British Airways' premium economy seat and chic 'Concorde Room' T5 lounge win gold in prestigious travel awards – with Qatar Airways No. 1 for business class

British Airways has won several awards at prestigious travel site awards, including Best Premium Economy Seat and Service, Best UK Airport Lounge (Airline) and Best Airline or Rail Loyalty Scheme.

The British flag carrier received the accolades at the Head for Points Travel & Loyalty Awards, with the winners announced at an industry dinner at The Crypt by Bleeding Heart in London. The meeting was hosted by Sky News' Jonathan Samuels and attended by representatives from the nominated airlines, hotel groups, airport lounges and travel rewards credit cards.

More than 6,000 readers of Go for points voted for the awards in recognition of 'the best services Britain has to offer for the business and premium leisure traveller'.

British Airways was praised by Head for Points for its investment in its premium economy cabin ('World Traveler Plus'). It said: 'British Airways has invested significantly in its World Traveler Plus experience over the past five years, and this win shows that it has all paid off.

'Upgraded meals, blankets, pillows and amenity packs mean the cabin is now a real step forward for the economy, while – finally! – the launch of dedicated check-in and baggage drop desks at airports appears to have given the company an edge compared to our latest accolades.'

British Airways won the award for best Premium Economy seat and service. BA was praised by Head for Points for its investment in the cabin ('World Traveler Plus'). It said: 'British Airways has invested significantly in its World Traveler Plus experience over the past five years, and this win shows that it has all paid off.'

Best UK Airport Lounge (airline) went to BA's Concorde Room at Heathrow Terminal 5, above

The Best Business Class Seat and Service gong went to Qatar Airlines and its 'Qsuite'.

Head for Points said: 'From the unique Qsuite with privacy door and on-demand a la carte dining, and inflight entertainment information, to comfortable loungewear, Diptyque amenities and highly attentive service, it's no wonder Qatar Airways is the winner in this category .'

BA's lounge award was awarded to the BA Concorde Room at Heathrow Terminal 5.

Head for Points said: 'The Concorde Room – exclusively for first class ticketed passengers departing from Heathrow Terminal 5 – showcases British Airways' ability to serve good quality lounge food and premium drinks at the table. Let's see it rolled out to the Gold and Business Class lounges too!'

The reward for the BA loyalty program, meanwhile, was thanks to the airline's Executive Club, with Head for Points noting: 'It's not surprising that readers of a UK-focused frequent flyer site would select the British Airways Executive Club as their would choose their preferred program. While it's easy to be annoyed by high fees and shaky IT, admire industry-leading innovations like guaranteed Avios seats on every flight, the new “all Avios” flights and the 2-4-1 voucher offered on the flight. BA Amex Credit Card.”

The best UK Airport Lounge (Independent) went to the American Express Centurion Lounge (Terminal 3).

Head for Points said: 'The first Centurion Lounge to open in Europe – accessible at Heathrow Terminal 3 to anyone with an American Express Platinum or Centurion card – is a remarkable example of what good design can do to a windowless space. Thanks to the variety of seating areas, there is something for every type of trip and traveler.'

The best new hotel chain went to W Edinburgh, a Marriot Bonvoy Hotel. Head for Points said: 'This hotel isn't going to win any awards for its – ahem – interesting silhouette or for the speed of construction, but it has finally opened as Britain's first – and only second W hotel.'

Sky News' Jonathan Samuels awards 'Best Loyalty Scheme' to British Airways' Esme Fillingham to head up Points Travel and Loyalty Awards

The best new hotel chain went to W Edinburgh, a Marriot Bonvoy Hotel.

Head for Points said: 'This hotel isn't going to win any awards for its – ahem – interesting silhouette or for the speed of construction, but it has finally opened as Britain's first – and only second W hotel. A branch of the trendy restaurant SushiSamba sets the tone and the rooftop bar will come into its own during the first summer season in 2024.'

Speaking about the awards, Rob Burgess, editor and founder of Head for Points, said: 'Our Travel & Loyalty Awards 2023 are a great opportunity to recognize the cream of the crop when it comes to British premium business and leisure travel.

'Many of the areas we cover, such as airport lounges and travel credit cards, are ignored by other awards because they are too niche, but for our readers they are very important and valued.'