It's official. Delta Air Lines, Utah's predominant air carrier, is the nation's best airline according to a group of business and leisure travelers who may be the most discriminating in the world - the well-heeled readers of The Robb Report.
Once each year, The Robb Report, a $6-per-copy magazine that touts itself as the publication "For the Affluent Lifestyle" - and has the reader demographics to prove it - polls its upscale subscribers on what they believe is "The Best of the Best."For the third consecutive year, Atlanta-based Delta, which operates a major hub at Salt Lake International Airport, won the most kudos from Robb readers, who indicated they especially enjoy Delta's high level of service for its first-class patrons and they admire its safety record.
The voting for Delta was not unanimous, though. United Airlines, American Airlines and USAir also garnered votes, while some obviously too-frequent fliers said "none" and one cynic opined that "they're all average."
Delta's Crown Club was also named the "Best Airline Executive Club," cited for its amenities and facilities. A Delta Crown Club is located at Salt Lake International as well as other airports around the country.
Also taking top honors in the Robb voting was Salt Lake City-based Franklin Quest, whose Franklin Planner was named "Best Personal Organizer."
Robb Report editor Robert R. Freeman noted that "slightly more" readers still prefer paper daybooks, such as the Franklin Planner, over computers for organizing their schedules. Others said they depend on their secretaries and one left it up to his "houseman" to see that he gets to his appointments on time.
Other "Best of the Best" for 1994 as voted by Robb readers include:
Best Sports Car - Corvette ZR-1.
Best U.S. Hotel - The Plaza, New York City.
Best U.S. Restaurant - The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas.
Best Exotic Car - Lamborghini Diablo VT
Best Hotel Worldwide - The Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand.
Best Luxury Car - Mercedes-Benz S600.
Best Spa - La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad, Calif.
Best Writing Instrument - Montblanc.
Best Cruise Line - Princess Cruise Lines
Best Sport Utility Vehicle - Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Best Audio Equipment - Bang & Olufsen.
Best Wristwatch - Rolex
Best Vacation Destination - Hawaii.
Best Sport to Play - Golf.
Best Sport to Watch - Football.
Best Investment - "My own business" (Stocks and bonds won last year.)
Best Indoor Home Improvement - Home theater.
Best Outdoor Home Improvement - Swimming pool.
Best Home Security System - ADT