The winglets have gotten a major boost from Southwest Airlines Co.

WSJ: Air War: 'Winglet' vs. 'Sharklet'

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

In the past five years, the airline industry has seen the combinations of Delta with Northwest, United with Continental and Southwest Airlines Co. with AirTran.

WSJ: What an American-US Airways merger means for you

Twenty-five years ago, that company was Southwest Airlines Co. ( LUV), which went on to gain a reputation as one of the best run companies in the country.

FORBES: Is Allegiant Ready For Take Off?

Steve Landes, who runs a Florida organization of travelers who commute by air between home and business, says many frequent travelers are switching to Southwest Airlines Co.

WSJ: Airline Cancellation Fees and Penalties Are a Big Business

Although it also had its share of cancellations in the midst of those storms, the best candidate appeared to be Houston-based Southwest Airlines Co. ( LUV), which showed a solid profit over winter 2009-10 in spite of the weather.

FORBES: Industries And Businesses That Boom As The Snow Falls

Yet BUD looks like a bargain compared to a Boston Beer Co. ( SAM) the Southwest Airlines of this sector which brews the beloved Sam Adams line.

FORBES: Pass On The Bud, Order The Microbrew

There are also some symbols that have a dubious relationship to their owners, such as (NYSE: KO) of Coca-Cola Company (were CO or COLA taken?) and (NYSE: LUV) for Southwest Airlines (a bit cutesy).

FORBES: The Evolution of Ticker Symbols