Are Good Times Back Or Just a Great Summer

It appears good times are finally back for the nation's airlines. For you the traveler, it could mean fare bargins may be harder to find .Although today many of the carriers were offering reduced August rates to a number of destinations
This summer's travel season got off to a great start, fares were up, and fees from baggage and other items formerly free brought in large amounts of incremental revenue...
The six biggest U.S. airlines earned about $1.3 billion in the second quarter, and more profits are expected for the rest of the year. .
Here's a look at what travelers can expect in the months ahead:
FEES
A recent study shows that worldwide, carriers took in $13.5 billion from fees in 2009, a 43 percent jump in just one year.
"Fees are going to be around for awhile. Spirit Airlines' announced a fee of $45 for some carry-on bags beginning on some flights starting Aug. 1.
Summer fares are up an average of 18 percent, However, travel demand will taper off as fall approaches —
LOAD FACTORS
Leisure travel demand has been strong and although we are seeing some over the board sales for August. Seats are full like never before. Including regional flights, Delta filled 88 percent of its seats in June, Continental sold 87 percent, and American 86 percent — that's about 2 percentage points higher than last summer
Although the summer has been strong, advance bookings for the month of August are running behind last year's numbers..So, are we  out of the recession or just having a good summer?
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