2010 Leading Edge Awards

Travel companies face some serious challenges: The industry is rapidly changing, extremely price-sensitive and vulnerable to the whims of Mother Nature. Even so, many companies excel at offering products that customers consider a cut above the norm. Sometimes these businesses outpace the competition because they invest in cutting-edge technology; sometimes a customer-centric culture shines through; and sometimes creative product development causes customers to take notice. Providing excellence in travel deserves recognition now more than ever, which is why Executive Travel has chosen to honor those companies that have distinguished themselves this year. Here are the winners of the 2010 Leading Edge Awards, along with our Editors’ Honors

Best Domestic Airline

Gold: Delta Air Lines Silver: AirTran Airways Bronze: American Airlines

Best Domestic Airline for First-Class Service

Gold: Delta Air Lines Silver: American Airlines Bronze: Continental Airlines

Best Domestic Airline for Business-Class Service

Gold: United AirlinesSilver: Delta Air LinesBronze: AirTran Airways

Best Airline for Airport Lounges

Gold: Delta Air Lines Silver: American Airlines Bronze: British Airways

Best North American Low-Cost Carrier

Gold: Southwest Airlines Silver: AirTran Airways Bronze: JetBlue Airways

Best Domestic Frequent Flier Program

Gold: Delta Air Lines Silver: AirTran Airways Bronze: American Airlines

Best Domestic Airline for Overall Customer Service

Gold: Delta Air Lines Silver: AirTran Airways Bronze: Southwest Airlines

Best Private Jet Service

Gold: Delta AirElite Silver: NetJets Bronze: Blue Star Jets

Best Aircraft

Gold: Boeing 777 Silver: Boeing 747 Bronze: Boeing 737

Best Domestic Airport

Gold: Denver International Airport Silver: Los Angeles International Airport Bronze: New York John F. Kennedy International Airport

Best Car Rental Company

Gold: Hertz Car RentalSilver: Avis Rent a CarBronze: Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Best Hotel Chain

Gold: Hyatt Hotels & Resorts Silver: Hilton Hotels Bronze: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Best Luxury Hotel Chain with North American Locations

Gold: Ritz-Carlton Hotels & ResortsSilver: Four Seasons Hotels and ResortsBronze: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Best Hotel for Business Service

Gold: Hilton Hotels Silver: Hyatt Hotels & Resorts Bronze: Marriott Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotel for Meetings

Gold: Hyatt Hotels & Resorts Silver: Hilton Hotels Bronze: Marriott Hotels & Resorts

Best Frequent-Guest Program

Gold: Marriott Rewards Silver: Hyatt Gold Passport Bronze: Hilton HHonors

Best Destination Club/Fractional Home Ownership/Timeshare

Gold: Hyatt Vacation ClubSilver: Marriott Vacation Club Bronze: Hilton Grand Vacations