World Cup Period Surge in Flights to the US: Can Delta Air Lines (DAL) and United Airlines (UAL) Stocks Be Chased Now?

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Investors facing the phenomenon of surging airfares to the US during the World Cup period need to remain cautious. Data shows that airfares to the US in December 2025 rose 19.89% compared to the previous month, while December 2024 saw a year-over-year increase of 26.27%.

Delta Air Lines (DAL) and United Airlines (UAL) benefit significantly in the short term, but investors should combine fundamentals with market volatility to rationally judge subsequent actions.

Key Takeaways

• During the World Cup period, airfares to the US rise sharply, and investors need to cautiously evaluate market dynamics.
• Airlines such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines achieve significant profit growth under high demand, with short-term stock performance outperforming peers.
• Pay attention to the impact of oil price fluctuations on airline profitability; rising oil prices may compress profit margins.
• Investors should formulate reasonable investment strategies based on their own risk tolerance and avoid blindly chasing highs.
• Continuously monitor macroeconomic conditions and industry competition to assess the sustainability of airlines’ long-term performance.

Analysis of the Impact of Surging Airfares to the US During the World Cup

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Surge in Demand and Insufficient Supply

The surge in airfares to the US during the World Cup period is primarily driven by a sharp increase in demand. It is expected that the World Cup will bring significant passenger traffic to airlines. Fans, media, and related staff are booking flights in large numbers, rapidly pushing up overall demand. Airlines are making strategic adjustments to cope with the anticipated influx of fans. The U.S. Department of Transportation predicts that domestic travel during the World Cup will be above average levels, with significant increases in demand for short- and medium-haul flights, especially during group stage and knockout matches. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams and 104 matches for the first time, attracting more fans and media participation.

On the supply side, although airlines are actively adding flights to meet demand, structural shortages still exist. Major U.S. airlines such as American Airlines added 27,000 flights during the World Cup, covering popular routes such as Los Angeles–Seattle, Boston–Dallas–Fort Worth, and Atlanta–Miami. Fans show particularly strong demand for short- and medium-haul flights during the group stage and knockout rounds. Despite the increase in flight numbers, it remains difficult to fully meet the surging demand, resulting in sustained fare increases.

Impact on Airline Performance

The surge in airfares to the US during the World Cup directly drives improved airline performance. As major participants in the U.S. market, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines benefit significantly. High fares drive revenue and profit growth, and airlines optimize flight schedules and improve load factors through strategic adjustments. Data shows that Delta Air Lines achieved $5B in profit, with record revenue and a target of approximately 20% earnings growth. United Airlines expects record profits in 2026, with profits reaching $1.04B driven by high fares.

Although some flights were temporarily adjusted or canceled, overall booking conditions remain strong, demonstrating high demand for air travel to the US during the World Cup. Since the event is held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, many fans flexibly arrange match itineraries, reducing the overall risk of travel cancellations. Airlines maximize revenue through flexible scheduling and optimized route layouts.

Short-Term Stock Performance

The surge in airfares to the US during the World Cup drives outstanding short-term stock performance for airlines. Investors focus on the positive impact of high fares and passenger traffic growth on performance, pushing up Delta Air Lines and United Airlines stock prices. Market data shows significant increases in flight bookings and substantial fare rises, with investors expecting airlines to achieve higher profits. In the short term, stock prices benefit from performance improvements and market sentiment, outperforming the industry average.

Airlines enhance profitability through strategic adjustments and flexible responses. Investors need to pay attention to the sustainability of the airfare surge to the US during the World Cup, as well as the airlines’ measures in supply and operations. Short-term positives drive stock price increases, but long-term performance still requires comprehensive judgment based on macroeconomic conditions, industry competition, and other factors.

Investment Opportunities and Earnings Performance

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Market Data and Earnings Highlights

Recent earnings reports from Delta Air Lines and United Airlines show strong performance, demonstrating solid profitability for both companies amid the surge in airfares to the US during the World Cup. Delta Air Lines achieved a historic $5 billion profit in 2025, with annual revenue growth of 2%-4% and earnings per share guidance of approximately $6. United Airlines reported $4.3 billion in annual profit in 2025, with fourth-quarter profit of $1.325 billion, earnings per share of $10.20 (up 8% year-over-year), fourth-quarter revenue of $15.4 billion (a record high).
The table below summarizes the key financial indicators of the two companies:

United Airlines’ actual earnings per share range was $3–3.5, exceeding analysts’ expectation of $2.86, demonstrating the company’s earnings resilience amid rising fares and surging demand. Delta Air Lines also benefits from high fares and passenger traffic growth, with earnings data directly reflecting the positive pull from surging airfares to the US during the World Cup.

