Virgin America took the top spot in the Consumer Reports rating of airlines for the first time. The airline received some of the highest satisfaction scores that Consumer Reports has seen in years.
The Consumer Reports National Research Center held a survey of 16,663 subscribers to determine the best airline ratings. The respondents flew a combined 31,732 domestic flights and were asked to rate their satisfaction with their respective airlines. They had to rate factors such as check-in ease, cabin-crew service, cabin cleanliness, seating comfort, baggage handling, and in-flight entertainment.
Virgin America just started in 2007 and this was the first time that it appeared on the Consumer Reports list. The airline expanded to serve 21 cities and it received outstanding scored from Consumer Reports readers. The airline charges $25 each for the first and second checked bags, but it was the only airline to get the top score for baggage handling.
"While other airlines on the list like Southwest and JetBlue have done a very good job of satisfying fliers, Virgin America is a cut above in the eyes of our readers," said Amanda Walker , Senior Editor, Consumer Reports in a release.
The full report can be found online at ConsumerReports.org and in the July 2013 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways also got high scores. This may have something to do with the fact that they're the only carriers that let fliers check one (JetBlue) or two (Southwest) bags for free. Both airlines also received high scores for check-in ease and cabin-crew service. JetBlue scored higher for cabin cleanliness.
Spirit Airline scored the lowest ratings and was at the bottom on the list. It received the lowest marks across the board. Even though the airline has fares that are as much as 90 percent less than other carriers, the low-cost airline charged fees for just about everything such as $10 to $19 to book a flight, and $35 to $100 per carry-on bag. Also, travelers aren't too happy about the lack of space on Spirit flights, which has the tightest seating space in the industry.
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