Has United changed its pricing tiers
38% The Bulkhead Seat
34% One Mile at a Time
17% Live and Let's Fly
11% Other
Yes, United has overhauled the way it prices its premium‑cabin seats.
New tiered fare structure
- United now offers three distinct fare options—Base, Standard, and Flexible—for Polaris business class and United Premium Plus on long‑haul international, transcontinental, and select Hawaii routes The Bulkhead Seat One Mile at a Time .
- The rollout began in April 2026 on a handful of markets and will expand throughout the year, with the changes slated for “Spring 2026” Live and Let’s Fly One Mile at a Time .
What each tier includes
| Tier | Main perks & restrictions |
|---|---|
| Base | • No complimentary seat selection (pay‑to‑select)
One Mile at a Time
• One free checked bag (instead of two) One Mile at a Time Miles to Memories • Access only to United Club locations, not Polaris lounges One Mile at a Time Miles to Memories • No changes or refunds allowed One Mile at a Time Miles to Memories • Not eligible for paid upgrades to Polaris Studio One Mile at a Time |
| Standard | • Seat selection included
The Bulkhead Seat
• Two free checked bags The Bulkhead Seat • Polaris lounge access for qualifying routes The Bulkhead Seat • Changes permitted (no refunds) The Bulkhead Seat |
| Flexible | • All Standard benefits plus fully refundable tickets
The Bulkhead Seat
• Highest priority for upgrades and lounge access The Bulkhead Seat |
- United’s Economy‑class fare categories remain unchanged, though they will be displayed more clearly in the updated booking interface The Bulkhead Seat .
These changes reflect United’s move toward a more granular, à‑la‑carte pricing model for its premium cabins.
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