The real irony here is that JD Power gave TWA the 1998 #1 ranking in customer satisfaction for flights of 500 miles or more. Food service, aircraft interior, seating comfort, and gate checkin/conditions were a large portion of the evaluation filled out by over 6,000 frequent fliers.

Who are these 6,000 people, anyway, and do they really exist?

Also agree with the EMD's comments about TWE. My travel agent said TWE spaced out their flights a little better in December so the TWE mechanics can service the planes more efficiently. That reportedly has helped reduce the number of cancelled flights on some routes and increased their flier's satisfaction level.

My last trip on TWE was in November 1998, where the two pilots were 20 minutes late because they made a McDonald's run from the STL airport. The gate agent was furious because the two morons were late for no "real" reason and they carried their food bags laughing and giggling through the gate area for all to see. These two were still eating in the cockpit when I arrived on board.

EMD: Being in Bloomington, I'm surprised you don't fly AA more? Ironically, I'm driving to BMI next week to fly to LGA... $202 roundtrip with 3-day advance purchase versus $900 from STL on any airline. I guess there is a reason for Valujet to exist -- they keep the major airlines' prices down.

Any suggestions on getting around BMI efficiently? I have a one-way Hertz rental return, too, to do at BMI. Is Hertz at the airport and what kind of time will I need to plan for the car return and eventual gate check-in? Thanks!