After yesterday’s update on United Airlines Hawaii flight problems, at least you’ll be glad to know that for the most part, you’re in good hands flying to Hawaii.
The annual airline quality report is just out and airlines that fly to Hawaii took 4 of the top positions. “The Airline Quality Report is the most comprehensive study of performance and quality of the largest airlines in the United States.”
This year the study is even more poignant since it measures involuntary denied boarding as one of its primary ranking factors. Talk about timing. Other factors are consumer complaints, on-time performance and mishandled baggage.
Here’s how the top airlines ranked based on 2016 data (and how they ranked in the prior year):
1. Alaska Airlines (5).
2. Delta Airlines (3).
3. Virgin America (part of Alaska Airlines) (1).
4. JetBlue (does not fly to Hawaii) (2).
5. Hawaiian Airlines (4).
Hawaiian, Virgin, Delta and Alaska also have fewest denied bookings in that order.
Further down the list, United Airlines came in #8 and American Airlines came in in 9th place.
Problems at United Only Getting Worse
Regarding yesterday’s update on United Airlines PR nightmare, there were many heated comments including more than one we have reason to suspect originated by United Airlines employees.
The problem is still not going away. We now find out that United did not have an overbooked flight. Thus, it had no legal right to require passengers to give up their seats for crew members and is in violation of DOT regulations. Federal regulators are up in arms since in 2014 UAL told them specifically that all ticketed passengers were guaranteed seats.
Has air travel really gotten this bad?
Today we saw an update that the passenger, Dr. Dao, has a broken nose, a concussion, two knocked-out teeth and sinus problems that may require reconstructive surgery.
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Planning trip lax to kona to hnl to lax in early Feb. 2018. Any suggestions – vacation pkg., reserve separately,? Thank you.
Hi Marilyn.
We really aren’t seeing much savings in packages usually, just convenience. Definitely wait a while to book. Winter flights have seen more deals than usual and suspect that will again be the case. Perhaps this fall for booking.
Aloha.
As a Canadian I am so glad I only fly Alaska airlines. Other than westjet airlines in Canada it’s by far the best in the U.S.