Airfares could soon rise sharply as United Airlines warns that high oil prices may force ticket increases of up to 20%, putting pressure on travelers and the broader airline industry.

Speaking in a recent interview, CEO Scott Kirby said the company is preparing for fuel costs to stay high for a long time, especially as global tensions continue to push oil prices upward.

If that happens, airlines may have no choice but to pass those costs on to customers.

“That would require prices to be up 20%, to break even to cover that cost,” Kirby said, pointing to the growing financial strain from fuel expenses, NY Post reported.

Jet fuel is one of the biggest costs for airlines. When oil prices rise, it becomes much more expensive to operate flights. Kirby warned that if fares increase, fewer people may choose to travel.

“There will be less demand. There’ll be fewer people traveling as prices go up,” he said.

For now, travel demand remains strong. Kirby noted, “Demand is incredibly strong right now,” but added that the airline is planning ahead in case conditions change.

United Airlines Cuts Flights as Fuel Costs Surge

United has already cut about 5% of its flight capacity, removing routes that are not making enough money to cover rising fuel costs.

“There’s just no point in flying flights that are gonna lose money,” Kirby explained, emphasizing that the airline is focusing on efficiency.

According to FoxBusiness, the company expects oil prices could remain above $100 per barrel through next year and may even climb as high as $175 in a worst-case scenario.

If that happens, Kirby described it as a “stress event” for the airline industry, though still not as severe as the impact seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unlike some airlines, United does not rely heavily on fuel hedging. Kirby said the company’s size makes it difficult to hedge without affecting the market. Instead, United has built up its cash reserves to handle unexpected cost increases.

The airline estimates that current fuel prices could add about $11 billion in expenses. To offset that, ticket prices would need to rise significantly, which could change how people plan trips.

Experts say higher fares may push families to rethink vacations or choose closer destinations. While business travel may continue, everyday travelers could feel the biggest impact.

Originally published on vcpost.com

With the 2026 MLB season getting started on Wednesday night, baseball’s first-ever “CEO of H2O” has been appointed by Primo Brands, and it happens to be one of the smoothest-swinging players of all time. 

Primo Brands, a leading North American branded beverage company whose water brands serve as the official water of MLB for the third straight season, has appointed Ken Griffey Jr., the National Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder who belted 630 home runs throughout his storied career, as the “CEO of H2O” in its new national campaign. 

The new campaign marks the first time all six of its regional spring water brands – Arrowhead Spring Water (West Coast), Poland Spring Water (Northeast), Ice Mountain Spring Water (Midwest), Deer Park Spring Water (Southeast, Mid-Atlantic), Ozarka Spring Water (Texas) and Zephyrhills Spring Water (Florida) – come together to celebrate America’s Pastime. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXBUSINESS.COM

Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. pitches healthy hydration in a new campaign from Primo Brands, with the campaign marking the third consecutive year that Primo Brands’ water brands are the Official Water of Major League Baseball, and the first (Primo Brands / Fox News)

The premise of the campaign by Primo Brands is to elevate healthy hydration as millions of fans return to their respective ballparks to watch their favorite teams all season long. Whether in the stands, or watching at home, hydration is key, and Griffey is excited to lead the charge in his new role. 

“I’m so excited for fans to see what I’m working on with Primo Brands,” Griffey said in an exclusive statement to FOX Business. “Healthy hydration is critical for the players on the field, the young people working to get better at the sport, and the fans in the stands. It’s an honor to be the first ever Baseball CEO of H2O. I’ll be working with Primo to tell that hydration story through all of their regional spring water brands all over the country.

WUNDERFAN APP REWARDS SPORTS FANS FOR WATCHING, ATTENDING GAMES AND ENGAGING WITH THEIR FAVORITE TEAMS

“Today is the start, but there will be much more throughout the season – follow along with Primo to see how we’re promoting healthy hydration all season long.”

Throughout the MLB season, Griffey will be engaging with fans across social platforms, sharing fun trivia for a chance to win monthly prizes, and of course, making a special red carpet appearance during MLB All-Star Week. This year’s festivities will take place in Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Park.

A 30-second national ad will also be shown, as Griffey puts together the ultimate spring water team through Primo Brands roster. 

Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. is introduced during the 2025 National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Induction Ceremony at Clark Sports Center on Sunday, July 27, 2025 in Cooperstown, New York.  (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos / Getty Images)

“Baseball is woven into communities across the country, just like our brands,” said Primo Brands chief marketing officer Kheri Tillman. “In our third year as the Official Water of MLB, and with Ken Griffey Jr. as Baseball’s CEO of H2O, we’re building on that foundation to unveil a national campaign that connects fandom and healthy hydration with the star power of one of the greatest in the game.”

Uzma Rawn Dowler, CMO and senior vice president of global corporate partnerships with MLB, added: “By uniting its regional spring water portfolio and tapping a baseball icon like Ken Griffey Jr., Primo Brands is showing it knows how to bring energy and authenticity to our partnership. We’re excited to continue telling the Primo Brands story through a baseball lens on our platforms while celebrating the role hydration plays in the game.”

Baseball’s first-ever CEO of H2O, Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., pitches healthy hydration in a new campaign from Primo Brands. (Primo Brands / Fox News)

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

As the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants kick off the 2026 MLB season on Wednesday night in the Bay Area, Griffey and Primo Brands will be working together to celebrate healthy hydration for players and fans like it’s a walk-off home run.   

