US airlines took some hassle out of flying in 2008

Hawaiian Airlines topped an annual quality study of U.S. carriers as the industry took some of the hassle out of flying last year and delivered its best performance in four years.

The improvement came just a year after airlines earned their worst marks for passenger complaints in more than a decade.

Right behind Hawaiian in the overall ratings of 17 airlines were AirTran Airways and JetBlue Airways, according to a study based on government data that was released Monday by private researchers.

The airline industry flew fewer people in 2008 but treated them better, arriving on time more often and losing fewer bags. Passengers also were not as apt to be bumped from flights by overbooking, which was a big problem when airlines were running at or above capacity.

The downside: fewer flights, higher prices -- some airlines now charge extra for any luggage -- and fewer frills.