The Airline Quality Rating (AQR) was developed and first announced in early 1991 as an objective method for assessing airline quality on combined multiple performance criteria. This current report, the Airline Quality Rating 2006, reflects monthly Airline Quality Rating scores for calendar year 2005. AQR scores for 2005 are based on 15 elements in four major areas that focus on airline performance aspects important to air travel consumers.

The Airline Quality Rating 2006 is a summary of month-by-month quality ratings for U.S. airlines that have at least 1% of domestic passenger volume during 2005. Using the Airline Quality Rating system of weighted averages and monthly performance data in the areas of on-time arrivals, involuntary denied boardings, mishandled baggage, and a combination of 12 customer complaint categories, airlines’ comparative performance for the calendar year of 2005 is reported. This research monograph contains a brief summary of the AQR methodology, detailed data and charts that track comparative quality for domestic airline operations for the 12-month period of 2005, and industry results. Also, comparative Airline Quality Rating data for 2004 are included, where available, to provide historical perspective regarding performance quality in the industry.