We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with
confidence. While we don't cover every company or financial product on
the market, we work hard to share a wide range of offers and objective
editorial perspectives.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us for advertisements that
appear on our site. This compensation helps us provide tools and services -
like free credit score access and monitoring. With the exception of
mortgage, home equity and other home-lending products or services, partner
compensation is one of several factors that may affect which products we
highlight and where they appear on our site. Other factors include your
credit profile, product availability and proprietary website methodologies.
However, these factors do not influence our editors' opinions or ratings, which are based on independent research and analysis. Our partners cannot
pay us to guarantee favorable reviews. Here is a list of our partners.
The Guide to United Fare Classes
Your United fare class will impact your ability to get upgrades and earn elite qualifying miles and segments.
Anya Kartashova is a freelance writer and full-time traveler based in Salt Lake City. She has written about travel rewards and personal finance for FrugalTravelGuy, Fodor's, FlyerTalk, 10xTravel and Reward Expert. Her goal is to visit every country in the world by offsetting the cost with points and miles.
Megan Lee is a former editor on the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She had more than 12 years of SEO, writing and content development experience, primarily in international education and nonprofit work. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for websites like GoAbroad and Go Overseas. When not traveling, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.
Updated
How is this page expert verified?
NerdWallet's content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and
relevance. It undergoes a thorough review process involving
writers and editors to ensure the information is as clear and
complete as possible.
This page includes information about these cards, currently unavailable on
NerdWallet. The information has been collected by NerdWallet and has not
been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.
Contrary to what one might assume, United Airlines has more classes than just first, business, premium economy and economy. In fact, each of those cabins is divided into multiple fare classes, all designated with a different letter.
While it might seem like alphabet soup, the airline uses fare classes to know how and when you booked your ticket and how to upgrade it — if that’s what you want to do.
Subscribe to our free TravelNerd newsletter for inspiration, tips and money-saving strategies, delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional
content and agree to our Terms of Use
and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
What is a fare class on United?
All United cabins of service are divided into fare classes — sometimes called fare buckets — to keep track of the number of tickets sold on each flight as well as which seats are still available.
For example, if you’ve ever found a deal on airfare and then the price went up before you could buy it, it’s likely because that first fare class sold out, even if there are still tickets available in that particular cabin.
Though there are similarities across airlines, each one labels its fare classes slightly differently. Here are United’s fare classes for each class of service on a paid ticket:
Note that tickets booked with miles come with their own separate set of fare classes.
Nerdy Perspective
Which economy fare do you go for when flying United?
Craig Joseph
Lead Writer, Travel Rewards
"I exclusively book standard economy when I fly on United. Generally, I'm traveling with a roller bag and a backpack, both of which would cost extra if I booked in basic economy. I also like being able to select my seat assignment at the time of booking."
"I exclusively book standard economy when I fly on United. Generally, I'm traveling with a roller bag and a backpack, both of which would cost extra if I booked in basic economy. I also like being able to select my seat assignment at the time of booking."
Craig Joseph
Lead Writer, Travel Rewards
Sally French
Lead Writer/ Spokesperson, Travel Rewards
"Basic economy on United is wild because carry-on bags are not included on domestic flights. Luckily, I'm wild. Yes, I often travel with just a personal item. If you want a carry-on bag, most people are best off switching to standard economy. But if you're someone who packs practically nothing, basic economy on United is often unbeatable in terms of price."
"Basic economy on United is wild because carry-on bags are not included on domestic flights. Luckily, I'm wild. Yes, I often travel with just a personal item. If you want a carry-on bag, most people are best off switching to standard economy. But if you're someone who packs practically nothing, basic economy on United is often unbeatable in terms of price."
Sally French
Lead Writer/ Spokesperson, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"The only time I would ever consider basic economy is if on a short regional jet flight since it is always 2-2 seating, and you won't be stuck in a middle seat. As an elite status member and United credit card holder, I can still check a bag and enjoy early boarding."