Fuel costs and hedging strategies are also important factors affecting airline performance. Delta Air Lines effectively controls cost volatility through flexible fuel hedging strategies. United Airlines relies on scale advantages and route network optimization to improve operational efficiency. Both companies emphasize in their earnings reports that they will continue to optimize cost structures in the future to address oil price fluctuations and market uncertainty.

Valuation and Gain Comparison

While focusing on performance, investors also need to evaluate the valuation levels and market performance of airline stocks. Delta Air Lines currently has a P/E ratio of 7.70, which is at a relatively low level in the industry, indicating certain valuation advantages. Although United Airlines has not disclosed the latest P/E ratio, its total revenue in 2025 reached $59.1 billion (up 3.5% year-over-year), adjusted earnings per share of $10.20 (up 8% year-over-year), and record full-year passenger volume, showing strong fundamental support.

Recently, Delta Air Lines saw pre-market gains of 8%, with early session gains of 6.4%, while United Airlines rose 4%, both outperforming American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. The table below compares the recent stock gains of major airlines:

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines outperform their peers in stock performance, reflecting high market expectations for performance improvements driven by surging airfares to the US during the World Cup. Investors need to pay attention to the match between valuation and performance to avoid valuation bubbles caused by short-term positives.

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Industry Prosperity and Growth Expectations

The overall prosperity of the U.S. aviation industry continues to improve, with optimistic growth expectations. Global business travel spending is expected to reach $1.62 trillion in 2026, with an annual growth rate of 8.1%. U.S. company budgets are expected to grow 4.9%, while European company budgets grow 5.8%. Total U.S. travel spending is forecast to reach $1.2 trillion in 2026.
The table below shows the main growth indicators of the industry:

The surge in airfares to the US during the World Cup not only drives airline performance but also enhances overall industry prosperity. With the continued recovery of global business and leisure travel demand, the aviation industry is expected to maintain medium-to-high growth. For Chinese-speaking users, choosing cross-border payment tools such as Biyapay that support multi-currency settlement and convenient payments helps improve the ticketing and travel experience and meet diverse fund management needs. U.S. stock investors can comprehensively judge investment opportunities in Delta Air Lines and United Airlines by combining industry prosperity, company earnings performance, and valuation levels.

Risk Factor Analysis

Oil Price Fluctuations and Profit Risks

Airline profitability is highly dependent on fuel costs. Recently, global oil prices have risen significantly, with Brent crude approaching USD 90 per barrel, mainly due to geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict between the United States and Iran. Fuel costs account for 25.7% of airline operating expenses, becoming a key factor affecting profits. Jet fuel costs are rising even faster than crude oil itself, and the widening ‘crack spread’ further compresses airline profit margins. If oil prices remain high, the profitability of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines will face direct threats.

Investors need to closely monitor international oil price trends and airline fuel hedging strategies to timely assess profit risks.

Sustainability of Short-Term Positives

International events such as the World Cup bring short-term demand peaks, and airlines actively respond by adding flights and deploying larger aircraft. For example, American Airlines added 27,000 extra seats during the event, covering 12 routes, including temporary direct flights and larger aircraft deployment. The table below shows relevant data:

Nevertheless, questions remain about whether short-term positives can be sustained. Safety issues, market volatility, and demand回落 after the event may all affect subsequent airline revenue. Investors should be wary of performance fluctuations driven by short-term events and avoid blindly chasing highs.

Macroeconomic and Industry Competition

The U.S. aviation industry is influenced by multiple macroeconomic factors. Premium travel demand remains strong, but changes in consumer confidence and spending habits may affect overall revenue. Fuel price fluctuations directly impact operating costs, while capacity management capabilities determine pricing power and load factors. Geopolitical events continue to affect international travel, and labor costs and staffing also become important variables for profit margins. Industry consolidation trends are evident, with some companies optimizing market structure through bankruptcy reorganization, and large airlines such as Delta and United benefiting from increased market share.

