United Airlines unveiled segmented premium fares on Friday, unbundling its business class and creating a new, lower-priced base fare with fewer benefits.
Similar to basic economy, its base fares for Polaris business class will include seat selections for a fee, one complimentary checked bag instead of two, and limitations on changes and cancellations.
The base fare will also limit access to the airline’s high-end Polaris Lounges, but customers can still access United Club lounges.
Passengers can find these new fare options on long-haul international, select transcontinental, and select Hawaii flights. There are no changes to fares on short-haul international and domestic flights.
The airline is marketing these fares towards customers who want to fly on a lie-flat bed, but do not need some of the extra perks and airport experiences a standard fare brings.
“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.
United’s efforts to unbundle business class are part of a broader overhaul of its Polaris product and are a continued bet that customers are willing to pay more for premium experiences.
New York/Newark-based transcontinental flights will begin to see Coastliner Airbus A321 and Airbus A321XLR aircraft featuring plush new seats. The airline will also launch its new Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring its Elevated interiors on April 22, from San Francisco to Singapore.
The airline’s Premium Plus product will also be segmented, with a lower base fare that comes with more restrictions.
Last year, Delta Air Lines also expressed interest in unbundling premium fares.
