United Airlines shrinking as debt grows amid virus

The number of people traveling on airlines is scraping along at levels not seen in decades, with only about 17 passengers on the average domestic flight, and the number of people passing through airport security checkpoints is down 93% from a year ago.

Major airlines, including Chicago-based United Airlines have been forced to slash their flight schedules while adding extra safety measures to protect their employees and passengers from contracting COVID-19 on their flights.

Management has signaled that United's management and administrative team could be reduced by 30-percent in October after funding from the government's CARES Act runs out.

United and other leading U.S. airlines is requiring all crews and passengers to wear facial coverings during flights. Josh Earnest, chief communications officer at United, says the airline is providing masks to passengers who don't bring their own.

Like other airlines, United is also stepping up the cleaning of plane cabins to help prevent spread of the coronavirus.