Innehållsförteckning för November 2025 från Business Traveller

After years of business travel, I’ve learned that flying economy doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort – you just have to get creative. I’ve started building my own ‘travel toolkit’: a soft wrap, decent eye mask, good headphones and a few creature comforts (peppermint tea bags and a face mist go a long way mid-flight). I also curate my own inflight entertainment: one podcast that makes me think, one that makes me laugh. It helps the hours pass quickly and keeps me in a better headspace for meetings on arrival. It’s not quite business class but, with a little planning, I land feeling far more human. Sometimes, it’s the small things that make all the difference. STAR PRIZE This month’s Star Letter writer will win a pair of VivoBarefoot’s Sensus Obsidian Leather…

TRAVEL INSURANCE PROVIDER AllClear has unveiled its Stopover Index, analysing over 80 airport hubs to discover the best cities for a layover. The company based its ranking on factors including travel time to reach the city centre, the cost of a one-night stay in a four-star hotel, the area’s walkability, the number of onward flight options, average daily expenses (from meals to public transport) and, finally, the distance between the top three tourist attractions. Each airport was scored out of 100, with Frankfurt coming out on top due to its “compact layout and high volume of onward connections”. Doha and Atlanta followed in second and third places, owing to their multitude of routes and gastronomic scenes. THE WORLD’S TOP 10 STOPOVER CITIES US cities made up over half of the…

NET ZERO BOTTLENECK THE MAIN OBSTACLE to the aviation industry’s Net Zero by 2050 goal is the slow roll-out of technology for producing SAF, according to a new study published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in partnership with Worley Consulting. The study provides “unequivocal evidence” that there is enough potential feedstock from sustainable sources – which meet stringent sustainability criteria and do not cause land-use changes – to meet the projected 500 million tonnes (Mt) of SAF required annually by 2050. Instead, IATA says that it is the slow pace of technology rollout required to convert such diverse feedstocks into SAF at scale. Currently, the only commercially scaled-up SAF production facilities use HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) technology, which primarily converts used cooking oil. Alternative, non-commercial technologies,…

RECORD - BREAKING MENU HEAD TO THE province of Ourense near Spain’s border with Portugal, and you’ll find a humble traditional Spanish restaurant that claims to host the world’s largest water menu. O Lar Do Leitón offers a seriously impressive 33-page menu complete with gastronomic pairings based on “factors such as mineralisation, carbonation and pH levels”. Our advice: pick a bottle to enjoy with the restaurant’s speciality dish – roast suckling pig. IN 2016, DORAN Binder ended up buying a rundown pub in a village south of Macclesfield in the north of England. For a lifelong teetotaller who hated pubs, The Crag Inn was an odd choice, until he discovered its hidden treasure: a borehole 27 metres underground. A meeting with a water engineer later provided an aquatic epiphany: “He…

ADRENALINE JUNKIES CAN now show off their extreme adventures in even sharper detail with the GoPro MAX2, a new gadget that captures content in True 8K 360 resolution. Selfie mode means you can record solo quests without a +1, and the extension pole will be niftily erased from the shot. The gadget can also withstand rugged conditions, thanks to water-repelling optical glass lenses and a cold-weather Enduro Battery for winter sports. After the trip, use the GoPro Quik app to reframe videos and edit the footage down to the thrilling highlights before posting in various formats on TikTok and YouTube. Just save the bloopers for a separate reel! £449.99; amazon.co.uk…

GREENLAND, THE WORLD’S biggest island, has been the focus of unprecedented attention in the last year. Not only has Trump expressed interest in ‘acquiring’ it, but the country is currently on a mission to expand its mining and agricultural sectors, as well as tourism. Greenland is currently at the intersection of two major tourism trends: the desire to escape overtourism, and the rise of the ‘coolcation’. In November last year, the country opened its new, enlarged main airport in the capital, Nuuk, with a much longer runway so that it can accept bigger planes and direct international flights. Greenland is also planning to open new international airports in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq next year – the three airports will cost a total of US$800 million. For a country that has a…

