SATISFACTION RISES AMONG AIR CANADA, WESTJET PASSENGERS

A J.D. Power survey says passenger satisfaction Canada’s two largest airlines has grown in the past year. Air Canada enjoyed the largest gain in satisfaction among traditional carriers in North America, rising 25 points to 734 on a 1,000-point scale. WestJet scored 747 in the low-cost carrier segment, up from 736 a year ago. Each Canadian airline ranked third overall in their respective segments. Airline investments in newer planes, handling of luggage and cheaper fares drove a seventh straight year of improved customer satisfaction. Alaska Airlines ranks highest among traditional carriers for the 11th consecutive year, while Southwest Airlines tops the low-cost carrier list for a second straight year. Satisfaction with United Airlines, where a passenger was dragged off an overbooked flight, dropped.