AIRLINES

American Recaptures Lead: American Airlines has overtaken Southwest Airlines to become the nation’s best major carrier, according to the results of a survey. The 1995 Airline Quality Rating, compiled by researchers at Wichita State University in Kansas and the University of Nebraska, is based on a host of factors, including safety, on-time performance, age of the fleet and traveler complaints. Dallas-based American, the nation’s largest carrier, had been rated the best for three years in a row before Southwest pushed it aside last year. Southwest ranked second this year. Continental again ranked last.