The Nation - Airlines squeeze fliers as profit soars
The nation's airlines were late more often this summer, lost more baggage and bumped more passengers off flights than in any summer this decade. They also made more money.
Despite the worst summer ever for air travelers, major airlines posted huge profits as they packed more passengers into fewer and smaller planes.
Profit at American Airlines, the nation's largest carrier, jumped more than tenfold to $175 million in the third quarter while Delta Air Lines, the third-largest, said net income quadrupled to $220 million compared with the year-earlier period. Profit would have been higher if not for rising fuel costs.
The results elated investors but fueled anger among consumer groups.
"I'm aghast there isn't more public outcry over this," said Kate Hanni, president of the Coalition for an Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights, a consumer advocacy group based in Napa Valley. "They're making money hand over fist at the expense of passengers."
On Wall Street, initial jubilation with the better-than-expected results gave way to worries about another surge in fuel prices this week that could sink future airline profits. The escalating cost of oil prompted some airlines to increase fares by $10 on Thursday.
But for now, airlines are having a banner year. Most of the profit gains came from cutting costs and packing more passengers into planes because airlines have had difficulty raising fares.
"It was the best quarter since 9/11," said Ray Neidl, an analyst with Calyon Securities, adding that airlines were also able to sell more expensive tickets as they pushed international travel. "They loaded up the planes and had better seat management."
It's all part of the changes sweeping air travel in recent years. Domestic coach flights often mean narrower seats, less legroom, and charges for food and entertainment. Some airlines take a no-frills approach and charge for baggage, pillows and seating assignments. At the same time, international flights have turned first-class travel into a big moneymaker, with higher prices but also gourmet meals, spacious seats, more legroom and seats that turn into beds.
Some frequent travelers tried to keep their emotions in check Thursday.
"I try not to get upset if there is nothing I can do about it," said Beth Butera, a computer analyst from San Clemente. This frequent flier is resigned to service that is "sometimes really good and sometimes really bad."
