United Airlines adjusting to overcome market pressures and meet customer needs, VP says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- United Airlines has a booming presence in the Houston metro area, operating around 60% of the flights into and out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, according to the Houston First Corporation.

That market share is important because what affects the company, in turn, affects customers in the Houston area.

The average domestic airfare in the U.S. was $336 on Feb. 23, 2026, and it now stands at $383, according to the most recent data from travel search engine Kayak.

United Airlines, like other carriers, is facing rising jet fuel prices.

"Jet fuel is a major cost element in our overall business structure, so when prices go up 20, 30, 40, 50 percent, especially so rapidly, we've got to do things to try to offset those costs," United Airlines Vice President of Airport Operations Phil Griffith said.

Griffith said it includes raising airfare and baggage fees, but the airline also absorbs some of those costs, so customers don't bear the full weight of rising costs in the airline industry.

"We've reduced flying in some cases, particularly on routes that don't have as much load demand, but passing on the costs to customers is what a lot of the airlines have done, and we have followed suit, but we've tried to do it in a responsible way," Griffith said.

Some travelers ABC13 spoke with are becoming savvier about how and when to purchase airline tickets.

"Probably more strategically. I may have to cut down on a trip each year or just monitor prices and strike while the iron is hot, or maybe use those miles I have saved up," David Strumeyer said.

Air travel demand has remained strong for United Airlines, according to Griffith.

Griffith said the airline will continue to invest in ways to limit its dependence on traditional fossil fuels and their price fluctuations, which, in turn, could lower costs for travelers.