It will come as no shock to anyone that, for the third quarter of this year, United States airlines are going to be putting up less than great earnings. Some experts say that this could be the end of the hard times for the airlines, and they will be able to make their way out of the red next year. However, other experts are now saying otherwise. A recent uptick in travel may indicate that recovery could be just a stone throw away.

It now seems that two recent trends have now brightened the outlook for many United States airlines. A few of the large airlines have been able to raise some much needed cash just before possible bankruptcy talks got underway. Many carriers have already said that their September traffic was better this year than it was last year.

This has many investors, as well as travelers, wondering if United States airlines could be recovering from the recession earlier than expected. Of course, this could also mean that higher fares will be on their way soon as well. Analysts go on to say that five out of the six largest United States airlines actually lost money in the July through September quarter. Continental Airlines being the only airline that actually was able to turn a profit.

Other experts wonder if air travel will ever go back to the way it was. Overall, airlines would love to be able to bring fares back up to what they were a few years ago. However, many companies, as well as many leisure travelers, now see that they are able to travel for much less. Some are even willing to say that, if they do not get these great deals from the big airlines, then they will get it from budget airlines.