Lower fuel prices boost airline profits, but fares to hold steady

The nation's airlines are reporting soaring 2015 profits largely because of sinking fuel prices. The record income, however, isn't translating into big cuts in airfares.

In hopes of appeasing travelers, some carriers are buying newer planes and remodeling terminals. One airline has even brought back free snacks for economy-section fliers.

In earnings reports released this week, executives from the country's biggest carriers crowed about profits that have surpassed totals reported before the Great Recession and the 2001 terrorist attacks.

"Our 2015 performance was a record for Delta on all fronts," said Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Richard Anderson, whose airline reported $4.5 billion in net income for the year, compared with $659 million in 2014.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-airline-profits-fares-20160123-story.html