U.S. budget airlines struggle as giant fliers get more shares: report

NEW YORK, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Delta and United have become the most profitable U.S. airlines by targeting premium customers while also winning back a significant share of travelers on a tight budget, reported The Associated Press on Friday.

"That is squeezing smaller low-fare carriers like Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday. Some travel-industry experts think Spirit's troubles indicate that travelers on a budget will be left with fewer choices and higher prices," noted the report.