Delta and United maintain leadership through premium services and hub advantages, but the competitive landscape continues to evolve, and investors need to monitor dynamic changes in market share and profitability.

Policy and External Uncertainty

The U.S. aviation industry faces multiple policy and external uncertainties. Tariff policies directly affect new aircraft delivery schedules, and Delta Air Lines has delayed fleet expansion plans due to tariffs. Changes in consumer demand and economic uncertainty make airlines conservative in expansion and fleet planning. Government policy adjustments, potential government shutdowns, or changes in travel policies may all bring operational risks. Investors should pay attention to policy dynamics and changes in the external environment and adjust investment strategies in a timely manner.

In summary, oil prices, short-term demand, macroeconomic conditions, industry competition, and policy risks collectively affect the long-term performance of airlines, and investors need to comprehensively assess multiple risk factors.

Investment Recommendations

Buy, Wait and See, or Build Positions in Batches

In the current market environment, investors need to combine airline fundamentals and market performance to formulate scientific investment strategies. Data shows that Delta Air Lines and United Airlines stocks have recently risen 88.1% and 150% respectively, with excellent performance. Among analysts’ ratings for the two companies’ stocks, 89% recommend buying, with only 7.1% recommending hold and 3.6% recommending sell. Most institutions are optimistic about their medium- to long-term growth potential.

Delta Air Lines is implementing a diversification strategy to improve operational efficiency and reduce debt, targeting $10 billion in free cash flow between 2023 and 2025. United Airlines focuses on premium products and route network optimization to attract high-value customers. Considering the cyclical nature of the aviation industry and short-term positive factors, investors can adopt a batch position-building strategy to gradually increase holdings and reduce the risk of buying at a single point. For investors with lower risk tolerance, it is recommended to wait and see, waiting for market pullbacks or further performance confirmation before making decisions.

Risk Control and Key Focus Areas

The aviation industry is highly volatile, and investors need to focus on the following risk factors:

• Oil price fluctuations directly affect airline profitability. Investors should closely track international oil price trends and company fuel hedging strategies.
• Changes in market supply and demand relationships may lead to fare adjustments, affecting revenue and profit performance.
• Airline financial conditions and debt levels need continuous monitoring, especially during fluctuations in industry prosperity.
• Industry trends and policy changes may bring uncertainty, including new technology applications, environmental policies, international travel restrictions, etc.
• Major accidents or negative public opinion can affect customer trust and future bookings, requiring attention to company response measures and brand management.

Investors should rationally assess their own risk tolerance and flexibly adjust positions based on market dynamics. It is recommended to regularly review investment logic, pay attention to company earnings reports, industry data, and macroeconomic changes, and avoid blindly chasing highs due to short-term positives. For Chinese-speaking users, cross-border investment needs to consider exchange rate fluctuations and compliance of fund flows; choosing compliant U.S. stock brokers and multi-currency settlement tools helps improve fund management efficiency.

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines benefit significantly during the World Cup period, but investors need to rationally judge whether to chase at high levels.

• Risk tolerance determines investment strategy; individuals should adjust positions according to their own preferences to cope with market volatility.
• Airlines are highly sensitive to fuel costs and geopolitics; after sharp price increases, the market may see corrections.

Investors should continue to monitor market dynamics, combine with their actual situation, and avoid blindly chasing highs.

FAQ

Why do airfares to the US surge significantly during the World Cup period?

Surging demand drives fare increases. Fans, media, and business travelers concentrate bookings, while airline capacity is limited, leading to supply-demand imbalance and direct price rises.

Can the earnings growth of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines be sustained?

Earnings growth is highly dependent on short-term demand brought by the event. After the event ends, performance will depend on multiple factors including macroeconomic conditions, oil prices, and industry competition.

How much impact do oil price fluctuations have on airlines?

Fuel costs account for a high proportion of operating expenses. Rising oil prices compress profit margins. Airlines usually adopt hedging strategies but cannot completely avoid risks.

What are the main risks to consider when investing in airline stocks?

Investors need to pay attention to oil prices, market demand, policy changes, and industry competition. After short-term positives end, stock prices may pull back. Rationally assessing risk tolerance is very important.