Airfare alert as United Airlines rolls out a change that could impact all travelers
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If you're a loyal United Airlines flyer, your travel perks are about to come with a heftier price tag.
The airline has just rolled out sweeping changes to its rewards program, and for many travelers, it could mean shelling out hundreds more a year.
Let’s break down what’s changing—and what it could cost you.
United Lounge Access Gets a Pricey Upgrade
United is restructuring access to its United Club airport lounges with a new two-tiered membership system.
Previously, a standard membership (with guest access) cost $650 per year.
Now, an individual membership will run you $750 annually—or 94,000 miles—and includes access for one person only.
Want to bring guests?
You’ll now need the new “United Club All Access” membership, priced at $1,400 or 175,000 miles per year.
This upgraded tier grants access to both United and Star Alliance lounges for the member and up to two guests.
Current members can breathe easily for now—your existing plan will stay in place until it expires.
Also read: Discover insider secrets: How seniors can unlock massive travel discounts today!
Your Credit Card Just Got Pricier, Too
Alongside lounge changes, United is also raising annual fees on its popular co-branded credit cards with JPMorgan Chase.
The United Explorer Card will increase from $95 to $150—but now includes a $60 rideshare credit.
The United Quest Card is jumping from $250 to $350 and adds perks like $100 in rideshare credits, two-seat upgrades, and $200 in United travel credits.
Meanwhile, the premium United Club Infinite Card is soaring to $695, up from $525.
That card now includes lounge access, $150 in rideshare credits, and a new path to earn Premier 1K elite status based on spending.
Richard Nunn—CEO of United's MileagePlus loyalty program—said, “There are fee increases but we were very, very cognizant of ensuring that the value increments and the benefits that are delivered outweigh any increase in the cost of those cards."
Also read: Are your tattoos or clothes getting you banned from flights? Shocking airline dress code revealed
A Wider Industry Shift Toward “Perkflation”
United's not the only airline tightening its belt—or yours.
Southwest Airlines recently ended its longstanding free baggage perk, and many carriers have added fees for seat selection and other previously included amenities.
By bundling these perks into premium credit card offerings, airlines are leaning into loyalty programs as a major revenue source.
United alone generated $3.49 billion in “other” revenue in 2024—a 10% increase from 2023—thanks largely to card spending and lounge memberships.
As lounges become increasingly crowded, airlines are raising prices and restricting entry to manage demand.
Are you sticking with United, or are these changes pushing you to look elsewhere? We’d love to hear your take—drop a comment below and share how you’re adjusting your travel plans in response to United’s new rewards model.
Read more: The sneaky flight trick an airline is banning—travelers, take note!
The airline has just rolled out sweeping changes to its rewards program, and for many travelers, it could mean shelling out hundreds more a year.
Let’s break down what’s changing—and what it could cost you.
United Lounge Access Gets a Pricey Upgrade
United is restructuring access to its United Club airport lounges with a new two-tiered membership system.
Previously, a standard membership (with guest access) cost $650 per year.
Now, an individual membership will run you $750 annually—or 94,000 miles—and includes access for one person only.
United Airlines has raised its fees for rewards credit cards and lounge memberships. Image source: Arkin Si / Unsplash
Want to bring guests?
You’ll now need the new “United Club All Access” membership, priced at $1,400 or 175,000 miles per year.
This upgraded tier grants access to both United and Star Alliance lounges for the member and up to two guests.
Current members can breathe easily for now—your existing plan will stay in place until it expires.
Also read: Discover insider secrets: How seniors can unlock massive travel discounts today!
Your Credit Card Just Got Pricier, Too
Alongside lounge changes, United is also raising annual fees on its popular co-branded credit cards with JPMorgan Chase.
The United Explorer Card will increase from $95 to $150—but now includes a $60 rideshare credit.
The United Quest Card is jumping from $250 to $350 and adds perks like $100 in rideshare credits, two-seat upgrades, and $200 in United travel credits.
Meanwhile, the premium United Club Infinite Card is soaring to $695, up from $525.
That card now includes lounge access, $150 in rideshare credits, and a new path to earn Premier 1K elite status based on spending.
Richard Nunn—CEO of United's MileagePlus loyalty program—said, “There are fee increases but we were very, very cognizant of ensuring that the value increments and the benefits that are delivered outweigh any increase in the cost of those cards."
Also read: Are your tattoos or clothes getting you banned from flights? Shocking airline dress code revealed
A Wider Industry Shift Toward “Perkflation”
United's not the only airline tightening its belt—or yours.
Southwest Airlines recently ended its longstanding free baggage perk, and many carriers have added fees for seat selection and other previously included amenities.
By bundling these perks into premium credit card offerings, airlines are leaning into loyalty programs as a major revenue source.
United alone generated $3.49 billion in “other” revenue in 2024—a 10% increase from 2023—thanks largely to card spending and lounge memberships.
As lounges become increasingly crowded, airlines are raising prices and restricting entry to manage demand.
Read more: The sneaky flight trick an airline is banning—travelers, take note!
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