United Airlines launched three domestic first class fare tiers on October 28, 2026. The Base fare starts at $724, the Standard tier costs $804, and the Flexible option runs $984 on routes like Los Angeles to Chicago.
Base first class tickets include one checked bag and a carry-on bag. Passengers must pay extra to select their seat in advance. Changes are not allowed, though the airline charges a $199 fee to modify a booking. Base fares earn zero award miles.
Standard fares cost $80 more and restore seat selection at no charge, a second checked bag, and the ability to change flights without change fees. Standard tickets earn 2,202 award miles in this example. Flexible fares at $984 add refundability and earn 2,703 award miles.
MileagePlus cardmembers receive an additional three miles per dollar on base fares. Cash fares still count toward Lifetime Flight Miles, which remain separate from award miles and Premier qualifying flights.
United's Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella previously stated that "the buy-up rates are incredibly high" for the airline's basic business class strategy, which the airline said would expand. The base first class fare appears roughly $20 cheaper than previous pricing, while standard fares run about $60 more than the old P fare of $744.