"The only time I would ever consider basic economy is if on a short regional jet flight since it is always 2-2 seating, and you won't be stuck in a middle seat. As an elite status member and United credit card holder, I can still check a bag and enjoy early boarding."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Benjamin Din
Lead Writer
"United's premium economy offering can be worth the splurge, with a deeper recline, more legroom and significantly improved dining options. The giant screen is also a huge plus if you plan on watching movies. However, I found the storage space at the seat lacking, and the somewhat awkward footrest made it difficult to slide my backpack under the seat in front of me. Pro tip: If you want to be able to select a meal, try to reserve a seat in the first few rows. They'll often run out of meal choices by the time they get to the last row."
"United's premium economy offering can be worth the splurge, with a deeper recline, more legroom and significantly improved dining options. The giant screen is also a huge plus if you plan on watching movies. However, I found the storage space at the seat lacking, and the somewhat awkward footrest made it difficult to slide my backpack under the seat in front of me. Pro tip: If you want to be able to select a meal, try to reserve a seat in the first few rows. They'll often run out of meal choices by the time they get to the last row."
Benjamin Din
Lead Writer
Craig Joseph
Lead Writer, Travel Rewards
"I exclusively book standard economy when I fly on United. Generally, I'm traveling with a roller bag and a backpack, both of which would cost extra if I booked in basic economy. I also like being able to select my seat assignment at the time of booking."
"I exclusively book standard economy when I fly on United. Generally, I'm traveling with a roller bag and a backpack, both of which would cost extra if I booked in basic economy. I also like being able to select my seat assignment at the time of booking."
Craig Joseph
Lead Writer, Travel Rewards
Sally French
Lead Writer/ Spokesperson, Travel Rewards
"Basic economy on United is wild because carry-on bags are not included on domestic flights. Luckily, I'm wild. Yes, I often travel with just a personal item. If you want a carry-on bag, most people are best off switching to standard economy. But if you're someone who packs practically nothing, basic economy on United is often unbeatable in terms of price."
"Basic economy on United is wild because carry-on bags are not included on domestic flights. Luckily, I'm wild. Yes, I often travel with just a personal item. If you want a carry-on bag, most people are best off switching to standard economy. But if you're someone who packs practically nothing, basic economy on United is often unbeatable in terms of price."
Sally French
Lead Writer/ Spokesperson, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"The only time I would ever consider basic economy is if on a short regional jet flight since it is always 2-2 seating, and you won't be stuck in a middle seat. As an elite status member and United credit card holder, I can still check a bag and enjoy early boarding."
"The only time I would ever consider basic economy is if on a short regional jet flight since it is always 2-2 seating, and you won't be stuck in a middle seat. As an elite status member and United credit card holder, I can still check a bag and enjoy early boarding."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Benjamin Din
Lead Writer
"United's premium economy offering can be worth the splurge, with a deeper recline, more legroom and significantly improved dining options. The giant screen is also a huge plus if you plan on watching movies. However, I found the storage space at the seat lacking, and the somewhat awkward footrest made it difficult to slide my backpack under the seat in front of me. Pro tip: If you want to be able to select a meal, try to reserve a seat in the first few rows. They'll often run out of meal choices by the time they get to the last row."
"United's premium economy offering can be worth the splurge, with a deeper recline, more legroom and significantly improved dining options. The giant screen is also a huge plus if you plan on watching movies. However, I found the storage space at the seat lacking, and the somewhat awkward footrest made it difficult to slide my backpack under the seat in front of me. Pro tip: If you want to be able to select a meal, try to reserve a seat in the first few rows. They'll often run out of meal choices by the time they get to the last row."
Benjamin Din
Lead Writer
Craig Joseph
Lead Writer, Travel Rewards
"I exclusively book standard economy when I fly on United. Generally, I'm traveling with a roller bag and a backpack, both of which would cost extra if I booked in basic economy. I also like being able to select my seat assignment at the time of booking."
"I exclusively book standard economy when I fly on United. Generally, I'm traveling with a roller bag and a backpack, both of which would cost extra if I booked in basic economy. I also like being able to select my seat assignment at the time of booking."
