Phê Vé
April 23, 2026 • 3 min read
Airline ticket prices are on the rise, and United Airlines predicts this trend will continue. This article analyzes the reasons behind the increase and provides useful information for Vietnamese travelers.
Where Are Rising Airline Ticket Prices Coming From?
The aviation industry is facing numerous challenges, particularly due to soaring fuel prices that have driven up operational costs for airlines. Ticket price fluctuations are highly sensitive, and simply raising prices isn’t a straightforward solution. Recently, United Airlines shared some concerning news regarding recent fare increases.
Insights from United Airlines
During a recent first-quarter financial briefing for 2026, executives at United revealed some noteworthy information. They reported that by the end of the first quarter, the airline had implemented five fare hikes along with increased baggage fees to offset rising jet fuel costs. Specifically, revenue rose by 4% year-over-year in January and February, and this figure surged to 18% in the latter half of March.
Leadership Forecasts
United anticipates that they can offset 40-50% of the increased fuel costs through fare hikes, with that number potentially reaching 70-80% in the third quarter and 85-100% in the fourth quarter. United's CEO, Scott Kirby, candidly acknowledged that if this trend continues, the airline may retain most fare increases even if fuel prices drop. He predicts that if conditions normalize, they might keep around 20% of the fare hikes, and if the situation persists, that figure could rise to 80%.
How Ticket Prices Are Increasing
Andrew Nocella, United's Chief Commercial Officer, stated that demand remains strong, and the airline has made capacity adjustments to ensure a full recovery by the end of the year. This has enabled them to significantly boost profits in just a few weeks. From a revenue increase of 2-3%, United achieved a remarkable 18-20% growth in a short period.
Challenges Facing the Aviation Industry
While it’s understandable that airlines want to maximize profits, the reality is that the aviation sector is facing tough times. Many airlines in the U.S. are operating at a loss, which is not just an isolated issue but affects the entire industry.
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Personal Views on Ticket Price Trends
It's noteworthy that United believes fare increases will persist even if fuel prices decline. They also recognize that competition may diminish if many airlines operate at negative margins. This situation seems to contradict Kirby's statements about the need for a single national airline in the U.S.
Final Thoughts
United Airlines has indicated that they raised fares five times in the first quarter and can currently offset 40-50% of increased fuel costs through these fare hikes. However, concerningly, their CEO believes that ticket prices will remain elevated in the long run. This isn’t good news for consumers, as it suggests that living standards may be affected if ticket prices continue to stay high.
Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers
If you’re planning to fly to the U.S., be aware that ticket prices may increase in the near future. Currently, the U.S. tourist visa processing time can take 2-4 months, so planning ahead is essential. With the current exchange rate of approximately 23,500 VND to 1 USD, prepare your budget for the trip, including airfare and personal expenses.
Staying informed will help you create a reasonable financial plan for your journey and avoid unexpected costs when booking your flight.
This article was referenced and edited from: One Mile at a Time
Phê Vé
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