United Airlines outspent its competitors in federal lobbying through the third quarter as it opposes a proposal that would add more flights to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The airline industry and its affiliates have spent tens of millions of dollars on lobbying so far in 2023, marked by a post-pandemic surge in flight travel that exacerbated an air traffic controller shortage and consumer frustration with flight delays, cancellations and fees.
United Airlines has remained at the front of the pack, jumping from spending of about $980,000 in the first quarter to $3.6 million in the second. The airline slightly decreased spending in the third quarter to $2.9 million, but remains ahead of Airlines for America, the industry group, which spent $1.5 million in Q3.
