United trims summer schedule
United Airlines said it is cutting roughly 5% of its summer flights and is raising baggage fees as fuel costs surge. (rustourismnews.com). The carrier’s move sits alongside broader network reshaping at others as airlines try to protect profitability amid volatile fuel prices. ( ).
United Airlines is cutting about 5% of its planned flying for the second and third quarters of 2026 as fuel costs surge. (cnbc.com) Chief Executive Scott Kirby said in a March 20 staff memo that United will trim roughly three percentage points of off-peak flying, pull about one percentage point of capacity from Chicago O’Hare, and keep Tel Aviv and Dubai suspended. He said the airline aims to restore the full schedule in the fall. (cnbc.com) United also raised checked-bag fees by $10 for tickets purchased starting April 3. On most domestic itineraries, a first checked bag now costs $45 if prepaid and $50 if bought within 24 hours of departure. (cnbc.com) The airline linked both moves to a sharp jump in jet fuel prices. CNBC reported fuel costs were up more than 80% from late February levels, while Aviation Week said Kirby warned current prices could add about $11 billion to United’s annual fuel bill. (cnbc.com, aviationweek.com) That is a big number for an airline business that runs on thin margins and sells many seats months in advance. Kirby said the extra fuel expense alone would be more than twice the profit United made in its “best year ever.” (cnbc.com) United is not the only carrier changing prices and schedules. FlightGlobal reported JetBlue had already raised bag fees, Delta Air Lines said it had flexibility to trim capacity, and BNP Paribas estimated airlines globally had cut about 5% of planned flying by April 2. (flightglobal.com, cnbc.com) United said some travelers can still avoid the higher bag charges. The airline said United Chase cardholders, MileagePlus Premier members, active-duty military members, and premium-cabin passengers still get a free checked bag on eligible trips. (cnbc.com) Kirby said United still plans to take delivery of about 120 new aircraft in 2026 and another 130 by April 2028, signaling that the cuts are aimed at this summer’s economics rather than a retreat from longer-term growth. (aviationweek.com) For travelers, the near-term effect is simpler: fewer off-peak flights, tighter seat supply, and higher fees on trips booked after April 3. United’s bet is that cutting unprofitable flying now is cheaper than operating a full summer schedule with fuel near current levels. (cnbc.com, cnbc.com)
