliated members of the travel industry were not allowed to participate.

Results

Best Airline in the World: Singapore Airlines | Photo: © Singapore Airlines

Best Airline in the World

1. Singapore Airlines
2. Asiana Airlines
3. Lufthansa
4. British Airways
5. South African Airways
6. Emirates
7. Hainan Airlines
8. Cathay Pacific Airways
9. Qatar Airways
10. Malaysia Airlines

Best Business-Class Seat Design: SWISS | Photo: © SWISS

Best Business-Class Seat Design

1. Swiss International Air Lines
2. LAN
3. British Airways
4. Singapore Airlines
5. TAM
6. Brussels Airlines
7. Etihad Airways
8. Qantas
9. Asiana Airlines
10. United

Best First-Class Seat Design: Emirates | Photo: © Emirates

Best First-Class Seat Design

1. Emirates
2. Swiss International Air Lines
3. Asiana Airlines
4. Etihad Airways
5. Singapore Airlines
6. Qatar Airways
7. British Airways
8. Qantas
9. Cathay Pacific Airways
10. United

Best Airline for Onboard Service, Flight Attendants and Best Trans-Pacific Airline: Asiana Airlines | Photo: © Asiana Airlines

Best Airline for Onboard Service

1. Asiana Airlines
2. LAN
3. Emirates
4. Singapore Airlines
5. Air Canada
6. Swiss International Air Lines
7. Cathay Pacific Airways
8. Qatar Airways
9. South African Airways
10. TAM

Best Trans-Atlantic Airline: Lufthansa | Photo: © Lufthansa

Best Trans-Atlantic Airline

1. Lufthansa
2. British Airways
3. TAP Portugal
4. Swiss International Air Lines
5. American Airlines
6. Austrian Airlines
7. United
8. Iberia Airlines
9. Delta Air Lines
10. Brussels Airlines

Best Airline in Africa: South African Airways | Photo: © South African Airways

Best Airline in Africa

1. South African Airways
2. Ethiopian Airlines
3. Arik Air
4. Kenya Airways
5. Air Namibia
6. Royal Air Maroc

Best Airline in the Middle East: Emirates | Photo: © Emirates

Best Airline in the Middle East

1. Emirates
2. Etihad Airways
3. Qatar Airways
4. Saudi Arabian Airlines
5. EL AL Israel Airlines
6. Royal Jordanian Airlines
7. Middle East Airlines
8. Gulf Air
9. Royal Air Maroc
10. EgyptAir

Best Airline Cuisine: Alitalia | Photo: © Alitalia

Best Airline Cuisine

1. Alitalia
2. Brussels Airlines
3. Asiana Airlines
4. Emirates
5. Swiss International Air Lines
6. Lufthansa
7. Qatar Airways
8. Air France
9. Singapore Airlines
10. Etihad Airways

Best New Airline Service Launch: Brussels Airlines (New York JFK) | Photo: © Brussels Airlines

Best New Airline Service Launch

1. Brussels Airlines (New York JFK)
2. Emirates (Seattle SEA)
3. Emirates (Houston IAH)
4. Japan Airlines (Boston BOS)
5. United (Buenos Aires EZE)
6. Aeromexico (Washington, D.C. IAD)
7. Etihad Airways (Washington, D.C. IAD)
8. airberlin (Los Angeles LAX)

Best Airport Lounges: Emirates | Photo: © Emirates

Best Airport Lounges

1. Emirates
2. Lufthansa First Class
3. American Airlines Ambassadors Club
4. United Club
5. British Airways Executive Club
6. Delta Air Lines-Sky Lounge
7. South African Airways Cycad Lounge
8. Virgin Atlantic Airways Clubhouse
9. Cathay Pacific Airways Marco Polo Club
10. Asiana Airlines

Best Airport In North America: Chicago O’Hare International Airport | Photo: © George Burba | Dreamstime.com

