United Airlines Introduces Tiered Business Class Fares United Airlines has announced it will become the first U.S. carrier to implement tiered pricing in its premium cabins, offering travelers different levels of service and restrictions at varying price points. The changes, set to roll out in mid- to late April 2026, will apply to its United Polaris and Premium Plus cabins on long-haul international routes, premium transcontinental flights, and select Hawai‘i services. The airline plans to expand the system later in 2026, though specific markets for the initial rollout have not been disclosed. The new structure divides business-class tickets into three tiers: base, standard, and flexible. The standard and flexible tiers largely mirror existing fare options. Standard fares, akin to current nonrefundable Polaris tickets, include two checked bags, access to United Polaris lounges, advance seat assignments, and flight changes. Flexible fares, the more expensive option, are refundable and include all the benefits of the standard tier. The base tier, however, introduces significant restrictions. It includes only one checked bag and access to United Club lounges (standard lounges accessible via memberships or credit cards), but excludes access to Polaris lounges, which are designed for long-haul business-class travelers. Advance seat assignments will cost extra, and base fares are nonrefundable and ineligible for changes. Travelers who cannot use their flights will forfeit the full value of the ticket. The same three-tier system will apply to United Premium Plus, the airline’s premium economy cabin. While Premium Plus offers wider, more reclined seats similar to domestic first class, it does not automatically include lounge access.#delta_airlines #united_airlines #andrew_nocella #gary_leff #united_polaris
