Quantcast

United Airlines raises fees on credit cards and lounge access amid restructuring

United Airlines raises fees on credit cards and lounge access amid restructuring
Policy
Webp received 3996921087255859
United Airlines | Official Website

United Airlines has introduced changes to its co-branded Chase credit card offers, resulting in higher annual fees and altered perks and bonuses. This alteration also affects the airline's lounge access membership, which has been divided into two levels, requiring more than double the previous cost to maintain the same benefits.

According to United, the updates aim to "align more closely with competitors and help manage crowds" and to enhance the value of MileagePlus credit cards by offering more benefits, as per a report by the Wall Street Journal.

The United Explorer Card's annual fee has increased from $95 to $150, while the Quest Card will now cost $350 annually, up from $250. The United Club Card's fee has risen from $525 to $695. Meanwhile, the United Gateway Card retains no annual fee but introduces a minimum spending requirement for reduced award prices.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

New benefits for cardholders include ride-share and airline credits and easier paths to reach higher loyalty tiers. However, some previous benefits, such as sharing United Club passes, have been removed.

For lounge access, United has restructured its membership into "Individual" and "All Access" categories. The base cost for an Individual membership has increased to $750, while an All Access membership, allowing up to two guests and access to Star Alliance partner lounges, costs $1,400 annually.

Changes are also seen in competitor airlines, like Delta, which has restricted lounge access due to overcrowding issues. United still allows guest access for cardholders, albeit at a higher price and reduced perks for the cheapest membership tier.

Despite these shifts, United's credit card business remains flourishing, with record-level spending last year. The airline and Chase appear confident in their fee increases, banking on continued demand. United Airlines is also investing in airport lounges, with new ones set to open in San Francisco and Houston.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025