United Airlines slashes 2026 profit outlook on fuel prices, but travelers keep booking despite higher fares

United Airlines has lowered its profit expectations for 2026 due to rising fuel prices, forecasting adjusted earnings of $0.50 to $1.50 per share for the fourth quarter, below analyst predictions. Despite increased airfares and a 62% rise in fuel costs compared to last year, the airline reported strong booking numbers, with third-quarter net income up 8.5% to $1.03 billion and revenue increasing 17.4% to $17.88 billion. CEO Scott Kirby emphasized the airline's focus on brand loyalty as a key factor in its performance amidst the challenging environment.