( CNN ) -- There is one thing people seem to like about flying : Southwest . In a new survey from Zagat , Southwest Airlines swept several satisfaction categories , including best value among domestic airlines for the third year in a row . The airline also got nods for best luggage policy , best check-in experience , best consumer on-time estimates , and most eco-friendly -- the most top finishes of any airline . `` Customer service is the core of our business , '' said Whitney Eichinger , a spokesperson at Southwest . `` Bottom line , we have fun . Southwest takes our business very seriously , but is known for having employees who care about our customers which , in this industry , separates us from our competitors . '' Eichinger added that Southwest will continue to offer customers the chance to check their first two bags free , a major draw for the airline since other popular carriers began charging up to $ 25 to check one bag . The survey , conducted on Zagat.com , includes 8,000 opinions from frequent fliers and travel professionals , flying an average of 17 times per year . It covers 16 domestic airlines and 74 international airlines , as well as 30 airports within the United States . Continental Airlines and JetBlue Airways topped the survey for premium seating and economy seating , respectively . This is Continental 's third year winning the premium seating category among large domestic airlines . Singapore Airlines was the top-rated international airline for both premium seating and economy seating , receiving a survey-high score of 28 out of 30 for its premium seats . As for airports , Portland International topped the Overall Quality ratings with 22.47 out of 30 , while New York 's LaGuardia stayed at the bottom with 6.18 out of 30 . This is LaGuardia 's fourth year as America 's least favorite airport . `` It 's very , very crowded . ... They 're having trouble keeping up with the traffic , '' said Tim Zagat , co-founder , co-chair and CEO of Zagat Survey . `` I think a lot of the infrastructure is out of date . '' In order to move up in the rankings next year , Zagat said they should `` knock it down and start over . '' Travelers said that direct routes were the most important factor when choosing a flight , followed by ticket price and past experience with an airline . Forty-five percent of people try to avoid flying airlines that charge for checked luggage . `` My bags get better service , but they pay extra , '' one survey respondent joked . Check out the full survey results here .
Southwest swept several customer service categories in a recent survey . Southwest is one of the few airlines that allows customers to check their bags for free . Singapore Airlines was the top - rated international airline for both business and economy seating . For the forth year in a row , LaGuardia was rated the worst airline .