Craig Joseph
Lead Writer, Travel Rewards
Sally French
Lead Writer/ Spokesperson, Travel Rewards
"Basic economy on United is wild because carry-on bags are not included on domestic flights. Luckily, I'm wild. Yes, I often travel with just a personal item. If you want a carry-on bag, most people are best off switching to standard economy. But if you're someone who packs practically nothing, basic economy on United is often unbeatable in terms of price."
"Basic economy on United is wild because carry-on bags are not included on domestic flights. Luckily, I'm wild. Yes, I often travel with just a personal item. If you want a carry-on bag, most people are best off switching to standard economy. But if you're someone who packs practically nothing, basic economy on United is often unbeatable in terms of price."
Sally French
Lead Writer/ Spokesperson, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"The only time I would ever consider basic economy is if on a short regional jet flight since it is always 2-2 seating, and you won't be stuck in a middle seat. As an elite status member and United credit card holder, I can still check a bag and enjoy early boarding."
"The only time I would ever consider basic economy is if on a short regional jet flight since it is always 2-2 seating, and you won't be stuck in a middle seat. As an elite status member and United credit card holder, I can still check a bag and enjoy early boarding."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Benjamin Din
Lead Writer
"United's premium economy offering can be worth the splurge, with a deeper recline, more legroom and significantly improved dining options. The giant screen is also a huge plus if you plan on watching movies. However, I found the storage space at the seat lacking, and the somewhat awkward footrest made it difficult to slide my backpack under the seat in front of me. Pro tip: If you want to be able to select a meal, try to reserve a seat in the first few rows. They'll often run out of meal choices by the time they get to the last row."
"United's premium economy offering can be worth the splurge, with a deeper recline, more legroom and significantly improved dining options. The giant screen is also a huge plus if you plan on watching movies. However, I found the storage space at the seat lacking, and the somewhat awkward footrest made it difficult to slide my backpack under the seat in front of me. Pro tip: If you want to be able to select a meal, try to reserve a seat in the first few rows. They'll often run out of meal choices by the time they get to the last row."
Benjamin Din
Lead Writer
How do I find my fare class on United?
When you’re shopping for a ticket on United, the fare classes are listed under each ticket type.
For example, in the screenshot below, the flights from Chicago to Frankfurt, Germany, have the following fare classes: T in economy, R in premium economy and Z in business.
If you’re shopping for a flight on an online travel agency’s website, such as Expedia or Orbitz, you can locate the fare class under “Details” once you select your flights but before you enter your credit card number.
This ticket from Chicago-O'Hare to Frankfurt, Germany, has a fare class of R in the premium economy cabin.
🤓Nerdy Tip
When possible, book your flights directly with the airline. This way, you avoid having to deal with a third-party booking site in case you need to change or cancel the flight or if there’s a cancellation by the airline.
Why should I pay attention to fare classes on United?
There are some good reasons to pay attention to which fare class you’re booking. For one, your fare class (specifically, the price) can determine how quickly you earn elite status and whether you’re eligible for an upgrade.
Elite status qualification
Passengers achieve elite status by earning a combination of Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) and Premier Qualifying Points (PQP). PQF are based on the flight segments completed. So a nonstop flight counts as one PQF while a flight with one stop counts as two PQF. Basic economy tickets are an exception because they don't earn any PQF.
PQP consists of the base fare, carrier-imposed charges, seat purchases and paid upgrades. So, the more expensive your flight, the more PQP you earn, and the faster you can achieve elite status.
To be eligible for an upgrade, you’ll need to have booked in the right fare class for the type of upgrade you’re requesting.
Complimentary Premier upgrades
If you’re a MileagePlus Premier flyer, tickets booked in certain fare classes are eligible for instant complimentary Premier upgrades (available on select routes). For example, economy tickets booked in fare classes Y or B for all Premier members, and tickets booked in fare classes Y, B or M for Premier 1K members, qualify for immediate upgrades to the premium cabin at booking.
The following routes are eligible for complimentary Premier upgrades:
Continental U.S. (except premium transcontinental routes).
