travel classes united airlines

List and Description of All United Airlines Fare Classes

June 5, 2013 by Darren 10 Comments

What has changed – just a bit – is the alphabet soup of fare classes used. And with the fairly recent addition of the super-discounted N-class on United, as well as all Star Alliance carriers now using the same letters for award redemptions, every letter of the alphabet is now in use at United.

Here’s a current alphabetical list and description of what each letter translates into (bold letters are award/upgrade classes only):

• A – First class
• B – Economy – Full fare (even though Y-class is the highest level in coach, it’s still considered a full fare)
• C – Business class
• D – Business class
• E – Economy
• F – First class – Full fare (“FN” is for MileagePlus Standard Awards)
• G – Economy – Discounted
• H – Economy (“HN” is for MileagePlus Standard Awards)
• I – First (2-cabin)/Business (3-cabin) – MileagePlus Saver Award class (“IN” is expanded award availability for GS/1K/Plat elites)
• J – Business class – Full fare (“JN” is expanded MileagePlus Standard Award for elites and Chase credit card holders, as well as an upgrade class from Y-fares for elites)
• K – Economy – Discounted
• L – Economy – Discounted
• M – Economy
• N – Economy – Discounted
• O – First Class (3-cabin) – MileagePlus Saver Award (“ON” is upgrade class on 3-cabin aircraft)
• P – First/Business class – Discounted (“PN” is upgrade from B/M-fares for elites; only GS/1K can upgrade from M)
• Q – Economy
• R – First (2-cabin)/Business (3-cabin) – Upgrade bucket (“RN” is expanded availability for elites)
• S – Economy – Discounted
• T – Economy – Discounted
• U – Economy
• V – Economy
• W – Economy
• X – Economy – MileagePlus Saver Award (“XN” is expanded availability for elites)
• Y – Economy – Full fare (“YN” is an expanded MileagePlus Standard Award for elites and Chase credit card holders)
• Z – Business class – Discounted (“ZN” is for MileagePlus Standard Awards)

As far as the revenue fare classes above, here’s the order from highest to lowest in terms of where each class falls on the spectrum of overall contribution to United:

F, A, J, C, D, Z, P, Y, B, M, E, U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, L, K, G, N

One important thing to note is that the leading letter of your fare basis code, not necessarily which letter it books into, is what determines your flight mileage accrual. They can be different, which is often the case for “Y-UP†fares where you purchase a coach ticket that books directly into first class.

Another example is what I encountered earlier this year on my mileage run to Tokyo . United had an unadvertised promotional first class sale which booked into “A†class, but my fare basis code began with a “P,†so I only earned redeemable and Premier Qualifying Miles based on the “P.â€

I think this causes a lot of confusion for some travelers as the “A,†in my example, was the only thing that appeared online or on a ticket receipt. To see the fare basis code, you have to click the “View Rules and Restrictions†link during the booking process, which yields something like this:

Questions? Comments?

– Follow Darren Booth on Twitter, @FrequentlyFlyin , for more airline, hotel and travel industry news, reviews and opinions.

Related posts:

Airfare Pricing Buckets & Airline Fare Basis Codes Explained

The NEW United Airlines Upgrade & Award Fare Buckets

How to Find Mileage Runs – 2013 Edition

[…] about $600ish more than the cheapest economy ticket. And if you’re unfamiliar, a W-fare is the lowest fare class in which you can use a GPU […]

[…] List and Description of All United Airlines Fare Classes … […]

[…] the seat I wanted, with the appropriate economy class code, and not the last seat […]

Your “JN” entry implies that CC holders can Y-Up; that isn’t actually the case.

And I still think the grid format I have them in is easier to read and clearer. 😉

@Seth: Thanks, I reworded “JN” to make it clear.

The UA Fare Pricing & Bucket posts are my favorite. I should know this information better but I don’t. Seeing it on here is always a welcome refresher course.

Any insight into which fare class indicates availability for GPU into int’l first or business? I am sometimes instantly confirmed when I use GPU, other times I am waitlisted and wondered if there’s an easy way to discover this.

@Dave: “R” is the upgrade class for business class, “ON” for international first. If you enable “expert mode” under your United.com profile, you’ll be able to see all fare classes when shopping for flights when signed in. Alternatively, there are other (paid) services, such as ExpertFlyer and KVS Tool with availability displays.

My wife and I traveled to India on Lufthansa. We were DISAPPOINTED to learn that NO credit will be given to Mileage Plus account. The reason fare code K. We checked with United before buying the tickets and were told we will get credit like other Star Alliance members. It was tricky on the part of bot airlines.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

Best Ways to Book United First Class Using Points [Step-by-Step]

Spencer Howard

Former Content Contributor

51 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 21 U.S. States Visited:

Stella Shon

News Managing Editor

96 Published Articles 679 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 25 U.S. States Visited: 22

Director of Operations & Compliance

6 Published Articles 1179 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Table of Contents

A look inside united airlines first class, how to fly united first class using points, great united airlines first class redemptions, how to earn enough miles for united first class, when should you search for award space, what makes this a great redemption, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

United Airlines has had a rough go over the last few years. Their in-flight product and service are considered by many to be sub-par compared to competitors. Additionally, their online platform has failed repeatedly, which has confused travelers.

