United Raises U.S. Airfares to $383, Cuts Flights as Jet Fuel Costs Jump 20%-50%
Updated
Updated · KTRK-TV · May 21
United Raises U.S. Airfares to $383, Cuts Flights as Jet Fuel Costs Jump 20%-50%
5 articles · Updated · KTRK-TV · May 21
$383 average domestic airfare now stands above the $336 level recorded on Feb. 23, as United raises ticket prices and baggage fees and trims some flights.
Jet fuel costs have risen 20% to 50% rapidly, United said, pushing the airline to offset higher operating expenses while absorbing part of the increase rather than passing all of it to customers.
Lower-demand routes have seen the deepest flight cuts, while United says overall travel demand remains strong.
Houston travelers may feel the changes acutely because United operates about 60% of flights at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, prompting some passengers to book more strategically or use miles.
United said it will keep investing in ways to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels, aiming to limit future fuel-price swings and eventually ease cost pressure.
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