Jet Fuel Shock & Shutdown TSA Lines: Airlines Brace for a Volatile Spring

Airline Weekly Lounge · Mar 12, 2026 · 40m

Jay Shabat is joined by Meghna Maharishi and Skift's Head of Research Seth Borko for a crossover Airline Weekly Lounge that hits two pressure points at once: a sudden jet fuel spike and the growing airport disruptions from the current US government shutdown.

First, Seth breaks down what the fuel surge could mean for US carriers, using airline SEC disclosures to translate price moves into real dollars, and why the pain can vary by region even when the shock is global.

Then Meghna walks through what travelers are feeling on the ground as TSA agents miss paychecks, security lines balloon at…