Between Hawaii and Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Between Continental U.S. and Alaska, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Caribbean and Central America.
Between Guam and Japan, Asia and Micronesia.
Between Japan and the Philippines.
Outside of instant upgrades, you can increase your chances of getting a complimentary Premier upgrade when you book a higher fare class than a fellow Premier member at the same status tier.
MileagePlus upgrades
If you’re not an elite flyer with United, you still have the option to upgrade a flight with MileagePlus miles. Depending on the fare class, your Premier status level and your flight route, you might be asked for a cash co-pay on top of the miles redeemed.
For example, tickets in fare classes B, O or Y don’t include a cash component. Tickets booked in most other fare classes will require a cash co-pay.
PlusPoints upgrades
Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members receive PlusPoints that can be used to upgrade United flights. Platinum members receive 40 PlusPoints upon reaching their status tier, and 1K members get another 280 PlusPoints, totaling 320 PlusPoints toward upgrades.
United charges 40 PlusPoints for upgrades from economy to Polaris business class and 80 PlusPoints for upgrades from discounted economy to Polaris on long-haul flights. So, if your ticket’s fare class is S, T, L, K or G then you’ll need 80 PlusPoints for an upgrade to Polaris. Otherwise, you’ll just need 40 PlusPoints for your upgrade.
Additionally, if you’re a Premier 1K member, some fares make you eligible to skip the waitlist and confirm an upgrade right away, as long as your flight is on an eligible international route and is more than 30 days out. Those fares include:
From United economy to United Polaris business class: Y, B, M, E, U, H, Q, V and W.
From United economy to United Premium Plus: Y, B, M, E, U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, L and K.
When crediting miles to a partner program
Another time you should pay attention to fare classes is when you’re crediting a flight to a partner program. Say you’d rather earn miles with Air Canada Aeroplan, who is a Star Alliance partner of United, and you want to know the earning rates.
You’ll earn the following number of Aeroplan points and Status Qualifying Miles (SQMs) when crediting paid United flights to Aeroplan:
If you’re a member of multiple airline loyalty programs and can’t decide where to credit your flight, check out WhereToCredit, a website that shows you how many miles you’d earn in any frequent flyer program for a particular flight. This can help you make sure you're earning the highest possible number of redeemable miles.
Let’s say you’ve booked a United economy ticket in fare class V and want to know where to credit this flight. Go to the WhereToCredit website, select the airline and fare class and view the results.
Based on the results, you’d earn 5 miles per base dollar spent on the ticket with United MileagePlus (as a general member), 50% of the flight distance with ANA Mileage Club and Miles & More and 75% with all the other partner programs (except Vistara Club), so you can take your pick of the programs earning more miles.
Travelers often don’t care which fare class they book as long as the ticket price is low. However, if you’re chasing status or want to book an upgradeable ticket, there are ways to search for specific fare classes on United.
Go to United.com and select “Advanced search.”
Enter your flight search details as usual and scroll down until you see a “Fare class” box. Fill in the fare classes you’re looking for and click on “Find flights.”
On the results page, you’ll see the regular search results for all other booking classes as well as a column with the requested fare classes.
This way, you can compare ticket prices and decide whether booking a specific fare class is worth it.
Book smarter: United credit cards
Secure the best earning rates and benefits for your United flight needs by purchasing your tickets with the right credit card.
Here are a handful of Chase United credit card options — or you can read NerdWallet analysis on which are the best.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
If you seek more flexibility in redeeming miles for award flights, consider applying for a more general travel credit card instead. A flexible travel credit card differs from an airline card in that you can book flights with multiple carriers, rather than reaping the benefits of staying loyal to a single brand.
The more high-end (or "premium") the travel credit card, the more benefits you can enjoy, including airport lounge access or automatic elite status in certain programs. That said, a brand-specific airline card can net you benefits like waived baggage fees, which can have meaningful dollar value.
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary,
trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed
studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with
industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness
and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high
standards for journalism by reading our
editorial guidelines.
