WICHITA — The Wichita State University professor who does the annual National Airline Quality Rating says airlines improved their service last year. The ratings were released this morning. Wichita State’s Dean Headley said Hawaiian Air remains first in the ratings, which rank baggage handling, on-time arrivals, and customer complaints. A ll but one of the 17 airlines rated – Alaska Air – improved, he said. Indeed last year, was the third best year in the 20 years of the rankings, he said. However, he says as airlines scramble to boost revenues by charging for baggage and other services this year, customer service may take a back seat. And if more people decide to travel by air and airlines add more planes, service will deteriorate because the national air system can’t deal with the additional strain because of an antiquated air traffic control system and a limited airport infrastructure, he said.
Monday, April 12, 1 p.m.
