Apr 3, 2026, 9:49 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
United to Introduce Tiered Fare Categories, Giving Customers More Options Across Every Type of Ticket
Photos(3)
Airline to offer base, standard and flexible fare options for United Polaris and United Premium Plus customers traveling on long-haul international, transcontinental U.S. and select Hawaii flights, joining the existing basic, standard and flexible fares in United Economy cabins
Customers can select options related to seat selection, checked bags, refundable tickets, and club and lounge access that best meet their preferences
On select transcontinental U.S. and select longer Hawaii flights, the front cabin will be branded United Polaris and will include options to access the United Polaris lounge
United plans to roll out the new tiered fare categories this year
CHICAGO, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- United today announced a new tiered fare structure that will make it easier for customers to find the flight experience that best matches their preferences.
The airline will offer three fare options in premium cabins for long-haul international, transcontinental U.S. and select Hawaii flights: base a new option, standard and flexible, that will join the airline's existing basic, standard and flexible fares in economy.
The front cabin will also be branded United Polaris on select transcontinental U.S. and select longer Hawaii flights, and customers who buy the standard or flexible fares in United Polaris on these flights will have access to the United Polaris lounge. Customers who purchase the base option for United Polaris will still have access to the United Club.
United redesigned the shopping pages on its website and mobile app to accommodate this change and expects to launch the new categories in select markets this month, and will expand to additional long-haul international, transcontinental U.S. and longer Hawaii flights later this year.
"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, United's Chief Commercial Officer.
Overview of Fare Categories
For domestic and short-haul international flights and travel in United Economy cabins on long-haul international flights, there's no change to what's included in the basic, standard and flexible categories they will simply be displayed on United's shopping pages in a new, clearer way.
In premium cabins on long-haul international and transcontinental U.S. flights and flights between the airline's hubs in Newark, Washington D.C. and Chicago and Hawaii, the base category offers customers the lowest price point, the standard category offers perks like free seat selection, additional checked bags and the ability to make changes, and tickets in the flexible category are fully refundable and offer all the benefits included in standard tickets.
Photos(3)
Airline to offer base, standard and flexible fare options for United Polaris and United Premium Plus customers traveling on long-haul international, transcontinental U.S. and select Hawaii flights, joining the existing basic, standard and flexible fares in United Economy cabins
Customers can select options related to seat selection, checked bags, refundable tickets, and club and lounge access that best meet their preferences
On select transcontinental U.S. and select longer Hawaii flights, the front cabin will be branded United Polaris and will include options to access the United Polaris lounge
United plans to roll out the new tiered fare categories this year
CHICAGO, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- United today announced a new tiered fare structure that will make it easier for customers to find the flight experience that best matches their preferences.
The airline will offer three fare options in premium cabins for long-haul international, transcontinental U.S. and select Hawaii flights: base a new option, standard and flexible, that will join the airline's existing basic, standard and flexible fares in economy.
The front cabin will also be branded United Polaris on select transcontinental U.S. and select longer Hawaii flights, and customers who buy the standard or flexible fares in United Polaris on these flights will have access to the United Polaris lounge. Customers who purchase the base option for United Polaris will still have access to the United Club.
United redesigned the shopping pages on its website and mobile app to accommodate this change and expects to launch the new categories in select markets this month, and will expand to additional long-haul international, transcontinental U.S. and longer Hawaii flights later this year.
"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, United's Chief Commercial Officer.
Overview of Fare Categories
For domestic and short-haul international flights and travel in United Economy cabins on long-haul international flights, there's no change to what's included in the basic, standard and flexible categories they will simply be displayed on United's shopping pages in a new, clearer way.
In premium cabins on long-haul international and transcontinental U.S. flights and flights between the airline's hubs in Newark, Washington D.C. and Chicago and Hawaii, the base category offers customers the lowest price point, the standard category offers perks like free seat selection, additional checked bags and the ability to make changes, and tickets in the flexible category are fully refundable and offer all the benefits included in standard tickets.
Polaris
PremiumPlus
UA launches Base (Basic) Business, Premium Economy
Apr 3, 2026 | 7:07 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: New England
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold
Posts: 591
For me, the difference between Base and Standard Polaris will be the lounge access. It will be interesting to see the price differences. Considering just how awful the Polaris lounges have become, I can't imagine I'll pay the difference so perhaps I've seen the inside of a Polaris lounge for the last time?
Apr 3, 2026 | 7:14 am
#7
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,136
For me, the difference between Base and Standard Polaris will be the lounge access. It will be interesting to see the price differences. Considering just how awful the Polaris lounges have become, I can't imagine I'll pay the difference so perhaps I've seen the inside of a Polaris lounge for the last time?
Apr 3, 2026 | 7:14 am
#8
Join Date: Jun 2025
Programs: UA PS, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 8
Apr 3, 2026 | 7:21 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2023
Location: AMS
Programs: AF Platinum, UA 1K, LH SEN, Radisson VIP, HH Gold, MB Gold, Melia Gold
Posts: 422
Surprised it came so quickly after LH's recent introduction. The visual changes on the website were a big clue as some on here had correctly predicted, they even mentioned it specifically in the press release.
Apr 3, 2026 | 7:23 am
#10
Used to be MBS PremExec
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Saginaw, MI (MBS)
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, Marriott Titanium w/Lifetime Plat, Hilton LIfetime ♢, National Exec, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,750
As long as they don't mess with awards as they currently stand, or go a step better and truly offer a lower redeeming rate (lower than now, NOT the old trick of raising prices to lower prices)...I can't see much negative with this, as long as people know what they're buying up front. I'm going to assume that my 1Kness gets me 3 bags and my preboarding.
For the right amount of savings, I'll take an even-numbered middle J seat to save a bunch of miles or cash. I agree, Polaris Lounges are a far cry from what they used to be--and I can eat like a king in the terminal if it's only a 10% savings on a $5000 ticket (regardless of UC access).
For the right amount of savings, I'll take an even-numbered middle J seat to save a bunch of miles or cash. I agree, Polaris Lounges are a far cry from what they used to be--and I can eat like a king in the terminal if it's only a 10% savings on a $5000 ticket (regardless of UC access).
Apr 3, 2026 | 7:35 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL
Posts: 3,821
There is a footnote 2, which says pajamas are available on all flights to Asia and other longish flights. While we can't see the text where footnote 2 appears, as of last week still no pjs on Japan flights from the West Coast or Denver.
This may reduce Polaris overcrowding depending on the price differential. I also think it is fairer for people who book at the last minute, typically pay more, but then get a lousy seat assignment.
Thanks for posting OP!
Apr 3, 2026 | 7:37 am
#13
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: TUL
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 618
As long as they don't mess with awards as they currently stand, or go a step better and truly offer a lower redeeming rate (lower than now, NOT the old trick of raising prices to lower prices)...I can't see much negative with this, as long as people know what they're buying up front. I'm going to assume that my 1Kness gets me 3 bags and my preboarding.
For the right amount of savings, I'll take an even-numbered middle J seat to save a bunch of miles or cash. I agree, Polaris Lounges are a far cry from what they used to be--and I can eat like a king in the terminal if it's only a 10% savings on a $5000 ticket (regardless of UC access).
For the right amount of savings, I'll take an even-numbered middle J seat to save a bunch of miles or cash. I agree, Polaris Lounges are a far cry from what they used to be--and I can eat like a king in the terminal if it's only a 10% savings on a $5000 ticket (regardless of UC access).