Overview
- United’s CEO said ticket prices would need to rise about 20% for the airline to break even if jet fuel stays elevated.
- United is cutting roughly 5% of flights in the second and third quarters of 2026 and has paused service to Tel Aviv and Dubai.
- Scott Kirby is planning for oil as high as $175 a barrel, which he said would add about $11 billion to United’s annual costs.
- Jet fuel prices have nearly doubled in recent weeks and most airlines no longer hedge fuel, leaving them more exposed to price spikes.
- Fares have already jumped, with Deutsche Bank finding average transcontinental prices up from $167 to $414 as strong demand lets carriers pass on costs.