United Airlines still expects to fully recover a recent increase in jet fuel costs over time, even as a sharp rise in prices pressures near-term margins. Chief financial officer Michael Leskinen told the Morgan Stanley Laguna conference that about 35% of the carrier’s fourth-quarter tickets had already been sold, limiting how quickly fares can be adjusted.
The airline continues to see strong premium-cabin demand, improving corporate traffic and little evidence of broad demand destruction. That supports its view that higher fares can offset fuel inflation, particularly in the premium segment where United has been focusing its network and product strategy. The carrier’s comments also point to some operational flexibility if fuel stays elevated, including trimming marginal flights and potentially adjusting capacity into the first quarter and 2027. United’s position fits a wider industry pattern in which airlines try to protect margins by raising fares and reducing less profitable flying while demand remains resilient.