00:00It's Benzinga bringing Wall Street to Main Street.
00:02U.S. airlines are raising fares as passenger traffic declines and soaring jet fuel costs
00:07pressure profits, according to CNBC. Airfares rose more than 22 percent in September from a
00:14year earlier, while airport screenings have fallen nearly 2 percent since April. Jet fuel prices have
00:20more than doubled, reaching $4.63 per gallon. Airlines are prioritizing higher fares over
00:26filling planes, with demand remaining strong for premium seats. United Airlines reported a 16 percent
00:33increase in unit revenue during the third quarter, while Southwest Airlines raised its average fare by
00:38nearly $50. American Airlines, United, Delta Airlines, and Southwest all lowered their 2026 profit
00:46forecasts. Carriers are also reducing growth plans, which could keep fares elevated. Spirit Airlines
00:53shutdown in early May may have contributed to declining air travel, with Bank of America
00:57suggesting some former customers have stopped flying. For all things money, visit Benzinga.com.
