The airline industry has been battered and bruised by the COVID-19 pandemic, with travel volumes down substantially compared to last year. The airlines are all losing money right now, and with the industry not expected to make a full recovery until 2022 at the earliest carriers are preparing for the worst.
Despite the issues, to date there have been no layoffs thanks to a provision of the CARES Act stimulus plan that traded $25 billion in payroll support for a temporary prohibition on involuntary separations. But that layoff ban expired on Sept. 30, and job cuts are looming.
The airlines are hoping for a last-minute reprieve in the form of a second stimulus package, but as of this writing lawmakers have yet to come through. Absent some added payroll support that prevents layoffs, here's how three Motley Fool Contributors see Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) , United Airlines Holdings (NASDAQ: UAL) , and Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK) proceeding in the months to come.
For further details see:
What's Next for These 3 Airline Stocks After Government Restrictions Expire in October?