Though the survey questions are not made public, passengers were asked prior to boarding to rate their satisfaction with the airport they were in, presumably including questions about ticketing and security lines, airport signage, airport navigability and retail and dining options, among others.

BBC: The best airports of 2012

The rate at which airlines denied boarding to passengers rose 9% through the first nine months of 2009, the most recent reported by DOT.

WSJ: An Airline Report Card: Fewer Delays, Hassles Last Year, but Bumpy Times May Be Ahead

In addition to on-time performance, the joint project looks at three other categories: rate of consumer complaints, mishandled bags and denied boarding performance.

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