I love to log on to the Aviation Consumer Protection Division Home Page and find out which airlines are doing the best job with my luggage, and which are most likely to get me where I'm going on time. You can find them at airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/airconsumer/report.htm.
Here, for example, are results of a recent report on the percent of flights arriving on time. The best record was America West, with an on time record of 87%. Second best was United at 86.2%. Others include Continental (85.6), American (84.4), Southwest (83.2), US Airways (81.2), Northwest (81.3), Alaska (80.9), and Delta (79.0). Of course some airlines are handicapped because they fly to and from busier airports. Some airlines are also known to pad their schedules, so they can look more punctual than they really are. Another factor to consider is the time of day of each flight. Delays increase as the day goes on--early-morning flights have the best records; the worst arrive at their destinations between 6 and 10 pm. Hedge your bet and take an earlier flight if at all possible.