BEST FIRST CLASS IN THE WORLD First class is making a comeback, driven by intense competition and innovation in onboard products and ground experiences. And no airline does it better than Singapore Airlines (SIA), which constantly evolves its offerings to keep pace with the latest passenger trends and expectations. This year’s winner of the World’s Best First Class has become the gold standard that other airlines strive for when it comes to consistent service. “Thanks to the warmth and attentive service of the world’s most awarded cabin crew, SIA remains focused on making our passengers feel a sense of care and comfort whenever they fly with us,” says David Lau, SIA’s vice president of the Americas. The carrier backs up its trademark hospitality with an unrivalled cabin, especially the Suites…

BEST THIRD PARTY LOUNGE IN THE WORLD Upon entering Chase Sapphire’s largest lounge, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a luxury hotel and not at LaGuardia Airport. For its flagship site, Chase Sapphire challenged New York- and Dallasbased design firms ICRAVE and Corgan to create a space that would expand travellers’ perceptions and expectations of modern air travel. Open daily from 4.30am until 9.30pm, the lounge is designed as a haven for travellers to relax, work and dine inside bustling Terminal B. The open floor plan, spanning 2,030 sqm across two levels, evokes a high-end hotel outfitted in clean neutrals, soothing blues and festive pops of red and purple. Modern and spacious, the lounge features art curated by the JPMorgan Chase Art Collection and pumps Chase’s signature…

BEST UPSCALE HOTEL BRAND IN THE WORLD ANDAZ HOTELS REIGNS supreme as the Best Upscale Hotel Brand in the World – not because it shouts luxury, but because it hums it. The brand’s 30 boutique-style properties in 18 countries blur the line between elegance and ease. Each hotel channels a spirit of place, from the art-lined corridors of West Hollywood to the ocean-brushed edges of Papagayo. Its newest global campaign, Be Like No One’s Watching, captures that spirit: travel without pretence, personal style at the helm, as its Hindi moniker conveys. Guests are immersed in living galleries of local culture, where the lobby might double as a studio space, and a cocktail hails from a neighbourhood poet. “Our luxury and lifestyle brands’ expansion in new and key markets is driven…

BEST EUROPEAN FIRST CLASS BEST EUROPEAN INFLIGHT FOOD AND BEVERAGE AIR FRANCE IS no stranger to glamorous travel; the airline and its crew are often deemed synonymous with elegance and style. But 2025 has seen the French flag carrier upgrade its premium offering even further – and Business Traveller readers have taken notice in this year’s awards. Most notable of Air France’s recent updates is the revamp of its La Première cabins. The highly-anticipated new first class suites launched in April on a Boeing 777-300ER bound for JFK. Reminiscent of a private jet experience, the suites feature almost 3.5 sqm of space (up by 0.5 sqm from the previous design), an impressive stretch of five windows, and two gleaming 4k, 32-inch IFE screens positioned opposite the chaise longue and separate…

BEST REGIONAL RAIL NETWORK FOR THE FIRST time in the history of the Business Traveller Awards, we have introduced a rail category – responding to the ever-growing demand for eco-friendly travel. Coming out on top is Eurostar, a feat to add to some major recent milestones. The operator merged with Belgian brand Thalys in 2023 to offer a larger five-country network – complete with greater ticket flexibility, an aligned loyalty scheme and vibrant new branding. Plus, it celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, launched premium dining menus with top chefs, and revived its Snap service for discounted last-minute bookings. Here, we look at some of Eurostar’s further initiatives to become an even bigger player over the next decade. Rail to air, plus new routes Eurostar has become the first non-airline…

NO ONE LOOKS forward to a layover. But the days of wandering round the airport killing time and clock-watching are numbered. Certain airlines are now making stopovers a selling point, allowing passengers to discover another destination without paying any extra fare. It’s a great way to see a new place for less, break up a long journey into manageable chunks or add a holiday to business travel without forking out for more flights. With some airlines, it’s as simple as ticking a box while booking, while others add free hotel stays or cut-price sightseeing tours. The stays tend to be in the airport’s home hub, so a layover might be less appealing if you travel the same route regularly. You’ll also need to do the most tedious parts of the…

BEST PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS IN THE WORLD FOR AN AIRLINE known for pushing boundaries in first and business class, winning Best Premium Economy in the World underscores how Emirates has translated its culture of innovation into a cabin designed for travellers looking for a refined experience without the premium price tag. What makes this cabin so compelling is not a single feature but rather a collection of deliberate choices that together create a surprisingly seamless product. Consider the seat: it is 19.5 inches wide with a 40-inch pitch and reclines into a cradle position. That’s expected in this segment, but Emirates didn’t stop at dimensions. It added stitched cream leather upholstery, polished wood cocktail tables and a cabin palette of champagne and wood tones. In short, it feels more like…

