After steadily losing altitude, not to mention money--$13 billion between 1990 and 1994--the airline industry has been getting whole and then some. Last year the airlines posted a record $5.2 billion profit, up from $3.9 billion in 1996, and industry watchers expect earnings to climb to $5.4 billion this year. Passenger loads, averaging 70%, are at their highest in five decades. Alas, profits seem to be inversely proportional to passenger comfort. How else can you explain jumbo jets equipped with the smallest of seats?
That's why the alliance between Northwest and Continental, announced last week, will probably improve the ride for...
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