United Airlines has implemented a fresh round of fee increases
United Airlines has implemented a fresh round of fee increases, marking another significant change just months after the carrier revamped its loyalty program to make earning elite status even more challenging. Effective immediately for all new sign-ups, the changes include higher annual fees for co-branded credit cards and United Club lounge memberships, reflecting the airline’s strategy to manage overcrowding in its lounges and to bolster revenue amid rising operational costs and economic uncertainty.
The recent changes, announced on Monday, March 24, affect future members while existing customers will continue under their current fee structure until their next renewal date. The adjustments come as airlines across the industry are raising fees for services ranging from checked baggage to seat assignments, in an effort to extract more revenue from premium travel perks and to address growing demand for exclusive amenities.
Under the new structure, United now offers two membership tiers for its pay-to-use lounge access, which includes more than 45 United Club outposts and two grab-and-go lounge concepts nationwide. The first option, known as the Individual Membership, will now cost $750 per year or 94,000 United loyalty miles. This tier grants access solely to the passholder, with guest access available on a one-time basis for $59 per visit. Previously, this membership allowed two adult guests or one adult guest plus unlimited dependent children, making the change a noticeable shift for frequent flyers.
For travelers seeking a more generous option, United has introduced the All Access Membership. Priced at $1,400 or 175,000 miles, this tier allows members to bring up to two guests and includes entry to lounges in the Star Alliance network, significantly expanding the range of premium airport experiences available. It’s important to note that travelers with elite status can enjoy discounted rates of up to $400 or 50,000 miles off the All Access fee, providing some relief for the most loyal customers. Although these adjustments are likely to be met with some resistance, industry experts suggest that the changes are less restrictive than similar alterations recently implemented by competitors like Delta Air Lines, which faced substantial pushback from its frequent fliers over Sky Club access policies.
In addition to modifications in lounge access, United Airlines is also revising its credit card program. Several co-branded credit cards are seeing annual fee increases paired with new benefits designed to enhance the overall travel experience. The United Explorer Card’s fee will now rise to $150 from $95, while the United Quest Card’s fee will increase to $350 from $250. Moreover, both the United Club Card and the United Club Business Card will now carry an annual fee of $695, up from $525 and $450, respectively. While each card still includes a United Club membership, cardholders will now receive lounge access for only one guest and dependents under 18 years old, a change from the previous benefit of allowing two guests and dependents under 21. To gain access to partner lounges in the Star Alliance network, cardholders will need to spend at least $50,000 on their card annually, which would then unlock the All Access Membership benefits.
To soften the impact of these fee increases, United has bundled several yearly statement credits into its credit card offerings. Cardholders can receive money back on a variety of travel-related expenses, including reservations made through Renowned Hotels and Resorts—a luxury hotel booking platform for United cardholders—ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft, car rentals through Avis or Budget booked via United Cars, JSX flights, and even Instacart purchases. The specific credit amounts vary by card, providing an incentive for travelers to continue using their cards despite the higher fees.
As United Airlines continues to adapt its loyalty and rewards offerings to current market conditions, these changes signal a broader trend in the airline industry toward premiumization of travel perks, a strategy designed to ensure a high-quality experience for the most valued customers while addressing operational challenges and economic pressures.
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