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?
As fuel prices rise, United Continental Holdings says it is scrapping plans to add flights this year and also plans to drop unprofitable routes.
New technology is leading to changes in business relationships between airlines and online ticketing sites. It'll take a while for the new landscape to settle down, but the near-term result could be potential windfalls for some carriers -- and confusion for air travelers.
The International Air Transport Association expects airline profit to plunge 40% this year as fewer passengers travel during the recession and as fuel prices rise. But that doesn't mean you'll necessarily be able to score a good deal: Airfares are likely to keep climbing.
Airlines plan to nearly triple the number of planes with in-flight Internet access this year, but fewer than one in 50 passengers currently pay for the service. When will WiFi revenues start to take off?
Separately, United and Continental's frequent flier programs are among the most robust loyalty programs in the business, allowing passengers to earn and spend miles in a variety of ways. Combining the two will create a powerhouse program.
