Every month, the Department of Transportation tracks airline data like complaints, lost luggage and bumped passengers. And every year those figures are compiled to rate the airlines. But you have to consider the context when it comes to rankings.

In 2011, the DOT recorded more than 9,000 complaints against U.S. airlines. Sounds like a lot, right? But when you consider how many millions of people fly each year, it only amounts to a sliver.

The airlines will brag that the rate of lost, delayed or damaged bags has improved from last year. But let’s look at the context: Fewer people are checking bags because they don’t want to pay for it!

Here’s what I do when it comes to rankings. Instead of rating the airline as a whole, I look at the routes.

The best airline from LA to NY is different than the best airline from  LA to Chicago. After all, you wouldn’t rank a hotel based just on its brand name–each property varies by city and location.

But there is one finding from the report that you might agree with. Air passengers are NOT happy with the neverending list of a la carte fees…and neither am I.

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