It is earnings season and we are taking a look at the top industries in this earnings spotlight series. Today’s report focuses on the airline industry as expectations are definitely high for the space. Not only is the airline sector facing reduced competition and seeing lower fuel prices, but it has a Zacks Industry Rank in the top 40% too. Five key companies are due up in the days ahead, starting with United Continental (UAL) on Wednesday. Recent estimates have been a bit higher here, but will it be enough to beat out expectations? We take a closer look at the chart and recent performance for some possible clues. We also discuss Southwest Airlines (LUV) and if this low-cost airline can keep its winning streak alive, along with what investors need to watch for this company in the weeks ahead. There are also two Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) stocks reporting this week, including Hawaiian (HA) and American (AAL). We find out what the trends have been in both, and where investors might be facing more turbulence after their reports. And finally, investors have Alaska Airlines (ALK) which recently moved to acquire rival Virgin America (VA). Estimates haven’t been trending in the right direction for this stock, but buyout news is likely to dominate the headlines for ALK this week, as well as their plans for the new combined company. Watch the video for more earnings insights and a closer look at the charts for these airline stocks. And make sure to tune in later in the week for more analysis of company reports! Want more insights from Zacks? See our latest free report 5 Stocks to Double. Click here to receive this free report now >>> Author owns LUV in a personal account.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report SOUTHWEST AIR (LUV): Free Stock Analysis Report HAWAIIAN HLDGS (HA): Free Stock Analysis Report ALASKA AIR GRP (ALK): Free Stock Analysis Report UNITED CONT HLD (UAL): Free Stock Analysis Report AMER AIRLINES (AAL): Free Stock Analysis Report VIRGIN AMERICA (VA): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research