Our friends at J.D. Power and Associates are at it again. Last week they leaked their 2009 North America Airline Satisfaction Study to a largely uncritical mainstream media. This morning, they let the rest of us have the results, in which they claim “overall customer satisfaction with airlines in 2009 has declined for a third consecutive year to a four-year low.” But has it? And does that mean anything?

Elliott is consumer advocate
WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM? If you're having trouble with a travel business - any business - and you've reached a dead end, maybe I can help. Send me an