The long pandemic nightmare for airlines seems to be easing. Southwest Airlines said Thursday that it earned $116 million in the first quarter, thanks to federal aid that helped cover labor costs. With the taxpayer money, Southwest would have lost $1 billion. And American Airlines lost $1.25 billion. Still, the CEOs of both airlines were upbeat, citing an increase in bookings going into the critical summer vacation season. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly says that when it comes to travel demand, the worst is behind the airlines.
