SmarterTravel Announces Editors' Choice Award Winners

BOSTON, May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- SmarterTravel®, the largest online travel resource of independent expert advice for the budget conscious traveler, today announced the results of its annual Editors' Choice Awards. The travel editors' 2010 picks include the best airlines, airports, reward/loyalty programs, providers and reward cards among others.

JetBlue and Southwest received the most recognition, with three and two awards, respectively. JetBlue took top honors for Most Customer-Friendly Airline, Best Coach-Class Experience, and Most Pet-Friendly Airline for Carry-on Pets. Southwest won for Airline with Best Use of Social Media and Best Free Airline Perk with its no-fee policy for first and second checked bags.

"This year, we awarded companies that not only offer the best deals, but also remain focused on the consumer," said Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel. "Everyone knows that the economy is still struggling and many travel providers have cut corners. However, with fewer dollars to spare, travelers are getting savvier and will choose companies offering more value and a better overall experience."

More winners from the 2010 SmarterTravel Editors' Choice Awards include:

• Best Value Airline

Winner: AirTran

• Best Hotel Loyalty Program

Winner: InterContinental's Priority Club Rewards

• Best Rental Car Loyalty Program

Winner: National Car Rental's Emerald Club

• Best Travel Rewards Card for Overseas Use

Winner: Capital One

• Best Travel Rewards Card for ATM Use

Winner: Bank of America

• Best Travel Rewards Card for Domestic Use

Winner: Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card

• Best Airline Website

Winner: Frontier

• Most Eco-Friendly Airline

Winner: Virgin America

• Most Pet-Friendly Airline for Checked Pets

Winner: Alaska Airlines

• Most Pet-Friendly Airline for Carry-On Pets

Winner: JetBlue

• Best Airport for Layovers

Winner: McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas

• Best Airport for Connections

Winner: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Seattle

• Best Value Destination

Winner: Hawaii

Click here for more information on the winners and to see the full list.  

SmarterTravel® is the largest online travel resource of independent expert advice for the budget conscious traveler.   SmarterTravel has an unbiased team of travel experts who analyze travel trends and offer money-saving strategies and travel tips. For more information and travel advice, visit http://www.smartertravel.com.

SmarterTravel is a division of Smarter Travel Media LLC.   Smarter Travel Media operates http://www.airfarewatchdog.com, http://www.bookingbuddy.com, http://www.frequentflier.com, http://www.onetime.com, http://www.smartertravel.com, and sites in the U.K.

SmarterTravel and the SmarterTravel logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Smarter Travel Media LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. © 2010 Smarter Travel Media LLC.  All rights reserved.

SOURCE SmarterTravel