United to Offer Premier Beneifts for a Per Flight Fee
United Airlines has begun selling two new service packages which essentially allow individuals to, for a fee, enjoy the perks previously reserved for the carriers' Mileage Plus Premier members -- those flying over 25,000 miles per year.
The two bundled-service options, called Premier Travel and Premier Travel Plus, provide, among other things, free checked bags, access to priority security lines, earlier boarding times, and a seat in the Economy Plus section.
The Premier Travel Plus option also gives passengers double Mileage Plus miles for their flight and access to United’s Red Carpet lounges.
Travelers can purchase the Premier Travel or Premier Travel Plus options at or before check-in time, by going to the My Itineraries section of www.United.com after a purchase has been made.
The fees for these services vary, depending on the length of the flight. Between Washington and New York, for example, customers may purchase the Premier Travel option for $47 each way, and can purchase Premier Travel Plus for $84 each way. Between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Premier Travel is $56 each way, while Premier Travel Plus is $95. From Chicago to London, Premier Travel is $158, while Premier Travel Plus is $285. From San Francisco to Tokyo, Premier Travel is $167, while Premier Travel Plus is $298.