As with any airline, first class is a much better way to experience United. However, they are in the process of phasing out their first class product in favor of their new Polaris business class product.

Let’s dig into how you can book United’s first class product before it is no longer available.

If you’re looking for an out-of-this-world experience like Emirates first class , the United first class experience is going to be a bit of a letdown. United Airlines provides a decent product, but you won’t get the luxury experience here as you would on Emirates for example.

Each seat is lie-flat and has direct aisle access, but they aren’t enclosed suites like many first class products. Don’t get us wrong, lie-flat seats with direct aisle access are a great way to fly, but this is standard for a good business class seat too. A top first class seat needs more than that!

Fortunately, if you’re flying United first class, you get some nice perks when you arrive at the airport. You’ll be offered Premier Access check-in, Premier Access priority boarding , and Premier Access baggage handling. Where available, you will also enjoy a Premier Access security lane to make the screening process quicker.

While waiting for your flight, you can relax in the United Global First Lounge or the Polaris Lounge. Rather than fight through the crowds, you can enjoy complimentary drinks and food. If you need to take care of some work, you’ll also have a bit more peace and quiet to do so.

Unfortunately, cards like  The Platinum Card ® from American Express do not offer entry to any of these premium lounges. However, the Chase United MileagePlus ® Club Card and the Chase United MileagePlus ® Club Business Card do provide access to United Clubs  – this does not include Polaris Lounges.

As a member of Star Alliance , there are tons of partner programs you can use to book a first class flight on United.

United Airlines MileagePlus

One of the easiest ways to book a United flight is through their own MileagePlus program. It’s a simple process with their online award booking platform.

You can book your flight online by following these steps:

• Visit United’s website
• Sign in to your account
• Select “Search for award travel”
• Select your travel dates and your desired route
• Select “First” as your cabin of choice
• Select your flight (make sure it is operated by United!)
• Review your flight choice

You can transfer Chase points at a 1:1 ratio if you need more United miles for an award booking.

Hot Tip: Use our Transfer Partner Calculator to quickly determine how many miles you’ll get for transferring between programs.

Make sure you confirm award availability on United’s site before you transfer Ultimate Rewards.

If you’re looking for some other fun ways to travel, check out the best way to redeem United miles .

Air Canada Aeroplan

Before you jump in and use United miles to book first class, check out Air Canada’s Aeroplan program . You might find it provides a better deal.

The booking process is simple and can be done online. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Visit Aeroplan’s site
• Log into your Aeroplan account (you’ll need your account number)
• Under “Use Your Miles” select “Travel”
• Select your travel dates, cities, and class of service
• Select your flight and complete your booking

Aeroplan passes on carrier-imposed surcharges for many partner award bookings. Luckily, United is exempt from this, so your out-of-pocket cost will be more reasonable.

If you are short on Aeroplan points, fortunately, it is an Amex transfer partner and Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partner at a 1:1 ratio. You can also opt to transfer Capital One Miles at a 1:1 ratio. Transfers are almost instant.

Asiana Club

Finally, while it may not be the most well-known program, Asiana Club miles can be a great way to book United first class.

To book a United flight, you will need to call Asiana since they do not allow partner bookings online.

You must reserve and have your ticket issued 3 days prior to departure, which prevents snagging last-minute awards.

Here’s how it works:

• Search for availability using United’s site (see above for the steps)
• The U.S. call center is open between 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. PT (Monday to Friday)
• Tell the phone representative you’d like to book an award with their Star Alliance partner United
• Provide your travel dates and flight numbers
• Once you confirm space, you will be prompted to give your credit card information for any necessary taxes and fees

Other Options for Booking United Airlines

You can also book first class flights on United with ANA Mileage Club , Singapore KrisFlyer , or Avianca LifeMiles .

While your first instinct might be to use United MileagePlus miles to book first class flights on United, that might not always give you the best deal. Let’s look at some of the best options for booking these flights.

Asiana Club really comes through if you want to fly from the U.S. to London :

United’s MileagePlus program can also be a great way to book first class from the midwest to Tokyo.

If you’d like to visit China from the west coast, both United and Asiana miles are a great way to help you get there.

While Aeroplan might not provide the best redemption rates compared to United and Asiana, it’s a great program if you have lots of Amex Membership Rewards points.

