United Airlines on Monday alerted customers via email of changes to United Club memberships and club access, including a new tier of membership, effective immediately.
United formerly annually charged $550 to $650 or 75,000 to 85,000 miles for a club membership, depending on the purchaser's status in United's MileagePlus loyalty program.
The carrier now offers two tiers of membership: "Individual" and "All Access." Individual plans cost $750 annually or 94,000 miles and will provide access to all United Club locations for primary members only. No guests are allowed.
The All Access plan costs $1,400 annually or 175,000 miles for regular, Premier Silver and Premier Gold members. Premier Platinum members are charged $1,300 annually or 163,000 miles, and Premier 1K members are charged $1,200 or 150,000 miles. This membership option provides United Club access for the primary member plus up to two guests, or one guest and dependents under the age of 18. It also includes Star Alliance and other partner lounge access.
Existing members will retain their current benefits until their membership expires, according to United.
The carrier also is changing the rules for its one-time passes. Beginning May 1, a pass holder will be able to enter United Club locations up to three hours prior to a United or Star Alliance partner flight's scheduled departure time. There is no time limit on connecting flights. Passes will be valid only at standard United Club locations and will no longer work at United Club Fly locations.
United did not provide a price for the one-day pass.