United’s Higher Fares Can’t Keep Up With Soaring Fuel Costs

United Airlines has pushed back its target for recovering 100% of higher fuel costs through ticket prices, after another sharp increase in jet fuel left the carrier unable to keep pace with its escalating expenses.

The airline recovered 72% of its additional fuel costs in the third quarter, up from roughly 50% in the second but short of the 80% to 90% it guided over the summer. It now expects a similar rate in the current fourth quarter, abandoning its earlier target of recovering 100% of the increase by the end of 2026.

Speaking to analysts on Wednesday after the publication of its latest financial results, United executives pinned the shortfall on the speed of the latest fuel price spike rather than any fundamental weakness in demand or the airline's pricing power.

"We're highly confident in our ability to recapture 100% of increases in our fuel costs – but with a lag," said Mike Leskinen, the carrier's chief financial officer.

United’s