United Airlines reported third-quarter results on October 20, 2026: EPS of $2.54 against $2.57 expected and revenue of $17.88 billion, just shy of estimates, with fuel costs up 61 percent year over year. It guided fourth-quarter EPS to $0.50 to $1.50 against a $1.76 street estimate, based on jet fuel at $4.80 a gallon versus $3.90 in the third quarter. CEO Kirby says United is passing on about 72 percent of the fuel increase, targeting 100 percent over time, expects jet fuel to stay high into 2027, and predicts six to ten U.S. airlines will lose money this year. The discussion centers on whether fares can keep covering fuel.