Flying to another state will soon get a bit trickier.
United Airlines, which calls itself the largest airline in the US, is slashing its domestic flight schedule by 4 percent starting this year, citing softer demand for US travel.
The cuts come just as many Americans are preparing for long-awaited getaways and a potential economic downturn. It could mean fewer flight options and higher prices.
Despite the turbulence in domestic skies, the airline reported surprisingly strong demand to jetset out of the US.
Ticket sales to fly abroad rose 5 percent in the latest quarter.
The sales suggest a growing divide among travelers: high-end luxury flights with add-ons saw impressive growth in the segment.
Meanwhile, Americans with less cash to spend pulled back their spending habits.
During the first quarter of 2025, United posted a $387 million profit, reversing a $124 million loss in the same quarter last year and beating Wall Street’s expectations.
The outlook for the major airliner remains on shaky ground as the company weighs recession risks.
In an unusual move, United posted two potential profit outlooks: one if America plunges into a recession, and another if current trends remain strong.
