Overall, the best performer in a 2009 Middle Seat scorecard weighing on-time punctuality, flight cancellations, baggage handling, complaints and bumping was Southwest Airlines Co.

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

MPs demanded that Southeastern re-examined the punctuality figures announced in January.

BBC: Southeastern train franchise extended for two years

In the financial year 2000-01, Railtrack's last full year before administration, punctuality averaged 79.1%.

ECONOMIST: Go away, please

In the year 2002-03, including six months when Network Rail was in charge, punctuality averaged 79.2%.

ECONOMIST: Go away, please

In the year-long figures for 1999, only one company - the Isle of Wight Island Line - managed to get into category A by scoring top grades in both punctuality and reliability.

BBC: Rail firms rapped over timekeeping

It has struggled in recent years as cost-cutting ate into reliability (Ryanair, by contrast, has a good reputation for punctuality and keeping passengers together with their luggage).

ECONOMIST: Budget airlines

He insisted on punctuality, banned mobile phones at team meals, and demanded more time away from the famous wives and girlfriends - or "Wags" as they have become known.

BBC: Radio 4 Profile: England manager Fabio Capello