Vote now for your favorite cards, airlines, cruise lines and more — for a chance to win a terrific prize
VOTE NOW in the fourth-annual TPG Awards
It's that time of year again! The weather's turning colder, pumpkin-spice-flavored treats are starting to pop up everywhere — and here at TPG, we're hard at work on planning the fourth annual TPG Awards.
And today, we need your help in selecting this year's winners!
Voting is now open for the 23 Readers' Choice honors we'll be handing out later this fall — covering the major airlines, hotel programs, cruise lines and credit cards. We've even added a few new categories this year as we look to recognize those travel providers and companies who've stepped up in 2021.
As with previous years, voting is limited to once per person. And in order to be counted, your vote must be received no later than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. We'll also be handing out some great prizes to one randomly-selected winner each week — including a smart-charging system from ARROE and a pair of Apple AirPods Max headphones.
And since your vote will enter you into all upcoming giveaways, the earlier you vote, the more chances you have to win!
Here's a rundown of the awards you'll be voting on this year:
| Category | Readers' Choice awards |
|---|---|
| Airlines | Best U.S. Airline Loyalty Program Best U.S. Airline Elite Status Best International Airline Loyalty Program Best Domestic Membership Lounge |
| Airports (new this year) | Best Large U.S. Airport Best Mid-Sized U.S. Airport Best Small U.S. Airport Best International Airport |
| Hotels | Best Hotel Loyalty Program Best Hotel Elite Status |
| Credit cards | Best Premium Travel Credit Card (annual fee of $300+) Best Travel Rewards Credit Card (annual fee of $1-$300) Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Card Best Business Credit Card Best Airline Cobranded Credit Card Best Hotel Cobranded Credit Card |
| Cruises | Best Big-Ship Cruise Line (~3,000+ passengers) Best Mid-Sized-Ship Cruise Line (~1,000-3,000 passengers) Best Small-Ship Cruise Line (less than 1,000 passengers) Best River Cruise Line Best Cruise Loyalty Program |
| Travel | Best U.S. National Park Best Luggage Brand |
Note that each question requires a response, but you'll see a "Not applicable" option for all of them. If you don't feel knowledgeable enough to answer a question — if you don't have a small-business credit card or aren't a cruiser, as examples — simply select N/A.
VOTE NOW
In addition to having a say in this year's award winners, casting your vote will give you the chance to win a number of great prizes. Just be sure to vote early, as your vote will not only register you for that week's giveaway but all subsequent ones through the end of voting.
Note that the giveaway is open to legal U.S. residents over the age of majority in your state. You must opt in for the giveaway when voting — please see the full rules at this link.
Here's a breakdown of the prizes for voting this year:
Week 1: TPG's ultimate travel kit
Our first winner will take home a slew of items from the TPG store as part of our "Ultimate travel kit" prize. This package includes the following:
- The weekender bag
- An amenity kit
- A face mask (choose from five patterns)
- A neck pillow (choose from two options)
- An eye mask (choose from two options)
- A passport holder (choose from two options)
In addition, you'll also win a 30-minute virtual consultation with a member of TPG's editorial team as part of week one's prize — making it a great way to pick up some travel swag and some expert tips on making the most of your travel rewards.
Eligibility: Vote must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, Sept. 17.
Week 2: Expedited airport screening
The second week, we have an airport security two-pack up for grabs. The winner of this prize will enjoy a one-year membership to Clear expedited security and a five-year membership to either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. These programs can help you skip the lines before your flight or upon your return to the U.S. (If you win and already have these memberships, you can gift them to a friend or family member.)
Eligibility: Vote must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, Sept. 24. Winner must apply and be approved for these programs.
Week 3: Smart charging system
With many road warriors blending business trips with vacations, you may find yourself working from various settings — a hotel room balcony, a poolside lounger or even a vessel at sea. And that's when you could use a smart-charging system from ARROE, the prize for our third week's winner. This app-enabled solution can safely charge all your devices thanks to automatic voltage matching in the ARROE app.
Eligibility: Vote must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, Oct. 1.
Week 4: Apple AirPods Max
Comfort is key when traveling, especially on a long-haul flight. So during our fourth week, we'll be giving out a pair of Apple's newest headphones: the AirPods Max. These over-the-ear headphones are a favorite of TPG's founder and CEO, Brian Kelly, and they could greatly enhance your next trip — or serve as a perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season.
Eligibility: Vote must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, Oct. 8
Week 5: Round-trip, domestic flight
For our fifth and final winner, you'll enjoy a round-trip flight to anywhere in the U.S. (up to $600 in total ticket cost). Whether you want to visit a national park, relax on a pristine beach or explore a new city, TPG will help make it happen.
Eligibility: Vote must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, Oct. 15
This year's awards
Just like our 2020 iteration of the TPG Awards, this year we're keeping things virtual — but there's a lot of exciting content and opportunities for engagement in the pipeline! We're kicking things off on Nov. 1 with Airlines Week, so if you're not already a newsletter subscriber, join our mailing list today for up-to-date information leading up to that date.
For now, please cast your vote for a chance to take home a great prize, just for helping to pick this year's Readers' Choice award winners — and then stay tuned for more details on the 2021 TPG Awards.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.