What happened
An internal memo reviewed by The Points Guy says United will add United First Base, a stripped-down fare in the domestic first-class cabin, within weeks. A similar basic United Business fare will apply on short-haul flights to Canada and Latin America, though United Club access remains.
Buyers will not receive complimentary seat assignment and cannot change the itinerary after purchase. The fare cuts the usual free checked-bag allowance. Cancellations carry a fee and flight credit is reduced. MileagePlus credit follows the same reduced basic-fare rate United already applies in other cabins. Premier elites and United co-branded cardholders continue to earn more than passengers who have neither.
The move follows earlier unbundled fares in Polaris and Premium Plus. Critics call it an indirect fare hike. Watch for United First Base when it appears and skip it unless the savings clearly outweigh the lost flexibility and miles.
- Where
- Canada, Latin America
- Who qualifies
- Travelers booking United domestic first class or short-haul international business to Canada and Latin America
- Takeaway
- Watch for United First Base when it appears, and skip it unless the savings clearly outweigh lost changes, seat choice, bags and miles.