Earn United MileagePlus Miles

To top off your United MileagePlus account, you can transfer points from cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards:

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

Chase Ultimate Rewards

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable

You could also consider United cards that earn United miles directly:

Recommended United Cards

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

You travel United all the time, but you have heard that there could be ways to make your travel experiences even better, including priority boarding, free bags, and more miles.

You should consider the United℠ Explorer Card , because this card does all that and more!

• 2x miles per $1 on United purchases, dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays
• 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
• First checked bag free for you and up to 1 traveling companion
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards
• Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United ® purchases
• Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck ® or NEXUS fee credit
• 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
• Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
• Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
• APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

The United Club℠ Infinite Card  is a premium card designed for the most dedicated of United frequent flyers who are looking for a card that provides the opportunity to earn extra United MileagePlus miles and receive lounge access via a yearly United Club membership.

United frequent flyers will find that the United Club Infinite card provides an enhanced experience on their United flights thanks to the money saved on each flight and the conveniences it provides.

• 4x miles per $1 on United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on travel and dining purchases
• Complimentary United Club membership
• $525 annual fee
• Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases
• Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United ®  purchases
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
• Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access ® travel services
• 10% United Economy Saver Award discount within the continental U.S. and Canada
• Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)

You can  earn Marriott points  and transfer those to United at a rate of 3:1. Plus, for every 60,000 Marriott points that you transfer, you’ll receive an extra 10,000 MileagePlus miles bonus.

There are many Marriott credit cards available which we cover in our in-depth guide.

Earn Air Canada Aeroplan Points

If you need more Aeroplan points, you have plenty of cards to choose from that earn Membership Rewards points.

Recommended Amex Cards (Personal)

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with  no credit score impact.

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card ® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: CLEAR ® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck ® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck ® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR

American Express Membership Rewards

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
• $250 annual fee (see rates and fees )
• No lounge access
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

Business Owner? See our article on Amex business cards that earn Membership Rewards.

United releases award space 338 days prior to departure. Since first class space can be tough to find, it’s best to start your search early and check back regularly if space is not immediately available.

While this isn’t a luxury experience, a comfortable seat on your long-haul flight might be all you need. Additionally, you’ll have a solid experience on the ground.

Polaris Lounge

United has already launched the new Polaris lounge at Chicago-O’Hare. They are expected to open 8 more locations in the next few years at Houston International, Los Angeles International, New York-Newark, San Francisco, Washington-Dulles, Hong Kong, London-Heathrow, and Tokyo-Narita.

From the choice of food at the buffet to the bar with an extensive selection of beer, wine, and spirits, the Polaris lounges are getting great reviews so far.

Arrivals Lounges

As a first class passenger, you will receive access to United’s Arrivals Lounge in both San Francisco and London-Heathrow. After a long flight, sometimes a shower is just what you need to refresh before a day of tourist activities or a business meeting.

United Global First might not be a premier first class product, but it is still a solid flight that will give you a comfortable ride.

First class award space isn’t always easy to find, but you have plenty of options to book thanks to many partner programs.

The information regarding the United Club℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® card, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to book first class on united airlines.

Depending on your route, the best way to book first class could be through United Airlines MileagePlus, Asiana Club, Aeroplan, or one of several other Star Alliance programs.

What credit cards can help me earn miles to fly United Airlines first class?

There are several credit cards you can use to earn the miles and points necessary to fly first class on United. First, you need to decide which program you are going to use.

Here are the credit card programs that have partnered with some of United’s partner airlines:

United MileagePlus – Chase Ultimate Rewards

Air Canada Aeroplan – American Express Membership Rewards

What do I get when I fly first class?

On international first class flights, your journey will start with access to the Polaris lounge or Global First lounge. Between all the good food options available during your lounge time and your flight, you will never be hungry!

During your flight, you will also have a lie-flat seat with direct aisle access.

Was this page helpful?

About Spencer Howard

Always a fan of flying, it was only natural that Spencer was drawn to finding a way to improve the travel experience.

Like many, he started this journey searching for cheap flights to take him around the world. This was fun for a while, but Spencer was intrigued by the idea of flying in business and first class!

Throwing himself into what became an extensive research project, Spencer spent 3-4 hours per night learning everything he could about frequent flyer miles over the course of several months (he thinks this is normal). He runs Straight to the Points, an award-seat alert platform.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the  latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's  privacy policy   and  terms of service   apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

• 2024 Sexiest Men Of the Moment
• Of The Essence
• Celebrity News
• If Not For My Girls
• The State Of R&B
• Time Of Essence
• SSENSE X ESSENCE
• 2023 Best In Black Fashion Awards
• 2023 Fashion House
• Fashion News
• Accessories
• 2024 Best In Beauty Awards
• Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
• Relationships
• Bridal Bliss
• Lifestyle News
• Health & Wellness
• ESSENCE Eats
• Food & Drink
• Money & Career
• Latest News
• Black Futures
• Paint The Polls Black
• Essence Holiday Gift Guide 2023
• 2024 Black Women In Hollywood
• 2024 ESSENCE Hollywood House
• 2024 ESSENCE Film Festival
• 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
• 2023 Wellness House
• 2023 Black Women In Hollywood
• Girls United

WHERE BLACK CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND CONSCIOUSNESS MEET

Sign up for essence newsletters the keep the black women at the forefront of conversation..

