Why Little Alaska Airlines Has the Happiest Customers in the Sky

The Western-U.S.-based airline has one of the most valuable loyalty programs in the business. Now it’s expanding routes across the continent.

It practically goes without saying: American airlines have a public-relations crisis on their hands.

Almost every week since a passenger was bloodied and dragged off a United Airlines Inc. flight in early April, another outrage has swept the internet. Families kicked off planes because of birthday cake. Girls in leggings denied boarding. Heated confrontations about strollers. All-out brawls amid tighter-than-ever seats.