BEST AIRPORT IN THE WORLD It’s no surprise that Singapore Changi continues to defend the title for World’s Best Airport yet again. The Southeast Asian hub is well-known for its easy transit experience, the lush Jewel complex and pristine ambiance. Never resting on its laurels though, it is transforming into an airport of the future as it installs passenger-friendly and tech upgrades while breaking ground on a new Terminal 5 this year (set to open in the 2030s). These days, it takes approximately 10 seconds to clear departure immigration (60% faster than before), thanks to its passport-less biometric clearance system designed for both Singaporeans and foreign visitors. By using facial and iris scans to speed up the process, travellers have time to shop, relax or enjoy lounges at all four…

BEST BUDGET HOTEL BRAND IN THE WORLD COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT takes this year’s title for Best Budget Hotel Brand in the World – a victory for smart value on a global scale. With a massive footprint of more than 1,300 hotels in 60 countries, Courtyard delivers a reliably modern experience, from redesigned lobbies with media pods and Bistro bars to guest rooms engineered for productivity. The brand proves “budget” no longer means a compromise. Rather, it means a savvy premium for travellers everywhere, whether in Mecca (where the world’s largest Courtyard opens next year) or Montana. And “reliable” does not mean boring. The brand is in the midst of an evolution, shedding no-frills for smart-casual. Think: urbaninspired rest and workspaces, cosy firepits and The Bistro for a proper meal and…

BEST EUROPEAN AIRLINE BEST EUROPEAN AIRLINE BUSINESS CLASS BEST FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMME IN EUROPE Lufthansa has been bestowed with a trio of dazzling trophies by Business Traveller readers, including the coveted Best European Airline award. The German flag carrier continues to make great strides in expanding its network and growing its industry partnerships, while its recently-revamped Miles & More frequent flyer programme surprised members with cheaper flight award redemptions. Lufthansa certainly has a loyal customer base (our readers included) who embrace the airline for being a little different – perhaps even eccentric – compared to other large flag carriers. Case in point: Lufthansa remains the only major carrier to still operate a large Boeing 747 ‘Jumbo Jet’ fleet, including the iconic 747-400 and its successor, the updated 747-8. Written offas…

BEST AIRLINE ALLIANCE For nearly three decades, Star Alliance has set the benchmark for global airline partnerships. Winning Best Airline Alliance is less about longevity and more about the way it continues to shape the passenger journey. With 25 airlines across six continents and 17.4% of global air travellers passing through its network, the alliance is not just the biggest – it also remains the most impactful. SEAMLESS JOURNEYS Star Alliance’s defining strength lies in its ability to make multi-airline itineraries feel like one continuous journey. Frequent travellers know the value of seamless seat selection, a seemingly small detail that often determines the comfort of long-haul connections. Today, the alliance covers 80% of interline itineraries with unified seat booking through a single airline app, saving passengers time and alleviating frustration.…

What’s it like? The vibe and facilities of the Mondrian Hong Kong are not those of your typical business venue; instead the hotel leans into its sense of place and embraces its artistic licence. Opened at the end of 2023, the Mondrian is secreted amid the bars and cafés of Hart Avenue in Tsim Sha Tsui. This leaves it just a couple of blocks from the famous Victoria Harbour, granting sea and city views from many of the rooms. An aquatic theme is present in the decor throughout, with illuminated rings of bubbles rising from the reception area, helping to give an airy and bright first impression. The walls on each floor add further whimsy, offering a Jules Verne-ian vision of life under an enchanted sea. In this octopus’s garden,…

What’s it like? The choice of initials makes perfect sense as soon as you step foot into this wellness clinic in Knightsbridge. Curved wooden structures cocoon you from other guests while soothing moss living walls, jade-green colour palettes, circadian lighting and birdsong recorded in Epping Forest distance you from the urban surrounds. And all of this before you even reach the generously sized treatment rooms for some high-end pampering. The treatment HVN offers everything from acupuncture and aesthetic work to IV infusions, with practitioners offering personalised consultations and treatments tailored to your concerns. In my case, I was testing out the new 90-minute Anti-Jetlag Programme, hoping to restore my brittle bones, dry skin and flagging energy after a week punctuated by four flights (both short- and long-haul) – an unhealthy…

