United Airlines has warned that 5% of routes could be cut over the next two quarters as jet fuel prices in the US have spiked 95% since the Iran war began. CEO Scott Kirby said sustained prices at current levels would mean an additional $11 billion in annual fuel expenses. Amazon has announced a temporary 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge for third-party sellers using its fulfilment services, affecting over 80 billion products shipped annually. Some sellers may raise prices to offset the charge, though shoppers are not being directly surcharged. JetBlue has increased checked baggage fees by between $4 and $9, depending on flight times, citing rising operating costs. The airline said the approach prevents raising overall fares.

United Airlines has raised its checked bag fees by $10, now charging $45 for a first checked bag if prepaid and $50 if purchased within 24 hours of departure. The increase, effective for tickets purchased from 3 April, applies to most domestic routes and select international markets including Mexico, Canada and parts of Latin America. The move follows a similar increase by JetBlue Airways and comes as jet fuel prices have surged over 80% since late February, reaching $4 per gallon in major hubs. Passengers with eligible Chase credit cards, MileagePlus Premier status, premium cabin tickets and active-duty military personnel remain exempt from checked bag fees. Despite rising costs, United reported record fourth-quarter revenue of $15.4 billion and carried 181 million passengers in 2025.

Airlines are cutting flights and raising fares as jet fuel prices surge amid the Iran war. US jet fuel prices have jumped 95% since 27 February, from $2.50 to $4.88 per gallon, or nearly $205 per barrel. United Airlines announced a 5% reduction in planned routes for the second and third quarters of 2026, targeting off-peak flights and routes to Israel and Dubai. CEO Scott Kirby warned the doubling of fuel prices represents an extra $11 billion in annual expenses, exceeding the airline's best-ever profit of under $5 billion. Air New Zealand and SAS have also announced significant cancellations. On Monday, nearly 7% of global flights were cancelled, up from 4.7% a year earlier, with North American departures particularly affected at 14.6%.