This month, the AAA forecast that more than
109 million people will travel 50 miles or more
during the holiday season between December
23 and January 2. Airlines, according to AAA,
will see a 184% increase from last year.
Airlines are also wrestling with the same issues
afflicting many of the country’s employers.
staff shortages and other hurdles that have
emerged as the U.S. emerges from the worst of
the pandemic. That can limit flights available
and increase ticket prices.
Delta reported a $1.2 billion profit in its third
quarter, helped by federal pandemic aid for
the airline industry. The carrier lost money
throughout 2020 during the pandemic and
after a loss to start the year, it’s put up two
profitable quarters and appears headed
for another.
Shares of Delta Air Lines Inc., based in Atlanta,
rose more than 2% before the market open
and shares of other major carriers rose as well.