Sure, you take fares and frequent flier miles into account when booking a flight.
But if you want to know how American carriers really stack up, you have to look at the raw data. So that's what we did.
We've created a list of the best airlines within the United States, based on the two most important factors for a trip: an enjoyable flying experience and a timely flight.
For in-flight experience, we relied on J.D. Power & Associates's 2013 North American Airline Satisfaction Study.
For on-time and cancellation ratings, we pulled data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).
Note that this list does not include every American airline. We considered only those for which we had reliable data from both the JD Power survey and the BTS. You'll notice carriers like Spirit, Virgin America, and Hawaiian Airlines are missing.
Read more about our methodology here.
9. American Airlines
In-Flight Experience: 660 out of 1000
Timeliness: 587.8 out of 1000
American Airlines is in a bad spot these days. It’s unpopular, and scored just 660 on the JD Power Satisfaction survey. It’s bankrupt, and the Department of Justice wants to stop the deal that could put it back in the black.
But there’s hope for the carrier. The government is open to settling the court fight over whether it can join forces with US Airways and reap the financial benefits. It has also rebranded, and although we don’t like its new logo, we hear great things about the experience on board the 777-300— the “new face” of American.
Our survey was based on in-flight experience data from J.D. Power & Associates's 2013 North American Airline Satisfaction Study and flight delay and cancellation numbers from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). Click here to see our full methodology.
8. United Airlines
In-Flight Experience: 641 out of 1000
Timeliness: 628.5 out of 1000
Like US Airways, United Airlines found itself on a recent list of the most frustrating companies in America. Last year, a model accused the airline of killing her beloved golden retriever.
Now the airline is switching to lighter, thinner seats that it says will increase space for knees, but will also let it pack more people onto its planes.
At least it serves good vodka.
Our survey was based on in-flight experience data from J.D. Power & Associates's 2013 North American Airline Satisfaction Study and flight delay and cancellation numbers from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). Click here to see our full methodology.
7. US Airways
In-Flight Experience: 630 out of 1000
Timeliness: 727.9 out of 1000
It’s one of the most disliked companies in America. It’s one of the worst for customer service. And the government doesn’t want it to complete a merger with American Airlines that would give it a financial boost.
It got the worst score in the JD Power satisfaction survey, but at least 85% of its flights are on time, so the unpleasant experience doesn’t last longer than it should.
Our survey was based on in-flight experience data from J.D. Power & Associates's 2013 North American Airline Satisfaction Study and flight delay and cancellation numbers from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). Click here to see our full methodology.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider