As someone who’s obsessed with everything travel related, what’s not to love about the Freddie Awards? This lowly blogger gets invited to mingle and share some cocktails with the travel industry elite – from the heads of loyalty at the major airlines and hotels, to the best travel writers and bloggers in the business. This was my second trip to the Freddies and I was just as appreciative and inspired as last year. The Freddies are a real awards ceremony, though more time is spent chatting at the pre and post ceremony happy hours than actually handing out awards. In any case, it was once again a fun night and below I share a picture tour for those of you who were not in attendance…
A welcoming party (and red carpet) greets each guest upon arrival at USA Today headquarters in McLean, VA
To the ceremony…
Two Freddie wins at the table behind us for Jet Airways…
…and finally the swag. Interestingly enough, all giveaways were notebooks this year…yea, very exciting! Look out for a post next week with a reader contest to win one of these from AMEX, Priority Pass, and USA Today…
I’m still down in DC for Frequent Traveler University. If you’re here, come find me! I’ve met some great people and I’m excited to meet even more readers.
Oh, and I guess I should mention the winners as well…
Program of the Year
Americas Airline: American Airlines AAdvantage
Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Virgin Australia Velocity
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: IHG Priority Club Rewards
Europe/Africa Airline: Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Europe/Africa Hotel: Le Club Accorhotels
Best Promotion
Americas Airline: American Airlines AAdvantage
Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Jet Airways JetPrivilege
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: Taj Hotels & Resorts InnerCircle
Europe/Africa Airline: Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Europe/Africa Hotel: Le Club Accorhotels
Best Redemption Ability
Americas Airline: AviancaTACA LifeMiles
Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Virgin Australia Velocity
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: Hyatt Gold Passport
Europe/Africa Airline: Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Europe/Africa Hotel: Starwood Preferred Guest
Best Customer Service
Americas Airline: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Emirates Skywards
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: Hyatt Gold Passport
Europe/Africa Airline: SAS EuroBonus
Europe/Africa Hotel: IHG Priority Club Rewards
Best Elite Program
Americas Airline: American Airlines AAdvantage
Americas Hotel: Hyatt Gold Passport
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Virgin Australia Velocity
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: Hyatt Gold Passport
Europe/Africa Airline: Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Europe/Africa Hotel: Starwood Preferred Guest
Best Loyalty Credit Card
Americas: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card
Middle East/Asia/Oceania: JetPrivilege HDFC Bank Credit Card
Europe/Africa: Flying Blue American Express Card
The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
3 comments
Was the “desert” as dry as it sounds?
i’ve never herad of the Freddy Awards before but thank you for sharing your experience! Made me feel like I was there too.
@Joey – Gald to share and that you enjoyed it! Hopefully you’ll get a chance to vote in 2014!