United CEO Warns of More Fare Spikes, Talks Up Possible Deals
United CEO Scott Kirby is doubling down on premium, banking on high-spend travelers not flinching even if the broader economy softens.
Meghna Maharishi is Skift’s Airline Reporter, where she covers everything from loyalty programs to policy-making in Washington, D.C. She previously covered the airline industry at The Points Guy, worked on the investigative desk at CNBC, and did data visualization at CNN Politics. Send tips to Meghna on Signal at mmaharishi.61.
United’s 250-Plane Order Includes More Lie-Flat Seats — and Snack Bars
United is forging ahead with its growth plans and doubling down on premium experiences.
Did ICE Help? Airports Stop Posting Wait Times as Lines Stretch for Hours
Record demand and TSA staffing shortages are pushing airport operations to the breaking point. Deploying ICE agents could help at the margins — but it doesn’t solve the underlying problem.
Trump to Send ICE Agents to Airports Monday
Even without a direct role in screening, a visible ICE presence at airports risks adding new friction to an already fragile inbound travel environment.
Skift Newsletters
🌤️ Airlines’ Sunny Outlook
Airline executives still expressed optimism about 2026 despite surging jet fuel prices caused by the onset of the war on Iran.
United Bets It Can Beat Fuel Surge — and Outprice Budget Rivals
United Airlines executives are bullish that the carrier will be able to completely offset rising fuel costs this year.
American Airlines Sees More Premium Demand, but Expects Fuel Prices to Hit Profits
American CEO Robert Isom said the carrier would have probably had a profitable first quarter if it weren’t for high fuel prices.
Delta CEO Says Demand Is Up, Despite High Jet Fuel Costs
Even as jet fuel costs continue to rise, Delta expects to increase its first-quarter guidance as premium demand remains strong.
United and Marriott Pitch Ad Strategies to Target Travelers on Plane and Hotel Screens
Marriott and United are pitching companies to place ads on their hotel and airline ad networks, citing BCG research that travelers spend impulsively while traveling.
Donations for Unpaid TSA Agents, Growing Lines: The Shutdown Hits U.S. Airports
Many airports are continuing to see long lines and wait times at security as TSA agents missed their first full paycheck during the partial shutdown.