Delta ranks 3rd in customer satisfaction study

Delta Air Lines was among the carriers that improved its customer satisfaction rating in a new national report.

Atlanta-based Delta had a 6.7 percent increase in its score in the University of Michigan?s study on customer satisfaction, and ranked third among airlines. Southwest and Continental took the No. 1 and No. 2 spots.

Airlines overall are doing a better job of taking care of the passengers they still have, according to the study.

Passenger satisfaction with airline service rose 3.2 percent earlier this year, the first increase in six years.

The increase comes as the number of passengers drops and airlines have reduced flying.

Southwest Airlines has the highest score. The biggest improvers were Continental Airlines and US Airways, which both rose more than 9 percent. United Airlines was unchanged in last place.