A Winning Attitude: These Airlines Have A Staunch Commitment To Excellence In The Skies

One of the most important aspects of traveling is your mode of transportation—and one bad experience can set the tone for the entire trip. We’ve all been there: Flight delays, lost luggage, long security lines and terrible airline food has caused us all some level of stress. Thankfully, there are a few airlines dedicated to enhancing the travel experience and making it as seamless as possible. Here are our rankings of the world’s best. 

Best Overall: Delta Airlines 

There’s a good reason why people love Delta Airlines. Its stellar customer service and quality accommodations in both business and economy classes show that the airline takes the comfort of its patrons seriously. According to last year’s Wall Street Journal report ranking industry performance metrics, Delta had the lowest amount of passenger complaints—and was able to reduce its flight cancellation rate from nearly 2 percent to 1.2 percent. 

Best Domestic Business Class: American Airlines 

Want the full business-class experience on your next domestic flight? Look no further than American Airlines’ Flagship First. Enjoy your very own suite seat in addition to other perks, such as an exclusive check-in area with expedited security access, premium bedding, multicourse meals and exclusive airport lounge access. 

Best International Business Class: Qatar Airways 

A winner of multiple awards, Qatar Airways provides 5-star, hotel-like treatment within its business area, far exceeding the competition. Comfort and service don’t even scratch the surface when it comes to what the Qatar Airways’ Qsuite has to offer: a renowned “double bed in the sky,” quality multicourse dining menus, an exclusive selection of the world’s best wines and spirits, and your very own choice of Diptyque products in your amenity kit . 

Best Company-Wide Commitment to Diversity: United Airlines 

In the wake of the George Floyd tragedy, United’s CEO resolved that the organization would no longer be a part of the systemic challenges within the airline industry, but would rather work toward solutions. Since then, the airline has maintained “near-­perfect” pay equity for employees of all ­genders and races performing comparable work. It also features diverse suppliers at United Club locations and provides training to create a more inclusive culture. 

Best Lavish Amenity Kit: Turkish Airlines 

Turkish Airlines is committed to extending consistent perks in the midst of rising costs of travel. The airline gives each business class passenger an exclusive amenity kit provided by Ferragamo—yes, that Ferragamo, which is about as luxurious as you can get. You’ll want to be sure you keep your goods for later: high-end socks, a sleep mask designed to accommodate face contours, earplugs and, of course, high-end toiletries. 

Best Budget Airline: Southwest Airlines 

Southwest Airlines has a reputation for being a low-cost carrier, but don’t get it twisted: Low-cost does not mean low-­budget. Not only does the carrier deliver a quality experience, but it’s also committed to providing the highest level of customer service and reliability, so you can arrive safe and sound at your final destination. 

Best in Sustainability: United Airlines 

United puts its money where its mouth is when it comes to sustainability. And they’ve been leading the charge, in ways that have allowed for other airlines to follow suit in the fight against climate change. The airline has a goal of reducing 100 percent of its GHG emissions, without relying on traditional carbon offsets. In 2023, United launched the UA Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund, and became the first U.S. airline to give customers transparency on each flight’s carbon footprint. 

Best Main Cabin Comfort: Delta Airlines 

Let’s face it: Being able to relax is key when traveling, whether domestically or internationally. Delta’s main cabin, also known as economy, doesn’t ignore that fact, and as a result you’ll typically find newer fleets, in-flight entertainment and a better overall experience than you’ll get with other ­airlines. The company’s Airbus A220 and Airbus A321neo also offer a little something extra when it comes to seat widths—18.6 and 18 inches, respectively. 

Best In-Flight Food: Turkish Airlines

If there’s one great thing about Turkish Airlines, it’s the consistency. With great service and top-tier food, you may not get Michelin- star dining, but for the friendly skies, it will feel pretty close. The airline prides itself on having a dedicated onboard chef to oversee the meals, menus that change according to the season, and dishes that are always prepared with the freshest ingredients. 

COMPANY INFORMATION Our Company Customer Service Essence Ventures Change Your Address Contact Us Job Opportunities Internships Media Kit SUBSCRIBE Newsletters Give a Gift of ESSENCE Print & Digital App FOLLOW US MORE ON ESSENCE Home Love Celebrity Beauty Hair Fashion ESSENCE festival ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Airlines + Airports

8 Airlines That Give Students and Young Adults Discounts and Exclusive Benefits

Did you know airlines offer student and young adult discounts? Here's what you need to know to save money on your next flight.

