Airlines Hike Up Added Fees, Just in Time for Summer
Summer is almost here, but before you pack up your bags for that big trip, keep in mind these additional airline fees. Even some discount carriers are getting into the act.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest's Profits Dive: Could Baggage Fees Be Coming?
Southwest Airlines' profits dipped 40 percent last quarter, leading some to speculate that the airline may jettison its "bags fly free" policy in a bid to lift revenues.
Airline Stocks Soar, in Spite of Sequestration
All of the major air carriers beat Wall Street expectations, even though some are still struggling to post consistent profits – and sequestration challenges continue.
Higher Fares Help Boost Southwest Airlines' Profit
Higher fares are helping Southwest Airlines make more money than Wall Street expected, but the company says automatic federal spending cuts could hurt revenue in April.
Midday Market Minute: Airline Stocks Are Flying High
Major airlines still face plenty of problems, but at least they're operating in the black. 2012 was the third straight year of profits for the industry, even though the fourth-quarter results out this week are mixed.
What's In a Ticker Symbol? More Than You Might Think
It turns out, choosing an amusing ticker symbol isn't just an exercise in fun-and-games. Several studies have found that companies with clever or catchy ticker symbols tend to perform better. Here are some examples.
Cheapest Airfares Might Be on Airlines' Own Websites
Airlines are offering more deals to passengers who book flights directly on their websites. It's an effort to steer people away from online travel agencies such as Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity, which charge the carriers commissions of roughly $10 to $25 a ticket.
Your Checked Luggage Is Saving the Airline Industry
As much as customers hate them, baggage fees and other tacked-on charges for travelers have made a huge difference to the bottom lines of airlines.
Wishing You Could Meet a Millionaire in Midair? Fly Delta
It's no surprise that many millionaires who travel prefer to fly (instead of, say, taking a train or riding the bus). But all airlines are not created equal when it comes to deep-pocketed passengers.
United Cancels Preboarding: What Airlines Are Still Family Friendly?
United Airlines is no longer letting families with small children board its airplanes early, and it's not the only one tightening up its policies. Where do the others fall on the family-friendly scale? We quizzed the airlines to find out.
Online Travel Sites' Dirty Little Secrets
There is absolutely nothing wrong with using travel portals, but you still can't assume that any given site is offering you the best possible deal. Let's go over a few things that Priceline, Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz would probably prefer that you don't know.
7 Ways Inflation Will Hit Americans in 2012
With the economy still trying to muster a recovery, and unemployment still around 8.5%, any price increases are painful. And just a month into 2012, a spate of headlines points to more hurt ahead. Here are seven ways inflation will be digging into your wallet this year:
How Safe Are Your Frequent Flier Miles?
If you're a fan of frequent flier miles, and the carrier you fly most goes bust, what should you do? Stick with the airline, or make a change? Are your points still worth anything? Don't worry, American Airlines loyalists -- the answers aren't as grim as you might fear.
American Airlines Bankruptcy: How It Will Affect You
Flying during the holidays is a harrowing experience at best, and on Tuesday, American Airlines' customers got another thing to worry about when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As the airline prepares to massively restructure itself, will its customers be left at the gate?
Santa's Customer Service List: Who's Naughty, Who's Nice
When it comes to how they treat their customers, some companies follow Santa-like policies. Others are more like the Grinch. But which is which? Consumer Reports offers the skinny on how a number of high-profile businesses behave with its Naughty & Nice Holiday List. Here's a rundown: