I would tap those credit facilities that the airlines have, or turn to the shareholders or the government, but I would not steal other people's money.

And, what should you, as a passenger, do if you paid money for the service that you did not receive and you are forced to accept a voucher you have no use for because you have no plans to travel with this airline again? Many many trips were planned as a one-off. I am sure many restaurants, bars, cinemas, theatres etc. would love to be in the lucky position that the airlines found themselves in because they took our money in advance. Those other businesses also want to stay afloat and pay their staff, and yet they are forced to survive resorting to other measures. Some passengers may have lost their jobs or have been furloughed and would want to get their money back to get by. It sucks for everyone now, but the money belongs to the passenger. No tearful story will change that fact. Passengers should not try to 'understand' the situation the airlines are in. Many other businesses are in the same situation but without the free loans that we have given to the airlines.