1 Which airline currently operates the longest, nonstop commercial flight? Qantas Singapore Airlines Air India Emirates 2 In which city will you find the world’s longest underground rail system (by route length)? London Beijing Mexico City Shanghai 3 Which airline holds the Guinness World Record for ‘Most Countries Flown to by an Airline’? United Airlines Air China Qatar Airways Turkish Airlines 4 Which was the first hotel in the world to introduce room service? Raffles, Singapore Waldorf Astoria, New York The Savoy, London Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi 5 When were electronic key cards invented? 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 6 Which airline’s cabin crew were the first to wear trainers as part of their uniform? SkyUP KLM Virgin Atlantic Finnair 7 How many rooms does Malaysia’s First World Hotel (the largest…

FORUM COST OF PARKING FOR DISABLED TRAVELLERS AT AIRPORTS PETROCS I was born disabled, and in my life have flown with different airlines from many airports around the world without the need of help. As I’m getting older and far less mobile, I now use an electric mobility scooter to get around, which ‘flies’ with me wherever I go. I’ve found that most airlines and airports have been excellent, though I’ve had the odd hiccup! My complaint is about the cost of parking at UK airports. This is because the car parks that are cheaper – the ones further away from the airport – use buses to transport you to and from the airport. Many of these buses can cope with a manual wheelchair, but cannot cope with a big…

INSIDER ACCESS TO fashion shows, film screenings, private art studios and dress rehearsals – all alongside high-end dining and premium stays – await IHG One Rewards members, thanks to the group’s new Doors Unlocked packages. The aim is to create emotional connections through activities that cannot be booked elsewhere, rewarding loyalty with memory-making experiences rather than just upgrades. The programme kicked off in London in September, while October itineraries in New York and Tokyo revolved around the cities’ film festivals. Next up is a design-centric programme in Dubai (4-6 November), a spotlight on the Australian Ballet in Sydney (20-22 November) and creative experiences in Phuket related to Thailand Biennale (1-3 December). The 48-hour packages include two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at InterContinental hotels, with prices from US$1,500. ‘The aim is…

WATCH Harlan Coben’s Lazarus Bill Nighy and Sam Claflin star as the leads in this mind-bending, six-part thriller, created by the makers of Netflix’s hit series Fool Me Once. When forensic psychiatrist Joel Lazarus’ father dies, Joel kick-starts an investigation, only to find himself quickly entangled in a web of cold murder cases. Available to watch on Amazon Prime. READ Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood THE BESTSELLING DYSTOPIAN author is finally putting her own story on the page, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what shaped her award-winning writing. Starting with her nomadic childhood in rural Quebec, she weaves in personal milestones and political moments – including her life in 1980s Berlin, which prompted her to write The Handmaid’s Tale. The book is available to purchase…

POINTS POOLING CAN be one of the greatest ways to unlock desired rewards more quickly. Akin to joint savings accounts, the practice allows family members, or sometimes even friends, to pool their earned points together into one pot. For parents, it’s a nice little way to siphon off the miles their dependants earned on their dime. For friends or relatives, it can be a great way to help someone achieve a trip goal sooner by padding out their points balance. Not all loyalty programmes allow points pooling, but the likes of United Airlines Mileage Plus, The British Airways Club and Emirates Skywards, do. Getting started is as simple as sending an email inviting friends or family to join. Restrictions exist and vary by loyalty scheme, and often require sharing a…

BEST AIRLINE IN THE WORLD BEST BUSINESS CLASS IN THE WORLD BEST ECONOMY CLASS IN THE WORLD BEST FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMME IN THE WORLD Qatar Airways emerged as this year’s standout winner, capturing first place in five of the seven categories for which it was eligible. The carrier even earned indirect distinction through its home base at Doha Hamad International Airport – where it commands an 81% market share – which placed second behind Singapore Changi. The passenger experience at Hamad is fundamentally shaped by Qatar Airways, whose transiting passengers define much of the airport’s standards. Arguably, the only reason Qatar did not sweep the awards outright (bar first class) is its lack of a premium economy product, rendering it ineligible in that category. A NEAR SWEEP AT THE TOP…

