Airplanes packed, profits soar

Actually, fewer passengers are expected to fly between Dec. 17 and Jan. 6 than during the same period last year. But planes will be just as cramped because the carriers are reducing the number of available seats. If you're an airline shareholder, this is good news: North American carriers are projected to report a profit of $2.4 billion in 2012, up sharply from $1.7 billion a year earlier. Next year could be even better, provided that the economy holds up. Keep in mind, however, that 2012's net profit margin is expected to be only 0.6 percent. That's extremely low, even by the standards of an industry that seldom makes much money.