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United’s New Pricing Means You May Pay More for the Same Seat

The airline is adding lower-priced premium fares that remove lounge access, seat selection and refund rights as it seeks more revenue from business travelers.

  • On Friday, United Airlines announced a new tiered fare structure for United Polaris and United Premium Plus cabins, offering Base, Standard, and Flexible options on long-haul international, transcontinental, and select Hawaii flights.
  • The Base tier offers the lowest price but excludes lounge access, seat selection, and refunds, while Standard and Flexible categories retain traditional perks for customers seeking added value.
  • United Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said the strategy provides "more choice," noting the pay-as-you-go structure makes it easier for customers to find fares matching their specific needs.
  • While United is the first U.S. carrier to deploy such basic premium fares, it joins international competitors like Air France and Lufthansa that have utilized similar unbundled strategies for years.
  • Rollout begins in select markets this month, with a broader expansion planned for additional long-haul international, transcontinental, and Hawaii routes later this year.
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The spokesman-Review broke the news in Spokane, United States on Friday, April 3, 2026.
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