Delta Air Lines

Of all the industries that have achieved record profits recently, none have posted more remarkable results than the airline industry. For the first time in a decade, the industry is on a glide path to profitability -- but it's getting there by squeezing its customers.

Those irritating fees aren't going away, but over the next few years, some of them will be attached to new a la carte services that travelers may be happier to pay for. Think personal concierge services, intercity rail ticket sales -- and even in-flight spa treatments.

The storms last month not only inconvenienced travelers; they also cut into Delta Air Lines's profit, the company warned Wednesday. Delta has lowered its profit guidance by $45 million as a result.

Virgin Atlantic Airways, the airline that said six months ago it is interested in a merger deal, has attracted approaches from several parties. "We've received a number of lines of enquiry," Virgin spokesman Greg Dawson said in a statement, according to Bloomberg News. Deutsche Bank AG's work...

When Virgin American offered traveler writer Randy Diamond the chance to upgrade his ticket to "Main Cabin Select" for a mere $500 more than the coach fare, he assumed it must be for a first-class seat. But what the airline is actually offering for that upgrade may surprise you.

Will airline travel plunge after two bombs were discovered on board cargo planes?

Delta, US Airways and AMR, the parent of American Airlines, all posted higher-than-expected earnings for the peak summer travel season. Airlines have pushed fares up by limiting the number of seats for sale, and have also seen growing international and corporate travel.