WASHINGTON (AP) - A new survey of the airline industry may offer
hope of fewer hassles in the future, but its authors say things
don't look good for the coming holiday season.

The Airline Quality Rating looks at the performance of the
nation's 17 largest airlines. It finds that airline quality has
plunged during the Thanksgiving to New Year period over the last
three years, with things bottoming out in December.

American Airlines was found to have the worst on-time
performance, while American Eagle had the most mishandled baggage.
United and Atlantic Southeast also showed up on the "worst"
lists, with United getting the most customer complaints.

Those planning a trip to Hawaii might get a bonus. The survey
finds Hawaiian Airlines has the best on-time performance. JetBlue,
AirTran and Southwest also scored in the "best" categories.

While the survey's authors say there are preliminary signs that
airline performance may be improving, they note that may result
from fewer people actually flying.