United Airlines Rolls Out Tiered Premium Fares and Raises Bag Fees to $45
United Airlines will roll out tiered base, standard and flexible fare options in premium cabins on long-haul international, transcontinental U.S. and Hawaii flights, offering lounge access based on fare level. It will hike bag fees by $10 to $45 for first bags purchased at least 24 hours before departure.
1. Introduction of Tiered Premium Fares
United Airlines plans to introduce three tiered fare categories—base, standard and flexible—in its premium cabins on long-haul international, transcontinental U.S. and Hawaii routes. Base fares cover essential amenities, standard fares add seat selection and checked bags, and flexible fares are fully refundable; standard and flexible Polaris ticket holders gain Polaris lounge access. The new structure will appear on shopping pages this month and expand across additional markets later in the year.
2. Checked-Bag Fee Increase to $45
United Airlines will increase its first checked-bag fee by $10, raising the price to $45 for passengers who pay at least 24 hours before departure. This makes United the second U.S. carrier to hike bag fees this quarter, reflecting rising fuel costs and encouraging early online purchases.