United is first US airline to add 'basic business' as it shakes up premium fares
Editor's Note
How would you feel if you paid $2,000 or more for a business-class ticket only to be charged an extra fee if you wanted a seat assignment in advance?
Some travelers on United Airlines will soon find out after the carrier announced on Friday a "new tiered fare structure" for its swankiest seats.
In other words, the basic economy concept has now come to the business-class cabin.
Customers who purchase the new "Base" business-class fare will have to pay extra to select a seat before check-in and will get one checked bag for free instead of the usual two included on most premium cabin fares.
"Base" business-class passengers also will not get access to United's Polaris lounge as part of their ticket, though they will be able to visit the standard United Club locations.
United's new fare structure will roll out in "select markets this month," according to the carrier, before expanding later in 2026 "to additional long-haul international, transcontinental U.S. and longer Hawaii flights."
