Air Travel Hassles Expected During Holidays

WASHINGTON -- A new survey of the airline industry may offer hope of fewer hassles in the future, but its authors said 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.

"The best bet for the consumer is to travel as early before the actual holiday or as late as possible afterwards," Dean Headley, AQR co-author and marketing professor at Wichita State University, said in a prepared statement.

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 said there are preliminary signs that airline performance may be improving, they note that may result from fewer people actually flying.

"We have a mixed blessing of hope and these data show very preliminary indications that performance scores are progressing upward. We are not seeing the full impact of capacity reduction yet, say like late 2001, but we are looking at something of similar scope," Headley said.

He added that if the signs keep improving in the last quarter of 2008, "holiday travel could actually be better than expected."

Special Security Lanes For Families

There is good news for families traveling together during the holidays.

The Transportation Security Administration said airports across the country will have designated security lanes for families, allowing them to move through pre-flight inspections at their own pace.

They'll be in place just in time for the busy Thanksgiving travel season.

It won't just be for families. People who carry prohibited items for medical needs -- like cough syrup, insulin or baby formula -- will also be directed to the family lanes.