BEST CABIN CREW IN THE WORLD FOR THE second year running, Saudia has claimed the Best Cabin Crew award, a milestone that puts the Saudi national carrier in the spotlight. Chief guest experience officer Rossen Dimitrov said that recent passenger experience initiatives reflect the airline’s commitment to rigorous training, blending precision with genuine Saudi warmth and aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to boost tourism. Yet while awards spotlight progress, they also underscore ongoing challenges: Middle Eastern carriers face fierce regional competition, and consistent operational performance remains a key measure for frequent travellers. This award is an encouraging sign, reflecting ambition and potential, and offering a telling example of how regional carriers leverage awards to shape global perception.…

After a long day of business travel – airports, time zones, endless emails, video calls, meetings and circle backs – there’s no greater comfort than arriving at the check-in desk and, within a few flawless minutes, flipping on the lights in your suite. The experience is familiar, luxurious, quiet and intentional – everything a busy person craves. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts stands at the pinnacle of sophisticated, intelligent hospitality, embodying the very buzzwords executives toss around within their own organisations. The brand is a true North Star, anchored by purpose-driven leadership and an uncanny ability to attract top talent. It crafts hyperpersonalised experiences and delivers a frictionless journey at every touchpoint, redefining its mission every day through a relentless focus on the guest. BEST LUXURY HOTEL BRAND IN THE…

BEST EUROPEAN PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS BEST EUROPEAN ECONOMY CLASS THIS YEAR, VIRGIN is taking the title of Best European Premium Economy Class, along with Best European Economy Class. The British carrier is a veteran in the premium economy field, having been one of the first to launch the new cabin class back in 1992. Then named ‘Mid Class’, it featured increased legroom and a complimentary pre-flight drink, plus a dedicated check-in counter and priority baggage handling. Its premium economy has evolved significantly since then. Nowadays, the product is praised for details such as speedy wireless charging ports; faux leather upholstery to save on weight while looking stylish; and pop-out tray tables neatly concealed in the armrest. Bluetooth headphone connectivity (available on A330neo and A350-1000 aircraft) is also a highlight. Passengers…

With the book on pandemic recovery finally closed, Heathrow Airport is once again looking to the future. In 2024, the hub welcomed a record 83.9 million passengers and expects to surpass that figure this year. Inevitably, its existing infrastructure is starting to burst at the seams, with virtually all the terminals exceeding their initial design capacity. Earlier this year, Heathrow put forward its next five-year funding plan, proposing to increase passenger numbers by an additional 10 million – about 12% – by making better use of the existing terminals. In the meantime, it has resurfaced plans for a third runway after being caught off-guard by the UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, backing proposals in January. Heathrow’s proposals would see it increase capacity to 150 million passengers per year through a 3,500-metre…

BEST HOTEL BRAND FOR CONFERENCES IN EUROPE London Marriott Hotel County Hall Formerly used as London’s City Hall in the 1920s, this Westminster hotel has a charming British character. Its heritage has been maintained in the 12 conference spaces, with period artwork, relic fireplaces and rich wooden panels. But modern-day needs are fully catered for, with high-spec video-conferencing, AV equipment and presentation screens. Munich Marriott Hotel City West Munich Marriott Hotel City West stands out for its technological capabilities. You’ll find a striking 23-metre screen and a moving platform for dramatic product presentations – it’s large enough to fit a car – while the building’s facade can be illuminated in brand colours. Plus, a team of AV specialists are on hand to make sure all goes smoothly. Riviera Marriott Hotel…

What’s it like? No1 Lounges’ premium Clubrooms brand opened in Heathrow’s T3 in April, joining its existing sites at Gatwick (North and South terminals) and Birmingham Airport. The crux of Clubrooms is that it offers a more premium and tailored service to customers aged 12 and over. Staff greet you and guide you to a table of your choosing, before offering à la carte table service. At 390 sqm, the space has an exclusive and cosy feel, and 116 seats. Despite being open-plan, it feels like there are two distinct zones – with lounge areas characterised by a darker royal blue and silver colour scheme, with herringbone wooden flooring and walls of black-and-white photographs. Meanwhile, a calming orangery features a Mediterranean look, with soft fabrics and lighter beige and sea-green…