These are the best airlines for food, sleep and pets

When it comes to best travel tech and gear, luggage brand Away takes the title of best suitcase.

Emirates Airlines has been named best international airline in a new set of travel awards. Picture: Emirates Airlines

Experts at Fodor’s have launched their inaugural travel awards, giving shoutouts for everything from the best airlines for plus-sized fliers and pets to the best travel apps and travel influencers.

Why the need for another travel awards ceremony? Editors at the travel publication say theirs is not meant to be the “Academy Awards of Aviation” or the Grammy Awards of travel, but rather a recognition of the companies and individuals that make travel “a little bit better”.

“We wanted to answer useful questions, but also keep it light,” editors say.

Picture: iStock

That means highlighting traditional winners like the best international airline (Emirates) and the best airline in the US (Delta Air Lines), but also creating useful and fun categories that take into account different travel needs.

For instance, with more legroom and a larger seat width than the industry average, JetBlue is given the title of best airline for plus-sized and long-legged fliers, while American Airlines’ “Cuddle Class” — a special cabin cubicle in front of the plane — is the top airline for pets.

When it comes to best travel tech and gear, luggage brand Away takes the title of best suitcase, while Sennheiser is named best headsets, and PackPoint, which helps travelers decide what to pack based on destination, weather and travel type (business or leisure), is the best travel app.

Cuddle Class. Picture: American Airlines

Here are a few other notable winners:

Best US airline: Delta Air Lines
Best international airline: Emirates
Best for plus-sized fliers: JetBlue
Best for budget bougie experience: Norwegian Air
Best for sleep: JetBlue Mint
Best for foodies: Japan Airlines

Business class meal. Picture: Japan Airlines

Best airport: Singapore Changi Airport
Best for shopping: London Heathrow
Best for foodies: Newark Liberty International Airport
World’s worst airport: Los Angeles International Airport