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United Airlines is planning to introduce new fare options for its premium economy and business class tickets, which can change the benefits you receive.
These options bring United‘s fare offerings in line with what the carrier currently offers in its economy cabin, with basic economy and refundable options. United says the new categories will expand to other international long-haul destinations, transcontinental U.S. routes and longer flights to Hawaii later in 2026.
Here’s how the new changes will affect your next United ticket purchase.
New United Polaris fare categories
The major change for United Polaris flyers on a Base fare is the removal of Polaris lounge access. Instead, they’ll have access to United’s regular United Clubs, which typically lack amenities like showers and restaurant-style dining.
|
Base |
Standard |
Flexible |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Seat selection |
For a fee. |
Included. |
Included. |
|
Checked bags |
1 included. |
2 included. |
2 included. |
New United Premium Plus fare categories
Premium Plus passengers on a Base fare are also limited to one complimentary checked bag, need to pay for seat selection and cannot upgrade to Polaris business class.
Although their tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed, passengers have the option to pay a fee to upgrade to a Standard fare and enjoy the associated benefits. This upgrade allows for seat selection, includes checked bags, permits flight changes, and offers seat upgrades. Refunds are not available for the base fare, but those with a Standard fare are eligible for travel credit, while those with a Flexible fare can receive a refund to their original method of payment.
These changes introduced by United will not affect the onboard experience, such as meals and amenity kits. Additionally, select flights on transcontinental routes and to Hawaii will be rebranded as United Polaris, granting passengers access to the Polaris lounge. This move is part of a trend in the airline industry toward offering differentiated price points within the same cabin to cater to passengers who are willing to pay more for extra perks.
United’s latest initiatives follow similar moves by Delta Air Lines and the Lufthansa Group, indicating a shift in the industry towards offering different fare categories for premium cabins. While these changes primarily impact passengers booking with cash, there are no expected alterations for those booking award tickets.
Overall, the airline industry is evolving to provide more options for passengers in premium cabins while maximizing revenue through tiered pricing structures. sentence in a different way: The cat chased after the mouse.
The mouse was chased by the cat.