Overview
- United Airlines, which on Friday announced a three-tier model for Polaris business class and Premium Plus, will begin selling the new fares in select markets this month and expand through 2026 across long-haul international, U.S. transcontinental and select Hawaii routes.
- The new Base fare strips out advance seat selection, reduces the checked-bag allowance to one, blocks changes and refunds, and replaces Polaris Lounge access with standard United Club entry.
- Passengers still get the same onboard product, including lie-flat seats and meals, though Base tickets do not include access to the upcoming Polaris Studio suites.
- Frequent-flyer earnings change on these tickets, as Base fares earn Premier Qualifying Points but do not earn Premier Qualifying Flight segments, and some upgrade paths are not available.
- Industry coverage frames the plan as premium unbundling designed to raise revenue rather than lower prices, aligning with United’s broader push to expand high-end seating and services.