ATLANTA — The recession has put the major U.S. airlines into two camps — the profitable ones that have low costs and a domestic focus, and the money-losing ones with higher expenses and big networks that are under global pressure.

That stark contrast played out again yesterday as Alaska Air Group Inc. and JetBlue Airways Corp. said they were in the black in the third quarter and Delta Air Lines Inc. and US Airways Group Inc. remained in the red.

Passengers can expect more fare sales, but ticket prices will creep up at times and will be more expensive during the holidays. Those annoying add-on fees won't be going away either.

The airlines know passengers aren't eager to open their wallets. Customers "continue to be under pressure — budgetary pressure and pressure on the economic front," Delta President Ed Bastian said during a conference call with analysts and reporters.

The July-September quarter includes part of the traditionally busy summer season, but major airlines were hit hard this year by weak overall demand for air travel, especially for business and international travel.

CHINA'S GROWTH WORRIES INVESTORS

SHANGHAI — Lavish government spending and bank lending helped China's growth rate accelerate to an 8.9 percent pace in the third quarter, far outstripping expansions elsewhere around the globe and raising questions about whether the rapid rebound can be sustained.

China also announced yesterday that industrial production and investment spending are growing at a faster pace. That seemingly good news unsettled local stock investors, however, on fears Beijing may need to rein in its stimulus policies to avoid asset bubbles and inflation.

Companies, central bankers and political leaders around the world are increasingly counting on growing demand from Chinese producers and consumers to offset sluggish home markets.

MCDONALD'S BRACES FOR LOWER EARNINGS

CHICAGO — McDonald's Inc., a notable winner from the recession because of its cheap menu, cautioned yesterday that the company could post disappointing U.S. sales figures in October.

That first hint of weakness from a company that's managed to thrive as its competitors falter came as it posted a solid 6 percent profit increase.

CEO Jim Skinner told investors that sales in U.S. locations open at least a year would be "flat to slightly negative" in October.

If that happens, it would be only the third time the monthly figure hasn't climbed in 6 1/2 years and shows McDonald's isn't immune to the pressures on customers who are eating out less and spending less when they do.

"This is due in part to the current economy environment and strong results from a year ago," he told investors during a conference call.

AMERICAN EXPRESS 3Q PROFITS DECLINE

NEW YORK — American Express Co. reported its eighth straight quarter of falling profits yesterday as consumers spent and borrowed less.

However, while Amex reported a 22 percent drop in earnings, it said there are signs that the decline in spending could be stabilizing and the rise in loan losses easing.

Investors viewed the report with caution, sending the stock down 34 cents to $36.10 in after-hours trading.

Shares had gained $1.34, or 3.8 percent, to close regular trading at $36.44 before the report's release.

In the U.S. card business, the percentage of loans AmEx thinks won't be repaid rose to 8.9 percent from 5.9 percent a year earlier.