When flying, every detail counts, without exceptions. From the moment of check-in to landing, the travel experience is built through a thousand small steps that make the difference between a forgettable flight and a memorable one. Forbes Travel Guide has identified those who really know how to make a difference in this sector.
The second edition of the Verified Air Travel Awards rewards excellence in air transport with 18 awards ranging from luxury cabins to exclusive lounges, from airport restaurants to loyalty programs. The winners are the result of a very rigorous process, which saw over 9,000 hotel industry professionals vote, including luxury travel consultants and undercover inspectors from Forbes Travel Guide, whose experience is based on 67 years of independent evaluations.
“Travellers are inundated with clever marketing strategies that make it difficult to distinguish true excellence from simple branding,” explains Peter Greenberg, an Emmy Award-winning travel journalist. “These awards provide a trusted benchmark, based on the expertise of the most discerning voices in the hospitality industry.”
The queens of the skies
Emirates wins the title of best international airline for the second consecutive year. The secret of the Dubai company lies in the continuous improvement of every aspect of the trip. It launched an exclusive check-in area for first class passengers and became the first company certified for autism, with more than 30,000 staff members trained to support travelers with the condition.
Emirates First Class on the Boeing 777-300ER wins the award for best international first class, featuring suites with floor-to-ceiling doors, zero-gravity seats, Bulgari scents and a menu that ranges from movie snacks to caviar. The first-class lounge in Dubai completes the experience with gourmet dishes, cigar bar, Moët & Chandon champagne and a complimentary spa service.
Delta Air Lines remains the best airline in the United States and wins a total of five awards, more than any other company. In its centennial year, Delta won over passengers by bringing Shake Shack dishes and Taittinger champagne on board, offering free Wi-Fi to all and focusing on customer service. The Delta One cabin wins the award for best business class in the United States, including Missoni linens and Grown Alchemist products, not to mention the possibility of access to the new Delta One Lounge at JFK, a more than 36,000 square foot facility with three-course meals, suite with shower and ironing service that won the award for best lounge on US airlines.
Among the small companies, JSX wins, a public charter service that makes passengers feel as if they were flying privately: only 30 seats, ample legroom and check-in up to 20 minutes before the flight from private terminals.
Stopovers that redefine waiting
Singapore Changi confirms itself as the best international airport for the second year. He transformed the very concept of an airport by adding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall (the seven-story Rain Vortex), a 24-hour cinema, butterfly and bamboo gardens, and a rooftop pool with hot tub from which to watch planes take off.
New York’s LaGuardia wins best airport in the United States, the result of an $8 billion renovation completed in 2024. Spacious boarding areas, modern architecture and food from New York institutions like H&H Bagels and Junior’s won over the judges.
Yannick Alléno’s Louis Vuitton Lounge at Hamad Airport in Qatar wins the award for best independent lounge. The famous French chef offers an à la carte menu with French dishes reinterpreted with a Qatari twist, in an environment with monogrammed furnishings and works of art that make you forget you are at the airport. “Lighting shapes the perception of a dish and defines the rhythm of the experience,” says Alléno. “We want to leave a lasting impression, not a passing experience.”
Innovation that changes travel
Air New Zealand wins innovation of the year with the Skycouch, a system that transforms a row of three economy seats into a fully reclining sofa. On long-haul flights, the footrests raise to create a flat surface for you to lie down with a traveling companion.
Qatar Airways conquers the best international business class with the Qsuites, designed for those traveling in groups but also perfect for solo travelers: single, double or quadruple beds, Diptyque products, The White Company pajamas and the privacy of a door that closes.
Air France and Daniel Boulud win for best in-flight culinary collaboration. The Michelin-starred chef created dishes such as saffron chicken with turnips, pumpkin and green olive semolina for the La Première and Business cabins. “Each dish highlights the classic flavors of regional French cuisine,” explains Boulud. “It is important that customers can authentically enjoy my cuisine, just like in my restaurants.”
PS Los Angeles wins best private airport experience. Opened in 2017 as the first private terminal for commercial flights in the United States, it offers dedicated security checks, private lounges and runway escort service. The new PS Direct picks up passengers at the exit of the plane and takes them to their destination without going through the airport.
American Airlines takes the award for best loyalty program with AAdvantage, which offers a more accessible path to elite status through purchases at more than 1,200 partner stores, dining at participating restaurants and flights to 350 destinations in 60 countries.
Delta also wins Best App honors with Fly Delta, which provides real-time updates, baggage tracking and a new upgrade certificate redemption feature for Platinum and Diamond Medallion members.
We remind you that the winners will be celebrated at The Summit, Forbes Travel Guide’s annual event dedicated to travel and luxury, which will be held in Monaco from 24 to 27 February 2026.
Sources: Forbes
