Top 20 rank: 12
Rank in Airlines: 1
It was officially the second-worst year in aviation history. More than a quarter of all flights in the U.S. arrived late. Planes were packed. Airports were madhouses. Passengers were irate. So the fact that any airline is considered admirable says something. Rank in Airlines: 1
Southwest, which dropped seven spots this year, to No. 12, shows it's possible to shine even in an otherwise dire industry. Besides posting its 35th consecutive year of profitability, it was the most punctual, lost the fewest bags, and had the least complaints compared with its peers. But its stock lagged, and there's fear that its quirky culture is starting to go stale. -Barney Gimbel
See how Southwest Airlines rates in 8 key areas
Last updated March 03 2008: 2:10 PM ET