Airlines, Retailers Offer Bleak Outlook for Consumer Demand (2)

Two of the biggest US airlines slashed their financial forecasts and a host of major retailers warned of consumer weakness ahead, adding to concerns about a potential recession.

American Airlines Group Inc. on Tuesday predicted its first-quarter loss would be roughly double its prior guidance, less than a day after Delta Air Lines Inc. cut its profit outlook in half. The carriers, along with rival Southwest Airlines Co., are reining in expectations in the face of a broad and rapid reversal of demand trends.

Delta Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian didn’t mince words when describing the start to the ...