Anyone planning a vacation this summer should remember two words: AirTran and Jet Blue Airways Corp. (NASDAQ: JBLU).Those were the two airlines that came out on top of a national survey of airline quality released today that underscored the sorry state of the industry. Anyone who has flown since 9-11 knows that getting your teeth pulled is more fun. Planes are filled to the brim and are often late. Luggage often goes on magical mystery tours that bypass your destination.
Last year was more of the same, according the Associated Press
"There were more lost bags, more bumped passengers, more consumer complaints and fewer on-time flights than in the previous year," the story says. "The rate of consumer complaints was up 60 percent. US Airways (NYSE: LCC) had the most complaints last year. Southwest (NYSE: LUV) had the fewest."
Bad airlines are bad for the environment because it encourages more casual fliers to drive to their destinations. Even with soaring gas prices, flying isn't worth the trouble. I may have to fly this summer and I'm already dreading it.
--Freelance writer Jonathan Berr edits the blog Ketchup and Eggs.
.
Before the bell: Futures sharply lower on Dubai's debt problems
Will Rich Ross really have a positive impact on Disney's movie operations?
Consumers sick of recession, may spend extra on holidays
