American Airlines – the world’s largest airline with service to 250 cities around the globe – snagged top honors for several categories in LatinFinance’s annual corporate travel poll, thanks largely to its extensive network of flights throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
In addition to naming it the top carrier overall, the nearly 700 respondents to our poll also ranked American the best flight option between the continental US and Latin America or the Caribbean, saying that the carrier’s prices were just right for economy travel. They also lauded the airline’s AAdvantage frequent flier program as the best out there.
| Inn Style When it comes to lodging, LatinFinance readers overwhelmingly ranked Mexico City’s Four Seasons as the best option in Latin America for the second year running. The elegant colonial-style hotel, conveniently located on the Paseo de la Reforma, is an oasis of comfort in a chaotic city. São Paulo’s stylish but discreet Unique Hotel took home the banner of best boutique hotel, while the Grand Hyatt in that same city got top honors among conference venues in the region (see p. 34). And Punta Cana’s Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort is the best option for some R&R, our readers said when selecting the Dominican hotel as their favorite vacation spot. City-by-city hotel winners are found throughout Upgrade. |
The business travelers who responded to this year’s survey are on the road, a lot. Most make more than six international trips a year, and a third of them check in at an airline counter at least once a month. The high rollers drop at least $40,000 a year on corporate travel, and many of them squeeze in little extras like massages, daytrips and shopping detours to brighten their busy days and nights.
When scoping out lodging options, they look for the essentials like high-speed Internet service and convenient neighborhoods. But they also seek out bits of luxury – fine dining and golf privileges raise lots of eyebrows – and sometimes our readers even veer toward the hip and trendy.
This year’s hotel winners took their prizes for reasons ranging from classic comfort to whimsical novelty, but all of the accommodations that our readers chose, they assure, are solid options for those solitary nights away from home.
When en route within the region, Latin America-based airlines are your best bet, our readers say. From more courteous and attentive flight attendants to priority landings and take-offs at airports, it’s good to go local.
LatinFinance readers praised Chile’s LAN for service within the Andes and Southern Cone, while Brazil’s TAM bowled over our business travelers. “From the moment you step on the plane, the difference between TAM and American is like night and day,” gushed one reader. “The flight attendants greet you with glasses of water and a smile.” Further setting TAM apart from the pack is its individual movie screens for each passenger, which allows travelers to choose from a host of in-flight films.
With over 30 destinations in the Americas and more slated to come, our readers ranked Panama-based Copa as the best airline within Central America and the Caribbean. The carrier’s strategic alliance with Houston-based Continental further eases connections.
In Mexico, state-run carrier Aeroméxico is the way to go. On domestic flights, pleasant flight attendants offer up free booze and food that’s remarkably good for airplane fare. Signs of high quality are everywhere, from the salad dressings conjured up by Mexican celebrity chef Patricia Quintana to an engaging, bilingual in-flight magazine, Escala.
When flying between Latin America or the Caribbean and Europe, though, no airline can outnumber British Airways for accolades. The UK carrier’s flat beds and overall hospitality make it a hit with business and first class passengers, while coach travelers also recommend going British.
|
Best Airlines Best between Europe and Latin Best within Mexico: Aeroméxico Best Business/First Class: Best Frequent Flier Program: |
>