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad passionate about personal finance and travel. He is traveling full-time with the help of points and miles and enjoys connecting with people on the ground. His work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today Blueprint, Matador Network, and other publications. 

United Airlines

Singapore airlines, qatar airways, turkish airlines, bottom line.

KSChong/Getty Images

When flight prices are high, it’s essential to find any way to cut costs. This is especially true for students, who might be on a limited budget or be less flexible for times and dates they can fly. Luckily, some airlines offer student or youth discounts. Although these discounts generally aren’t substantial, every little bit helps to make travel more accessible. Requirements and eligibility will vary by airline, but you can expect the promotion to be valid on economy tickets and select routes. 

“We know travel is a priority for many young adults, so this summer season, which we anticipate will be United’s busiest ever with 5 percent more customers flying the airline this June, July, and August, we’re thrilled to offer United MileagePlus members ages 18 to 23 an exclusive discount on United Economy and Basic Economy seats – making it even easier for them to take flight on their next adventure,” says a spokesperson for United. 

Here are some domestic and international airlines that offer discounts for students or young adult travelers. Depending on the airline, these benefits range from 10 percent off your fare to an additional checked bag. 

Imgorthand/Getty Images

MileagePlus members ages 18 to 23 can receive a 5 percent discount on economy and basic economy seats for bookings made through September 30, 2024. To redeem, log in to the United app, go to the “book flight” section, and select the young traveler discount. Flights will automatically have the promotion applied. Remember that basic economy seats might not include a checked bag, so you will need to travel light to make the promotion worth it. This is the only U.S.-based airline that offers student discounts at the time of writing.

Iberia Joven is a program for both students and young people. If you are under 30, you get a 10 percent discount on flights; if you book for a group of four or more, you get a 15 percent discount. If you are traveling to study abroad, you can take an extra bag and make a free change on your return flight, regardless of your age. 

If you are enrolled at an eligible college or university, you can get 10 percent off when you book a Lite, Value, or Standard fare as part of Singapore Airlines student privileges . You will also receive an increased baggage allowance and a fee waiver on your first booking change. Singapore Airlines is unique in offering student discounts on economy, premium economy, and business class fares. All you need to do is verify your student status and start looking for deals. 

Qatar Airways has one of the best student programs on this list. Once you enroll in the Student Club program, you will receive a coupon for 10 percent off your booking. After your first journey, you’ll get 15 percent off your next booking and 20 percent off after your second and third trips. Students also receive increased flexibility, extra baggage allowance, and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi. You can extend your privileges to friends and family by selecting them to be student companions. If you fly once a year while enrolled in the program, you will receive a one-time elite status tier upgrade when you graduate. Enrolling in the program is quick and free but can provide substantial savings if you’re a Qatar frequent flier. 

Students ages 16 to 31 can receive up to 10 percent off economy and business class fares by using the promo code STUDENT to book a flight from now until March 31, 2025. You’ll also receive increased flexibility on your bookings. For all flights except those to/from Canada and the U.S., you will get 10 kilograms more or an extra piece of luggage. To qualify, you need a valid student ID or school acceptance letter at check-in.  

rbkomar/Getty Images

SAS is another airline that offers youth tickets , but the amount you save will depend on the route you take and is difficult to predict. You must be between 12 and 25 years old and have a valid ID to be eligible. Seat availability is limited and is only available in specific booking classes (V class/O class). To redeem, simply search for a youth ticket. 

Lufthansa has a looser interpretation of “student.” To qualify for their student fare benefits , you must be 16 or older and either be enrolled in higher education or have proof that you’ve been accepted. You can search for and book student fares once you verify your student status based on your departure country. Destinations will depend on your origin, but if you attend school in the U.S., you can fly to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India. Apart from savings, student fares also offer rebooking and refunds. 

Turkish Airlines has a great student program . You can receive up to 20 percent off domestic flights within Turkey and up to 15 percent off international flights. You also get an increased baggage allowance, a free ticket change, and 25 percent bonus miles on flights through the end of 2024. You simply need to create a Miles&Smiles account, verify your student status, and book your ticket. 

These programs are free to enroll in, so it only makes sense to take advantage of them if you are a student or eligible young adult who wants to see the world. Even if the savings aren’t substantial, every little bit helps when you’re on a budget.

Related Articles

United Airlines hiring thousands to handle record summer air travel

• Updated: Jun. 04, 2024, 6:29 p.m. |
• Published: Jun. 04, 2024, 5:09 p.m.
• Larry Higgs | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Ahead of forecasts of a record breaking travel season, United Airlines announced Tuesday it will hire 15,000 new employees nationwide, with 1,500 new hires at its Newark Liberty Airport hub.

