AirTran Airways
In 1997, ValuJet acquired AirTran Airways and retained the operational name AirTran Airways. This discount carrier offers economy and business class throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, but most cities serviced are in the eastern and upper Midwestern areas of the country. AirTran Airways was ranked second out of 17 airlines in 2008. It has been ranked in the top three airlines every year since 2003 by the Airline Quality Rating (AQR). It had the fewest mishandled baggage reports of major US carriers for January through June 2009 according to the US Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). Baggage fees apply. Reservations: 1-800-AIR-TRAN (1-800-247-8726) or www.AirTran.com.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines serves destinations in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Western United States and select cities in other areas of the country. Additional West Coast service is available through Horizon Air. Alaska Airlines ranked was fifth by AQR in 2008. Baggage fees apply. Some flights operated by American Airlines. Reservations: 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522) or www.alaskaair.com.
American Airlines
American Airlines is an extensive international and domestic service. This carrier ranked ninth in 2008 by AQR. Baggage fees are not charged to first-class, business or full-fare paying economy class travelers. Reservations: 1-800-433-7300 or www.aa.com.
Continental Airlines
Continental Airlines is a global carrier offering coach, business and first class seating. This airline ranked eighth in 2008 by AQR. Baggage fees apply to coach seating. Reservations: 1-800-523-FARE (1-800-523-3273) or www.continental.com.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines' worldwide service was enhanced by its October 2008 merger with Northwest Airlines. The carriers will likely operate separately for the next two years as the merger is completed. Delta ranked twelfth in 2008 by AQR, however Northwest was ranked fourth. Baggage fees apply. Reservations: 1-800-221-1212 or www.delta.com.
Frontier Airlines
In August 2009, Republic Airways acquired Frontier Airlines which had been under bankruptcy protection since 2008. Frontier provides service throughout the U.S., major tourist destinations in Mexico, and Costa Rica, but most service is in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain areas. Frontier ranked seventh in 2008 by AQR. Baggage fees apply on domestic flights. Reservations: 1-800-432-1359 or www.frontierairlines.com.
Jet Blue
Jet Blue is a discount carrier serving primarily Florida, New England, California and the Caribbean. This airline recorded the fewest displaced passengers due to overbooking and third fewest mishandled baggage reports for the first six-months of 2009 according to BTS. It has ranked in the top three every year since 2002 by AQR. No charge for first checked bag. Additional fee applies to tickets purchased by phone or through third-parties. Reservations: 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583) or www.jetblue.com.
Midwest Airlines
Born out of Kimberly-Clark Corporation's executive transportation service, Midwest Airlines was acquired by Republic Airways, which also operates connection flight service for major airlines. As its name implies, Midwest Airlines services cities throughout the Midwest and select cities in other areas of the country. Midwest is in not tracked by AQR or BTS but has received awards in the last two years from Inside Flyer Magazine and Zagat Airline Survey. Baggage fees apply. Reservations: 1-800-452-2022 or www.midwestairlines.com.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines services major cities throughout the U.S. at prices slightly premium to other discount carriers. This airline ranked sixth in 2008 by AQR slipping out of the top five for only the second time since 1991. No baggage fees. Reservations: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or www.southwest.com.
Spirit Airlines
With cut-rate airfares starting at nine dollars, Spirit Airlines offers some of the lowest fares in the industry. Primarily providing service to Central America and the Caribbean, this carrier also provides service between select U.S. cities. Consumer information is not reported by AQR or BTS but complaints abound on many blogs. Baggage fees apply. Reservations: www.spiritair.com.
United Airlines
United Airlines is a global carrier with over 200 destinations and is a member of the Star Alliance, an international alliance of 24 international and regional airlines. AQR ranked this airline eleventh in 2008. Baggage fees apply. Reservations: 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) or www.united.com.
US Airways
US Airways provides service throughout the United States and to destinations abroad, this airline is the only other US member of the Star Alliance. This carrier was ranked tenth by AQR in 2008. Baggage fees apply. Reservations: 1-800-428-4322 or www.usairways.com.
