United trims summer flying

United Airlines is trimming about 5% of its planned flying for the second and third quarters of 2026 as fuel costs jump, squeezing the peak summer schedule. (reuters.com) Chief Executive Scott Kirby told employees on March 20 that United would cut more unprofitable flights over the next two quarters, with most of the reduction coming in off-peak periods such as red-eyes and flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Reuters reported United expects to restore its full schedule by the fall. (reuters.com) United also raised checked-bag fees for tickets bought on or after April 3, 2026. The first and second checked bags went up by $10 in most markets, and the third bag rose by $50, according to United’s baggage policy page. (united.com) On many domestic itineraries, that means a first checked bag now starts at $45 if prepaid, $50 in the lobby, and $75 at the gate for Basic Economy tickets bought on or after April 3. United’s Basic Economy page lists the earlier prices as $35, $40, and $65. (united.com) The pressure point is jet fuel. Airlines for America’s Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index showed a price of $4.08 a gallon on April 10, 2026, and Reuters reported prices had surged sharply in March as carriers warned of higher operating costs. (airlines.org, reuters.com) Kirby said in March that if oil stayed above $100 a barrel through 2027, United’s annual fuel bill would rise by about $11 billion. He also said the price spike had already added roughly $400 million to operating costs, according to Reuters and follow-up coverage of United’s fee increase. (reuters.com, dailyjournal.net) United is not alone in passing those costs through to travelers. CNBC reported on April 2 that United became the second United States carrier in a week to raise checked-bag fees as the industry dealt with a more than 80% jump in jet-fuel costs. (cnbc.com) For passengers, the immediate effect is simpler than the fuel math: fewer schedule options on lower-demand days and higher charges for bags on many North America and Latin America trips booked after April 3. United’s summer network is still largely intact, but the airline is pulling back where it says the flights no longer pay. (reuters.com, united.com)