More changes are currently underway at United Airlines. Less than five months after announcing the changes to its loyalty program, it has become more difficult than ever to gain elite status, and yesterday, Career shared that increased fees for co-branded credit cards and lounge memberships were quick to work.
This is the latest example of airlines that have difficulty accessing lounges to manage overcrowding and maintain a more premium experience. Other fees have also increased, from check bag fees to credit card fees, to making money during rising costs and economic uncertainties.
The changes were implemented on Monday, March 24th, with new fees applied to all future sign-ups. Existing customers do not have to pay an increased fee until the date of renewal. Here’s what you need to know about changes to United’s credit card and airport lounge program:
Changes to United Club Lounge Access
United offers two membership tiers: lounges that use payments (access to over 45 United Club front post bases and two grab-and-go concepts nationwide).
Individual membership costs $750 a year (up from $650 a year) or 94,000 United Royalty Miles, allowing access only to pass holders (though you can take guests to a one-off lounge with a one-off pop). Previously, we could take two adult guests or one adult guest and a number of dependent children.
Another option is the new All Access membership. Members can bring up to two guests, currently $1,400 or 175,000 miles, including participation in participating lounges belonging to other airlines on the Star Alliance Network (though travelers with elite status on the airline will receive discounted fees of up to $400 or 50,000 miles).
The restructuring is undoubtedly stabbed, but there are no restrictions as much as the changes announced by Delta Airlines in 2023 for access to the Sky Club.
Changes to United’s credit card program
United offers a handful of co-branded credit cards, each with different annual fees and perks. The next card increases annual payment costs while adding new perks to cardholders.
- United Explorer Card: Currently, there are annual fees ranging from $95 to $150
- United Quest Cards: Currently, there are annual fees ranging from $250 to $350
- United Club Card United Club Business Cards: Currently, both have annual fees of $695, up from $525 and $450, respectively. For each, United Club membership continues to be included, but cardholders will only include guests under the age of 18 and dependents from United Lounge (two guests under the age of 21 and dependents from dependents. Access to Star Alliance or other partner lounges will not be granted unless you spend $50,000 on your card in a given year. In that case, you will unlock all access memberships.
Each credit card comes with several statement credits each year, including money for bookings through famous hotels and resorts (Chase’s luxury hotel booking platform for United Cardholders), JSX flights booked through Uber or Lyft Rides, Avis or United Cars, and Instacart purchases. The amount of dollars varies depending on the card.
