AC

For years, US Airways found itself ranked in or near last place when it came to the services that matter most to passengers. But times have changed. In July, US Airways had a lower rate of mishandled bags than any of its traditional, big-network peers, according to the latest report from the Transportation Department's Bureau of Transportation Statistics. It was the sixth month this year that the airline came out on top when compared with Delta, United, Continental and American. And in 2010, US Airways was ranked No. 1 among the so-called legacy carriers — and sixth out of the 16 largest airlines overall — in the Airline Quality Rating Report compiled by professors at Wichita State and Purdue universities. It was near the bottom of the overall list just four years ago. The airline's steady rise is the result of a concentrated effort to improve its service and image at a time when the airline industry is fighting for every passenger. And though US Airways still often ranks below...