United Airlines is raising the cost of its airport lounge memberships and co-branded credit card fees, while introducing a new premium lounge tier, in the latest move by a major carrier to capitalize on consumer demand for travel perks.
Beginning Monday, the price of an individual United Club membership has risen to $750 annually or 94,000 MileagePlus miles, up from $650 or 85,000 miles. Members seeking to bring guests must now purchase a new All Access membership for $1,400 or 175,000 miles, which grants access for the member and up to two adult guests-or one adult guest and dependents under 18-along with entry to Star Alliance partner lounges.
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The All Access membership replaces previous guest privileges offered with the standard membership. Customers with existing memberships will retain their current terms until renewal.
Discounts remain available for United's top-tier elite flyers:
- Premier Platinum members can purchase All Access for $1,300 or 163,000 miles.
- Premier 1K members will pay $1,200 or 150,000 miles.
- Global Services members are eligible for the lowest rate, at $1,000 or 125,000 miles.
United is also increasing annual fees on its co-branded rewards credit cards with JPMorgan Chase, introducing new perks such as ride-share credits and flight discounts to offset the higher costs. The changes take effect immediately for new cardholders, while existing members will receive the benefits but see fee increases upon renewal.
Specific card adjustments include:
- United Explorer Card: Fee rises from $95 to $150 annually, now includes $60 in ride-share credits.
- United Quest Card: Annual fee increases from $250 to $350, adds $100 in ride-share credits, two upgrades to extra legroom seating, and $200 in United travel credits.
- United Club Infinite Card: Fee increases from $525 to $695, includes an annual lounge membership, $150 in ride-share credits, and the ability to earn Premier 1K elite status via card spending.
Richard Nunn, CEO of United's MileagePlus loyalty program, emphasized that the added benefits outweigh the higher costs. "Yes, 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," Nunn said, adding that United has been working on the changes for over a year.
Loyalty revenue, including proceeds from credit cards and lounge memberships, has become a significant income stream for the airline. United reported $3.49 billion in "other" revenue last year, a 10% increase driven largely by co-branded card spending and non-ticket sources.
United has added approximately 17 million new MileagePlus members over the past two years, and the revamped card perks are aimed at encouraging even more travelers to join the program.
