The unprecedented demand for premium airline products shows no signs of slowing down in 2026, and United Airlines’ latest earnings report is the latest proof.
The Chicago-based carrier has reported record revenue of $15.4 billion for the fourth quarter of 2025, as well as annual earnings that beat analysts’ expectations on Wall Street, with an annual net income of $3.4 billion.
The airline said that in addition to growing demand for premium products, its record-breaking revenues were also due in part to an increasing number of loyalty customers.
"Our results are built on winning more and more brand-loyal customers — it's clear they get the most value flying United," said the airline’s CEO Scott Kirby. "This was the highest-revenue quarter in United's history and the highest quarterly RASM of the year providing strong revenue momentum that is continuing into 2026."
United’s loyalty revenue grew 10% for the fourth quarter and 9% for the total year. Premium revenue also saw significant growth, increasing by 9% for the fourth quarter of 2025 and by 11% for all of 2025. Strong earnings in those sectors helped the carrier navigate the impact of the government shutdown in the fourth quarter, which cost United about $250 million, according to airline executives.
The growing premium sector has buoyed U.S. airlines as they navigated difficult headwinds in 2025, including the government shutdown and tariff policies. Despite the challenging economic environment, major carriers reported booms in demand for premium seats and products like lounges, while low-cost carriers have struggled as price-sensitive customers have shown more booking hesitation.
However, aside from its revenues, United set more records in 2025, including carrying the most passengers ever in its history—181 million fliers—and ranking second in on-time departures for the year. United also operated more than 5,000 peak daily flights in summer 2025 and saw the lowest seat cancellation rate ever throughout 2025. Additionally, the carrier saved more than 1 million potential missed connections over the course of 2025 with its Connection Saver technology, a jump of 42% year over year.
The record-breaking demand is continuing into early 2026. The first week of the year (ending on January 4) was the highest flown revenue week in the airline’s history, and the second week of 2026 (ending on January 11) was the highest ticketing week and highest for business sales ever for United.
Later this year, United will continue to double down on its premium products. Travelers can expect to see the carrier continue its rollout of ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi throughout its fleet, as well as the launch of a brand new Polaris cabin, complete with privacy doors and caviar service.
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