What happened
- Seat selection requires payment.
- Only one free checked bag (standard is two).
- United Club access included, but no United Polaris Lounge access.
- No changes or refunds allowed.
- Reduced MileagePlus earning (0-6x without card, 3-9x with card).
- Earns Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) but no Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs), limiting status accumulation.
- Not eligible for paid upgrades to United Polaris Studio. Similar restrictions apply to Basic Premium Plus. United notes that current MileagePlus and partner award tickets remain unaffected, though tiered awards are expected. This move aims to segment revenue and manage lounge crowding as transcontinental flights adopt Polaris branding
United Airlines has officially launched a new tiered fare structure for premium cabins, introducing "Basic" Polaris business class tickets alongside standard and flexible options. This change is now live in select markets and will expand throughout the year. Key restrictions for Basic Polaris fares include: