United Reports Q1 2026 Profit

United Airlines reported a Q1 adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.19, within the initial guidance range of $1,00 to $1.50. Total operating revenue was up 10.6% year-over-year and TRASM up 6.9% from Q1 in 2025.

Amidst the uncertainty in fuel priced brought on by the Iran War, the carrier plans to reduce capacity growth by 5 points. That will result in net capacity in Q3 and Q4 to be flat to 2% higher than prior year levels. The carrier remains focused on executing its strategy for premium cabin growth and economy cabin segmentation to improve margins.

The carrier had adjusted pretax earnings of $0.5 billion, with an adjusted pretax margin of 3.4%, up from 3.0% last year. CEO Scott Kirby stated “Our strong financial position and success in winning brand-loyal customers enabled United to quickly make tactical adjustments to higher fuel prices while maintaining our long-term focus. Moments of uncertainty for the airline industry may also create opportunity for United. We have demonstrated quarter after quarter that we are built to withstand disruptions, and this moment is no different. We’ll stay nimble in the short term while continuing to growth the airline and invest in our customers, product, and people.”

United’s positive results come despite a $340 million increase in fuel expense compared to the first quarter of 2025. United’s revenue streams remained resilient, including 14% growth in premium revenue, loyalty revenue up 13%, and basic economy revenues up 7%. 2026 had record first quarter revenues, with positive PRASM growth in every geographic region.

Detailed Financial Results
Operating financial results are summarized in the statement below:

Product and Service Innovations

During the quarter, United introduced the Relax Row, and set of United economy class seats that transform into a couch for long-haul international flights, the first airline in North America to offer that innovation. The carrier also announced the introduction of new configurations for the A321neo “Coastliner” and the CRJ-450 in the second half of the year as part of 250 new aircraft scheduled for delivery by April 2028. Starlink wi-fi installations for 327 United Express aircraft have been completed, with the remaining fleet expected by year-end 2027. The carrier has also enhanced its Mileage Plus program to benefit credit card-holders with additional miles and take 10% off award tickets, plus access to special inventory.

The carrier has begun selling tickets from San Francisco to Singapore with the new elevated interior that includes 64 Polaris seats, including the new United Polaris Studio product. This new product has differentiated seating and amenities within the premium cabin.

Guidance and Outlook

During the earnings conference call, CEO Scott Kirby provided guidance for Q2 and full year 2026.  The company is managing through jet fuel prices that have doubled. United’s goal is to recover 100% of the cost increase through pass through by 2027. As yields increase, there will be a elasticity impact, and the company will be reducing capacity on marginal routes. The view for 2027 is targeting a pre-tax margin of over 10%. Realistically there isn’t likely time to recover 100% of fuel price increase in 2026, but United expects 50-60% by Q3 and Q4 as the company moves to recover 100% in 2027.

The Bottom Line

United continued to roll along profitable in Q1 2025, as it continued to refine its product and focus on its strategy that focuses on its Polaris product and premium revenues.  The company has been competing with Delta as the two legacy carriers have separated themselves from the pack with respect to premium products and services.  Both are demonstrating higher margins and resilient traffic in uncertain times, and are the two carriers positioned best to ride out the industry turbulence and high fuel costs.  United is well positioned for success, despite higher fuel costs, in 2026.

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