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

HOUSTON — Travelers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport faced grueling security lines Wednesday as the ongoing partial government shutdown continued to cripple TSA staffing, with wait times at the major Houston hub reaching as long as four hours or more during peak periods. Houston Airports officials warned passengers to prepare for extended delays, with checkpoints consolidated into just two terminals and expedited lanes largely unavailable.

As of midday Wednesday, official estimates on the airport’s website showed Terminal A South checkpoint waits at 240 minutes — four hours — while Terminal E registered 180 minutes, or three hours. Lines frequently snaked outside terminals and even into non-standard queuing areas, including underground train levels in some cases. By evening hours on recent days, some waits eased to under 30 minutes as passenger volumes dropped, but morning and midday rushes remained chaotic.

The disruptions stem from the federal government shutdown that began Feb. 14, now stretching into its sixth week. TSA officers nationwide continue working without pay, leading to high call-out rates. At IAH, absenteeism has hovered around 36% to 39%, among the highest for major U.S. airports, forcing consolidation of screening operations. Only Terminals A and E currently host active TSA checkpoints, with reduced lanes and no consistent TSA PreCheck or CLEAR services.

Houston Airports System Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak noted in recent updates that staffing levels allow only a third to half of normal screening lines to operate across the airport’s five terminals. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been deployed to assist at IAH and neighboring William P. Hobby Airport, helping direct crowds, distribute water and maintain order, though they do not perform screening duties.

George Bush Intercontinental, one of the nation’s busiest airports and a key hub for United Airlines, handles more than 45 million passengers annually. Its five terminals — A, B, C, D and E — serve a mix of domestic and international flights, with Terminal C primarily dedicated to United operations. During the current crisis, passengers checking bags in other terminals are directed to A or E for security, adding further complexity and time.

Airport officials have issued repeated alerts urging travelers to arrive significantly earlier than usual. Recommendations include contacting airlines immediately for potential rebooking waivers, downloading airline apps to monitor gates while in line, and limiting carry-on items to speed the process. Some airlines have offered flexible rebooking options for those missing flights due to security delays.

Third-party trackers showed varying averages. Historical hourly data indicated overnight waits around 15-27 minutes, rising to 30-37 minutes during typical daytime hours under normal conditions. However, current conditions have rendered many estimates unreliable, with manual updates from the airport providing the most accurate guidance. The official MyTSA app has lagged during the shutdown, prompting reliance on fly2houston.com for real-time postings.

Travelers shared stories of frustration on social media and local news. Lines in Terminal A have extended across multiple floors, with some passengers reporting waits exceeding five hours on busy mornings. Families with children, elderly travelers and those with connecting flights faced particular hardship. Houston Airports staff in bright orange polos circulated to offer directions and assistance, while nonprofit groups provided meals to working TSA officers and fuel support for their families.

The shutdown has affected TSA operations nationwide, with similar long lines reported at hubs like Atlanta and others. In Houston, call-out rates at Hobby Airport reached over 40%, though smaller scale helped keep waits somewhat shorter there. At IAH, the situation has prompted warnings of missed flights and calls for swift congressional action to resolve the funding impasse.

Experts note that TSA employs tens of thousands of screeners, and even moderate call-outs compound quickly during peak travel periods. The current crisis has highlighted vulnerabilities in the system, with reduced capacity forcing consolidation and longer processing times per passenger. Screening procedures remain unchanged, but fewer open lanes mean slower throughput.

Houston Airports has taken several steps to mitigate the impact. Non-TSA staff assist with bin management and passenger flow communication. Parking reservations are encouraged online to reduce ground congestion. The airport continues to monitor staffing in real time and adjust operations accordingly. International travelers, many routed through Terminal D or E, receive specific guidance to check bags before proceeding to active checkpoints.

For those with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, services have been inconsistent or unavailable on many days, pushing all passengers into standard lanes. CLEAR biometric lanes have also been closed during peak disruption periods. Officials stress that safety remains the priority, with no compromises to screening protocols despite the strain.

Broader economic ripple effects include potential disruptions to business travel and tourism in the Houston region. The airport serves as a gateway to energy, medical and aerospace industries, amplifying the stakes of prolonged delays. Local elected officials and travel advocates have urged federal lawmakers to address TSA pay and staffing issues promptly.

As the shutdown drags on, Houston Airports continues updating its FAQ with practical advice: Use restrooms and purchase necessities before joining lines; ensure ID matches boarding passes exactly; and remain flexible with travel plans. The agency has coordinated with airlines to minimize cascading delays where possible.

Looking ahead, spring break and summer travel seasons could exacerbate pressures if the funding situation persists. TSA has historically ramped up hiring during peaks, but current constraints limit that flexibility. Passengers with disabilities or medical needs are encouraged to contact TSA Cares in advance for coordinated assistance.

Wednesday’s conditions reflected the fluid nature of the crisis. While some evening relief appeared on prior days, officials cautioned that waits could again exceed four hours depending on staffing and flight schedules. Travelers are advised to check fly2houston.com/iah/security/ frequently, as updates occur throughout the day.

In the meantime, the airport maintains full operations for flights, with delays primarily tied to security bottlenecks rather than runway or gate issues. United Airlines and other carriers have issued advisories recommending passengers build in substantial buffer time — three to four hours or more for domestic flights during peak disruptions.

The situation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport underscores the human element behind aviation security. TSA officers working without pay have shown dedication, but the strain is evident. Support efforts, including meals from the Houston Food Bank and assistance from Wings of Compassion, aim to sustain morale.

For now, patience and preparation remain the best tools for navigating IAH security. As negotiations in Washington continue, Houston travelers hope for swift resolution to restore normal staffing and shorter lines at one of the country’s busiest gateways.