United officials made the announcement Tuesday at a press conference citing “our biggest Memorial Day weekend.” United averaged 535,000 passengers a day at the start of the Memorial Day travel period and these numbers are expected to increase 5% in June, July and August, said Toby Enquist, United’s chief operations officer.

United’s hiring spree comes as Airlines for America, a domestic airline industry association, forecasts U.S. airlines will carry 271 million passengers this summer travel season, a 6.3% increase from last summer. This would be a new record surpassing one set in summer 2023, when 255 million people flew U.S. airlines.

Stories by Larry Higgs

• N.J. primary election results 2024: Sussex County
• N.J. primary election results 2024: Hudson County
• These 3 N.J. bridges are switching to cashless toll collecting

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

The Guide to United First Class

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

Domestic United First class experience

What to expect on united first class, how to book united first class, rescheduling your united first class flight, booking united first class with points and miles, is united first class a good deal, the bottom line.

Whether you’re headed off for a short flight or a long-haul trip around the world, first class is virtually always the most comfortable part of the plane. With United, a first class ticket gives you perks from the check-in counter to baggage claim. However, you’ll pay quite a bit more for the extensive list of privileges.

If you’re interested in learning more about the costs and perks of United First, as it calls its first class experience, keep reading to learn more about how it all works and if it may be worthwhile for you.

United First is available on flights in the U.S. and Canada, including Alaska and Hawaii. It’s important to note that United First is different from United Business and United Polaris. United Business class is available on flights between the U.S. and Latin America or the Caribbean, as well as some U.S. transcontinental flights.

However, for long-haul international flights, business class is the highest level of service. It’s called United Polaris. This is a completely separate cabin, and there is no first class for long-haul international flights. United Polaris provides a luxury experience with lie-flat seats, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, restaurant-quality dining and more.

Since United First is offered on shorter flights, you will not find lie-flat seats in this cabin. Instead, you’ll get a large, recliner type seat. You also receive a free checked bag, bigger seat, priority boarding and security lines and complimentary alcoholic beverages.

It may seem counterintuitive that United's first class cabin is not its most superior product. However, the best way to think of it is in terms of seats. On domestic and short international flights, your seat is always a recliner, whether it's in economy (smaller seat) or first class (bigger seat). However, on long-distance international flights, you're receiving either a recliner seat (whether that's in economy or Premium Plus) or a seat that transforms into a bed (business class — United Polaris).

The United First experience starts on the way to the check-in counter.

United Airlines Premier Access

Customers with this fare class get access to United’s Premier Access lane at check-in counters and the priority line for security. If there are long lines, this can save you a lot of time and might even let you arrive at the airport a little closer to flight time.

When you land, you’ll be among the first off the plane, which helps you get your bags and get on with your trip or get home as quickly as possible. From start to finish, United First is definitely a step up from other levels of service.

United First class baggage

In United First, you can bring up to two regular bags with no added fee. When you land, your bags will get priority handling and should be among the first to show up on the carousel. In contrast, Economy customers have to pay $30 extra to check a bag, and basic economy customers even have to pay extra to bring a carry-on.

Economy passengers can check a bag for free with an eligible United credit card like the United℠ Explorer Card .

United Priority boarding

When you arrive at the gate with a United First ticket, you’ll get a Group 1 boarding position automatically. The only passengers that board before Group 1 are people allowed to preboard like customers with disabilities and active members of the military.

Although you’re not boarding before this group, you’re still boarding before the majority of the other passengers.

United First class seats

Once onboard, United First features a bigger seat with more room to stretch out, a power plug, and extra tray table space so you can eat, drink, and work or watch a show on your laptop at the same time.

United First seating also includes some level of entertainment service. DirecTV is complimentary in United First, but you’ll still pay extra for Wi-Fi.

United First class food and drinks

One of the best parts of United First compared to economy is the food and beverage options. Those beers, wines and cocktails that cost money in coach are complimentary in first class. Many flights also include premium meal service without an extra charge.

Flights under an hour include basic snacks, while flights over an hour include refreshments. At two hours and 20 minutes or more, you’ll get a full meal service, depending on the time of your flight. Longer flights have better meals and choices.

You have a few ways to make it into a United First seat. Those range from paying a United First fare to landing an upgrade. Here are the most common ways to book United First:

Pay cash: United First tickets can be purchased when you book your flight. Naturally, First class fares typically cost quite more than economy.

Use miles: United MileagePlus miles are good for award travel and upgrades. Using miles for premium award seats is often the best value per mile you’ll find. First class awards usually require more miles than economy.

Get an upgrade to United First: If you have an economy seat and want to move up, you may be able to use miles to upgrade to United First.

