ATA latest to exit bankruptcy

Josh Roberts believes the best trips involve long hikes and muddy boots. His life goals haven't changed much since he was a kid: He still wants to be Indiana Jones when he grows up.

Follow him on Twitter (@joshwhowrites) and Instagram (@joshwhowrites), and visit his website (joshrobertsbooks.com) or Goodreads page to learn more about his forthcoming novel.

Josh joined SmarterTravel in 2001, and is an active member in both the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

In addition to SmarterTravel, he has written for USA Today, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Travel, The Huffington Post, Airfarewatchdog, TripAdvisor, Jetsetter, ABC News, Oyster, and Business Insider. His travel photography can be seen in Britain and Ireland's Best Wild Places, published by Penguin UK.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A lacrosse ball. It's small, lightweight, and works wonders on loosening up tight muscles."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Being the first to discover an ancient lost city. Failing that, visiting as many of the already-discovered ancient ruins as possible."

Travel Motto: "Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle."

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Struggling low-cost carrier ATA is the latest airline to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It’s expected to emerge today after shedding nearly half its planes, more than half its workforce, and more than a dozen cities from its route map.

The leaner carrier plans to focus its energies—and its hopes of continued operation—on leisure travelers. This is in stark contrast to the strategy of United, another airline to fly out of bankruptcy this year. United is staking its future on business travelers.

The contrast between the two highlights the intersection we’ve reached in the travel industry. Some speculate that the legacy carriers may ultimately cede much of the domestic map to low-cost lines, concentrating instead on international travel.

It’s a trend we’re already seeing, at least in its infancy, with United, Delta, and American. Certainly it bears watching. It also begs the question, if low-cost carriers replace the legacy carriers on most routes, will they need to be low-cost anymore?

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