Best Airport in North America

1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
3. San Francisco International Airport
4. George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston
5. Denver International Airport
6. Newark Liberty International Airport
7. Portland International Airport
8. Miami International Airport
9. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
10. Pittsburgh International Airport

Best Aircraft type: Boeing 747 | Photo: © Stratos Petrakogiannis | Dreamstime.com

Best Aircraft Type

1. Boeing 747
2. Airbus A380
3. Boeing 777
4. Boeing 787
5. Boeing 737
6. Airbus A340
7. Airbus A330
8. Boeing 767
9. Airbus A320
10. Bombardier CRJ

Best Airport Dining: Singapore Changi Airport | Photo: © Hermin Utomo | Dreamstime.com

Best Airport Dining

1. Singapore Changi Airport
2. Brussels Airport
3. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
4. Hong Kong International Airport
5. Amsterdam International Airport Schiphol
6. London Heathrow Airport
7. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
8. Los Angeles International Airport
9. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
10. Frankfurt Airport

Best Private Jet Company in the Middle East: Royal Jet Group | Photo: © Royal Jet

Best Private Jet Company in the Middle East

1. Royal Jet Group
2. EMT Jets
3. VistaJet
4. Rizon Jet
5. NasJet

Best Individual Hotel in the World: The Address Downtown Dubai | Photo: © Subbotina | Dreamstime.com

Best Individual Hotel in the World

1. The Address Downtown Dubai
2. Hotel Cipriani Venice
3. Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
4. Hôtel de Crillon Paris
5. Claridge’s Hotel, London
6. Halekulani, Honolulu
7. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi
8. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
9. The Peninsula Hong Kong
10. The Peninsula Beverly Hills

Best Hotel in the United States: The Peninsula Beverly Hills | Photo: © Peninsula

Best Hotel in the United States

1. The Peninsula Beverly Hills
2. Waldorf Astoria Chicago (formerly Elysian Hotel)
3. The Peninsula Chicago
4. The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas
5. The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
6. Mandarin Oriental, New York City
7. The Montage Beverly Hills
8. Jumeirah Essex House, New York City
9. The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach, Calif.
10. The Eliot Hotel, Boston

Best Lifestyle Hotel: Andaz | Photo: © Andaz

Best Lifestyle Hotel

1. Andaz
2. W Hotels
3. Hotel Indigo
4. Affinia Hotels
5. Kimpton Hotels

Best Domestic Hotel Chain, Best Hotel Chain in Europe: Conrad Hotels & Resorts | Photo: © Conrad

Best Domestic Hotel Chain

1. Conrad Hotels & Resorts
2. InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
3. The Ritz-Carlton
4. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
5. Park Hyatt
6. Marriott Hotels and Resorts
7. Hilton Hotels
8. Westin Hotels and Resorts
9. W Hotels
10. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotel Chain in Asia: Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces | Photo: © Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces

Best Hotel Chain in Asia

1. Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces
2. The Peninsula Hotels
3. Mandarin Oriental
4. Conrad Hotels & Resorts
5. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
6. Oberoi Hotels and Resorts
7. Park Hyatt
8. InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
9. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
10. Grand Hyatt

Best Hotel Chain in Mexico: Fiesta Americana | Photo: © Fiesta Americana

Best Hotel Chain in Mexico

1. Fiesta Americana
2. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
3. InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
4. Westin Hotels and Resorts
5. W Hotels

Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East: Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts | Photo: © Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts

Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East

1. Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts
2. The Address Hotels and Resorts
3. The Ritz-Carlton
4. InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
5. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
6. Kempinski Hotels
7. Raffles Hotels and Resorts
8. W Hotels
9. Marriott Hotels and Resorts
10. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Best Airport Hotel: Hyatt Regency Incheon | Photo: © Hyatt

