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Continental #1 in Fortune mag

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) on Mar 3rd 2009 at 4:00PM

Okay, the competition couldn't have been all that stiff. Continental Airlines was rated the top airline in Fortune magazine's annual list of most admired companies. Its score of 7.71 was not good enough to push the company into the top 50, though. This is the sixth year in a row that Continental has taken the lead spot in the airline category. Somehow, Southwest is listed as #7 on the full list, though it scored behind Continental.

Looks like Fortune is suffering from a case of "journalist's math."

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Larry Kellner said that "Continental's more than 42,000 co-workers are the reason for our success, and I'm proud to see their hard work recognized again this year." Apparently, he has forgotten that the passengers shelling out cash to fly on the airline's 2,800 daily departures might have something to do with that, too.

Air France-KLM followed Continental with a score of 7.15. Southwest Airlines (6.89), Singapore Airlines (6.57) and Delta Airlines (6.18) were also recognized on the Fortune list.

Funny, JetBlue didn't show up.

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Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, News, Airline Reviews

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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)

NYCBruce Mar 4th 2009 6:27PM

One tip regarding Continental: check your frequent flyer program VERY carefully. Recent issue: they are supposed to "share" FF programs with Delta, so you can earn mileage in either program when you fly either airline. Recently I flew on Delta, and when checking in, was VERY specific that I wanted Continental points, including giving them my Continental number. When the monthly statements came in, the points had been awarded on Delta (a program I don't accumulate point in.) I called 4 different times to both Delta and Continental and explained the problem, including the point that it was the GATE AGENT'S ERROR. Basically I was told "tough luck", and that "once points are assigned, they can't be changed" (apparently REGARDLESS of their own culpability in the error.) I wish I could say this was a "one time problem", but I had a SIMILAR issue (with the same unsatisfactory resolution) previously. Combine this with the fact that is is nearly impossible to cash in points for air travel these days, and the bloom is very much off the rose for so called "loyalty programs". You have been warned...

Simplythebest Mar 4th 2009 6:26PM

The whole industry has been hammered in the new millenium with 9/11 and the employees have taken the hit. The bailout comment is right, if the executive boardroom can justify "cutting their bonuses" to only a few billion.. in just one company.. then they could pay the pilots who have our lives in their hands every day.. a damn pension. And oh by the way, a lot of these flyers are also military veterans. I just hope they can keep their head up after this drubbing by corporate america. We founded aviation, we hold our pilots as heroes, leaders and good citizens.. that's American culture. Will Jindal be flying my next flight?
Save America.. Save Aviation.. Salute your flyboys and keep 'em flying!

Dick Mar 4th 2009 6:26PM

Continental used to be first class, but not any more in my book. I was kept on wait with my 5 year old grandson in Newark for over 7 hours and then told that the flight was cancelled at 1:30 a.m. All employees of Continental left the airport and left us stranded - no offer of a hotel, blankets or a cup of coffee - the airport was closed at 1:30 a.m. Finally got out later the next day but had to fly to a different location and then rent a car and buy a car seat at my expense - no help from Continental. On top of that they sent my luggage to another city - got it several days later. All they offered was excuses. CEO was written, but he didn't bother to respond. Won't fly them again.

KJ Mar 4th 2009 6:25PM

ell Continental does a LOT of things better. Jet Blue is too small to rate. I like their TV's but their coffee is terrible and their snacks are cheap. Continental at least gives you a meal at meal time and they seem tobe on the cutting edge of most issues.

Max Mar 4th 2009 6:25PM

My favorite has and will continue to be Midwest. They are the best care in the air

Christine Marx Mar 4th 2009 6:24PM

Another dumb AOL article. Why should the CEO thank the customers for it's number one rating...IT IS BECAUSE OF THE GOOD SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE EMPLOYEES THAT THEY ARE RANKED NUMBER 1!

usages Mar 4th 2009 7:09PM

I am in sales and fly all year around all over the world.
NO way would I call Continental the BEST of airlines.
If that is the case.... this country is in worse shape than I thought. JET BLUE beats them by a mile, Inland.
As far as Overseas Airlines are concernd.
NOBODY BEATS LUFTHANSA AIRLINE, NOBODY.
This people and there Airline are superb and stick out all over the world. The BEST in my book.

porser Mar 4th 2009 7:13PM

NO WAY is Continental the "BEST".
Give me Jet Blue as the best and than we talk.
Overseas Airline.....Air France? not even close
again i agree with somebody writing LUFTHANSA
is the Best and again I agree, what a great outfit.
They realy do care and I put them on the TOP of my list.
LUFTHANSA you are the greatest and always treat me well, stay this way and keep the wishy washy Continental.

corinna bo bena Mar 4th 2009 8:21PM

Southwest is by far the best airline. Unless they are affected by the weather, they are always on time. They do not charge for 2 pieces of luggage, they still give complimentary drinks, and snacks. Just last week I flew them on a long flight and was offered snacks 4 times! The attendants are friendly, the prices great, I can change my flight without a fee, no luggage fee, and they are on time. There is NOT another airline that is better than them.

ann Mar 4th 2009 7:29PM

every time i work a flight i have customers tell me how great we are. numerous customers who are flying us for the first time decide to give up their points on other airlines to fly with us. i am not saying we are perfect, but we try really hard to do a good job even when the company cuts or pay and pensions.when flying try to keep more of an open mind. try to relax. realize that there are times there is nothing anyone can do and that it is still better than driving.also remember that the airlines don't hire mean nasty people so that if you are experiencing a nasty employee it may be because they have treated very badly by a previous customer or maybe the nasty customer is you. we don't want to come to work and have issues with customers. we just want to do a good job and go home to our families.