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This airline received top marks in several categories in annual Forbes Travel Guide awards

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FOX Local
Consumer
Published October 22, 2026 6:45 PM EDT
Published October 22, 2026 6:45 PM EDT
article

The Brief

    • Delta led the 3rd annual Verified Air Travel Awards by securing six top honors, including best U.S. airline, best business class, best first class, best airline lounge, best loyalty program, and best airline app.
    • Nominees across 18 categories were curated by an executive editorial committee and voted on by 9,000 elite hospitality insiders, luxury travel advisors, and covert inspectors.
    • One notable non-Delta award included Air New Zealand winning Innovation of the Year for its economy lie-flat sleep pods.

Forbes released its annual Forbes Travel Guide top picks this week, recognizing airlines and airports its editors say provide outstanding passenger experiences, and one U.S. airline took home top honors in several categories, more than any other. 

Big picture view:

Delta Air Lines accumulated six wins in the third annual Verified Air Travel Awards. 

The awards include everything from airline service to airplane comfort to technical innovation.  

An executive editorial committee narrowed down a list of nominees for 18 categories. An invitation-only list of 9,000 travelers then selected the winners. Forbes notes that the 9,000 invited to choose the top honors comprise "the most well-traveled people in the hospitality industry, including luxury travel advisors" as well as "incognito travel inspectors and training team members." 

Delta brings home top honors multiple times 

Forbes named the Atlanta-based carrier the best U.S. airline, touting its global network with more than 300 destinations across six continents. It said Delta "prioritizes premium service, top-tier customer satisfaction and industry-leading on-time arrivals." 

Delta also received the nod for best U.S. first class service aboard its Airbus A321neo. Forbes praised the Airbus’ futuristic design, memory-foam seats, storage space and "ample power outlets." 

It likewise won the award for best U.S. business class service with its Delta One program. 

"Delta One suites pile on the perks: lie-flat seats, colorful MIssoni toiletry bags with Grown Alchemist skincare products and this month, a new wine program with prominent Napa labels," Forbes notes. 

Once Delta passengers land at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, they can experience the Delta One lounge there, which Forbes named the best U.S. airline lounge. 

Editors praised the 140-seat getaway with its three-course meals, the gold-accented Art Deco bar, and a terrace with a retractable roof. 

Delta’s SkyMiles earned the award for best loyalty program. Editors liked the ease of signing up and the ease of earning "never-expiring miles," but particularly highlighted the 15% discount on award flights for members with a Delta SkyMiles American Express card. 

The airline’s sixth award winner is at your fingertips if you have the Fly Delta app on your smartphone. The magazine named it as the best airline app for its live flight updates, personalized notifications and luggage tracking. 

"But in the event there are ever issues surrounding your flight, the airline’s AI-powered concierge can help with schedule changes, missing bags or SkyMiles questions," Forbes said. 

Dig deeper:

Other categories in Forbes’ awards include best international and best small airlines, best international and U.S. airports, and best airport dining. 

The "Innovation of the Year" award went to Air New Zealand for its first lie-flat sleep pods for economy and premium economy passengers. The bunk-bed style sleeping option can be reserved for four-hour sessions. 

All the award winners are set to be honored in Monaco at The Summit, an annual event by Forbes Travel Guide dedicated to travel and luxury, in February.  

The Source: Information in this article came from Forbes. This story was reported from Orlando. 


 



 

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