Best Airport Hotel

1. Hyatt Regency Incheon
2. Langham Place Beijing Capital Airport
3. Hilton Rome Airport
4. Hotel Sofitel London Heathrow
5. Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
6. Kempinski Hotel Munich Airport
7. Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott
8. Hotel Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur Airport
9. Grand Hyatt DFW
10. The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport

Best Tourism Destination: Ireland | Photo: © Richard Semik | Dreamstime.com

Best Tourism Destination

1. Ireland
2. South Africa
3. India
4. Australia
5. Japan
6. Germany
7. United Kingdom
8. Hong Kong
9. Brazil
10. Spain

Best Business City: Abu Dhabi | Photo: © Steveheap | Dreamstime.com

Best Business City

1. Abu Dhabi
2. Dubai
3. Madrid
4. Sydney
5. New York
6. Seoul
7. London
8. Hong Kong
9. San Francisco
10. Paris

Best Golf Resort: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Ore. | Photo: © Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

Best Golf Resort

1. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, Ore.
2. The Royal County Down, Northern Ireland
3. Pebble Beach Resorts, Pebble Beach, Calif.
4. The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Coast, Calif.
5. One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos, Mexico
6. The Old Course, St. Andrews, Scotland
7. Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst, N.C.
8. Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island, S.C.
9. Hotel Transamérica Ilha de Comandatuba, Brazil
10. Barnbougle Dunes, Tasmania

Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World: InterContinental Hotels Group Priority Club Rewards | Photo: © InterContinental Hotels Group

Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World

1. InterContinental Hotels Group Priority Club Rewards
2. Hilton HHonors
3. Starwood Preferred Guest
4. Marriott Rewards
5. Hyatt Gold Passport
6. Shangri-La Hotels Golden Circle
7. Loews First
8. Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club
9. Fairmont President’s Club
10. Radisson Goldpoints Plus

Best Luggage Brand: Briggs & Riley | Photo: © Briggs & Riley

Best Luggage Brand

1. Briggs & Riley
2. Samsonite
3. Hartman
4. Tumi
5. Heys
6. Travelpro
7. Swiss Army
8. Rimowa
9. Victorinox
10. Louis Vuitton

Best Wifi Service: Boingo Wireless | Photo: © Courtesy of Boingo Wireless

Best WiFi Service

1. Boingo Wireless
2. iPass
3. LodgeNet
4. AT&T Wireless
5. Verizon

Best Duty-Free Shops Dubai Duty Free | Photo: © Dubai Duty Free

Best Duty-Free Shops

1. Dubai Duty Free
2. Incheon Airport
3. Munich Airport
4. Amsterdam International Airport Schiphol
5. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
6. Changi International Airport
7. Hong Kong International Airport
8. Haneda Airport, Tokyo
9. Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, Rome
10. London Heathrow Airport

Best Overseas Delivery Program: Audi | Photo: © Audi

Best Overseas Delivery Program

1. Audi
2. Mercedes
3. BMW
4. Porsche
5. Volvo

Wines on the Wing

Best International First Class Wines on the Wing

British Airways

Best International Business Class Wines on the Wing

Brussels Airlines

Best Champagne International First Class

Pol Roger 1999 — Asiana Airlines

Best Champagne International Business Class

G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge, NV — Hainan Airlines

Best White Wine International First Class

Roux Clos des Poruzots Meursault 2009, Burgundy, France — Asiana Airlines

Best White Wine International Business Class

Driehoek Sauvignon Blanc 2011, South Africa — South African Airways

Best Red Wine International First Class

Newton Johnson Family Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010, South Africa — British Airways

Best Red Wine International Business Class

Domaine Font de Michelle Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 — British Airways

Best North American Wines on the Wing

American Airlines

Best North American Sparkling Wine

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut, NV, California — American Airlines

Best North American White Wine

Canyon Road Chardonnay 2010, California — United Airlines

Best North American Red Wine

181 Merlot 2008, California — American Airlines

Best Alliance Wines on the Wing

oneworld, represented by airberlin, American Airlines, British Airways and Finnair

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