United Airlines is introducing a new tiered fare structure designed to give customers more choice across premium cabins and long-haul routes. The airline says the changes will apply to long-haul international, transcontinental US and select Hawaii flights, with three fare options available in premium cabins: base, standard and flexible.
The new structure is expected to launch in select markets this month and expand to additional routes later this year. United has also redesigned its website and mobile app shopping pages to reflect the updated fare categories and make it easier for customers to compare options.
Under the new system, the base fare in premium cabins offers the lowest price point but comes with more limited benefits. Seat selection is available for a fee, passengers receive one checked bag and one carry-on bag, and tickets are non-refundable with no upgrade or flight change options included.
The standard fare tier includes additional benefits such as complimentary seat selection, two checked bags and the ability to make flight changes. Passengers can also upgrade to United Polaris Studio for a fee and are eligible for refunds in the form of travel credit.
Flexible fares offer the highest level of convenience, with all standard benefits plus full refunds. These tickets also include seat selection, two checked bags, upgrade options and full access to flight changes.
All three fare categories include access to United Club lounges, while access to United Polaris lounges is reserved for customers purchasing standard or flexible fares. The base fare does not include Polaris lounge access.
The changes apply alongside United’s existing basic, standard and flexible fare categories in economy cabins, which remain unchanged in terms of benefits. Instead, those options will be presented in a clearer format across the airline’s booking platforms.
United is also expanding the use of its United Polaris brand to select transcontinental US and longer Hawaii flights, aligning the onboard experience across more routes.
“These new tiered options give customers more choice and make it easier to find a fare that includes the benefits they want most – whether that’s a great value, added perks, or maximum flexibility,” said Andrew Nocella, Chief Commercial Officer.
The rollout begins this month in select markets, with further expansion planned across the airline’s international and domestic long-haul network through 2026.