If there’s a chance you’ll need to reschedule your flight, then booking with United in almost any class of service — whether United First or economy — provides some of the most flexible travel of any U.S. airline. That's because as of August 2020, United does not charge change fees for most premium cabin domestic tickets (as well as economy tickets).

That said, if your new flight costs less, you will not receive a refund of the fare difference, even though there's no change fee. For example, maybe you really want an earlier flight and your ticket was booked in United First. If a seat is available in economy but not United First, you can have the economy seat — but you’ll have to eat the higher cost of the United First flight. Similarly, if your new flight is more expensive than the original flight you booked, you’ll have to pay the additional cost.

Additionally, United will allow you to join the standby list for free starting Jan. 1, 2021, if you want to take an earlier United flight on the same day.

MileagePlus Premier members have even more flexibility. Rather than try to fly standby, MileagePlus Premier members can request a same-day change for no extra charge, as long as the new flight is within 24 hours of the originally scheduled flight with the same origin, destination and fare class. If you make a change to a more expensive flight class, you’ll have to pay the difference.

If you’re on the fence about trying out United First, consider using frequent flyer miles or credit card rewards to get you to the front of the plane. When you redeem rewards for flights, your out-of-pocket costs are very limited. It’s a great way to give it a try without spending a lot more than economy.

If you’re interested in business class for long-haul flights, you’ll need to know the difference between United Business and Polaris.

The United co-branded credit cards may be worth considering if you want to earn MileagePlus miles that you can redeem for flights. In addition, credit cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are helpful as well. Not only can you transfer points to United at a 1:1 ratio but you can also book United flights directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.

on Chase's website

$0 intro for the first year, then $95 .

• 2 miles per $1 on United purchases.

• 2 miles per $1 at restaurants and hotels (when booked directly with hotel).

• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.

• 3 miles per $1 on United purchases.

• 2 miles per $1 at restaurants, select streaming services and all other travel.

• 4 miles per $1 on United purchases.

• 2 miles per $1 at restaurants and all other travel purchases.

• 2 miles per $1 on United purchases, gas stations and local transit and commuting.

• First checked bag free for you and one companion on your reservation.

• 2 United Club one-time passes each year.

• Credit of up to $100 every four years for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS.

• Priority boarding.

• No foreign transaction fees.

• First and second checked bag free for you and one companion on your reservation.

• $125 United purchase credit per year (good on airfare).

• Two 5,000-mile award flight credits per anniversary year.

• Access to United Club airport lounges.

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

» Learn more: Plan your next redemption with our airline points tool

If you are loyal to United Airlines or just find it the most convenient airline for your travels, you may be wondering if United First is a good deal. Because the cost difference between economy and first class varies by flight, there is no right or wrong answer to this question.

For travelers who just care about getting from point A to point B in the cheapest and most efficient way possible, paying extra for United First probably doesn’t make sense. But business travelers, people who prefer luxury and those who are looking to earn elite status may find the added cost well worth it.

In many cases, flying first class more than doubles the cost of a ticket. You have to consider your budget and travel preferences when deciding how much you’re willing to pay, or if you’re willing to put in more miles , for shorter lines, free drinks and a bigger seat.

United First is offered on flights within the U.S. and Canada. Those flying in United First Class receive pre-departure and in-flight benefits. Pre-departure benefits include up to two free checked bags and Premier Access, which allows you to check in at a designated counter, priority baggage handling, dedicated security lanes and priority boarding.

In flight, passengers sit in the front of the plane in a premium seat, have personal entertainment services, DirectTV, premium food and complimentary alcoholic beverages.

It depends. Access to United Club lounges is limited to those flying on United Polaris business class (international flights) and United business class (international and premium transcontinental flights). So, if you’re flying in domestic first class, you can access the lounge only if you’re on a transcontinental flight. However, if you are a United Premier Gold Elite or Star Alliance Gold member, you will be able to access the United Club lounge.

United First is available only on flights within the U.S. and Canada. United Business class is available on flights between the U.S. and Latin America or the Caribbean, as well as some U.S. transcontinental flights. The first and business class offerings are quite similar.

On other long-haul international flights, the business class product is called United Polaris, and is the highest level of service; there is no first class. United Polaris offers a luxury experience with spacious seats, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, restaurant-quality dining, lie-flat beds, a separate cabin and more.

United First is offered on flights within the U.S. and Canada, and the type of meal service depends on how long the flight is. Flights under one hour do not include snacks, however you can bring your own on board. Passengers on flights between one hour and two hours and 20 minutes receive an “all-in-one” snack bag with a wrapped sanitizer wipe, a bottle of water and two snacks. On longer flights, your food options depend on which airport you fly out of. You will get a choice between a selection of sandwiches and a snack box or just a snack box.

From better food to bigger seats, United First entails extras that will make your flight a lot more comfortable. First class seats in United are typically far more expensive than their economy counterparts when paying cash fares. But if you're close to reaching United elite status or are mulling applying for a United credit card , then use the promise of a potential upgrade to United First as incentive to help make it happen.

Photo courtesy of United Airlines.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

1x-2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting. Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75000 Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

1x-3x Earn 3x miles on United® purchases, 2x miles on dining, select streaming services & all other travel, 1x on all other purchases

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

• Weird But True
• Sex & Relationships
• Viral Trends
• Human Interest
• Fashion & Beauty
• Food & Drink

trending now in Lifestyle

Couple discovers creepy, 100-year-old room under jacuzzi — and...

First-class Delta traveler 'had a poop accident' in front of...

Millennial sparks debate over Gen X managers' treatment of...

Colorectal cancer is rising among young adults — could this...

I'm a weight loss coach — these 5 fitness habits do more harm...

Gen Z's love for vaping could be the reason they're 'aging like...

'Extremely rare' dinosaur discovered by 3 tweens: My friends...

Remote Amazon tribe connects to Elon Musk's Starlink internet,...

Breaking news, first-class delta traveler ‘had a poop accident’ in front of horrified fliers — and this passenger managed to score free miles.

• View Author Archive
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

A Delta passenger shared his crappy experience on a recent flight after a fellow traveler “had a poop accident” mid-flight.

On a Delta Reddit thread , the man said he was on a flight on Thursday when “a passenger in [first class] had a poop accident that caused an incredibly foul odor throughout the cabin.”

Horrified “passengers wanted the [flight attendant] to clean it up,” but the man stepped in to insist that the woman did not need to clean up the human waste.

“I approached her and told her that it was not her job, and she was doing a great job under the circumstances,” the man said.

He then shared a photo of a note he said the grateful flight attendant handed him as he walked off the plane.

“I apologize that your first-class flight wasn’t as pleasant as it should always be. Thank you for your understanding. I sent you some miles. Thank you for being a million miler,” the note read.

The man claimed he followed up with management after his flight and let them know “what a great job she did in a stressful situation.”

This unfortunately isn’t the first time airline passengers have experienced a crappy flight.

Last month, a United Airlines flight bound for Seattle had to divert to Dallas after a dog allegedly “had a messy accident in the aisle right in first class. Plane diverted to DFW. Ground crew spent over two hours cleaning carpets with paper towels,” a Redditor recalled in a post .

Earlier this year, a parent claimed that a fellow passenger pooped their pants on a Delta flight on Christmas Eve — and left excrement smeared all over the seat, as detailed in a viral  Reddit post  grossing major views online.

And in September, a Delta flight from Atlanta to Barcelona was forced to turn around and make an emergency landing after a passenger “had diarrhea all the way through the plane.”

The Airbus A350 aircraft was two hours into a trans-Atlantic flight from Georgia to Spain on Friday when the pilot asked to come back because of the fecal fiasco.

“This is a biohazard issue,” the pilot said to air traffic control, recorded from LiveATC.com and  shared on X .

“We’ve had a passenger who’s had diarrhea all the way through the airplane, so they want us to come back to Atlanta.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for the airline said: “Our teams worked as quickly and safely as possible to thoroughly clean the airplane and get our customers to their final destination.

“We sincerely apologize to our customers for the delay and inconvenience to their travel plans.”

Share this article:

Advertisement

United Airlines plane engine reportedly catches fire before takeoff in Chicago

A reported engine fire on a United Airlines plane temporarily halted arrivals at one of the nation’s busiest airports on Memorial Day.

United Flight 2901 was heading from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Monday when the fire was reported at about 2 p.m. CT, according to preliminary findings from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Chicago-based United Airlines confirmed there was “an issue with the engine, which our local ground crew and emergency responders immediately addressed.”

“The Airbus A320 was towed to the gate where passengers safely deplaned,” said the FAA, which halted flights into ORD for about 45 minutes.

Yes, turbulence is getting worse, but deaths are very rare: What to know

United added that passengers deplaned normally and no injuries were reported, though the aircraft was met by both fire and medical personnel “out of an abundance of caution.”

There were 148 passengers and 5 crew members on board, according to the airline, which was working on making travel arrangements for impacted customers.

One in four flights into O’Hare was delayed Monday, according to FlightAware , which tracks airline traffic

United Airlines Pilot Program: What You Need to Know

Some people dream of becoming a pilot to fly high amongst the clouds in order to satisfy their personal sense of accomplishment and have a hobby they truly enjoy. Others dream of becoming a pilot as a career choice, gaining the skills necessary to transport cargo and passengers all around the world.  

Then, there are those individuals who want nothing more than to become commercial airline pilots with United Airlines .  

If that sounds like you, then you ought to know the details of becoming a pilot via United Airlines’ Pilot Training Program, Aviate .  

The Need for Commercial Airline Pilots 

It is no secret that there is currently a shortage regarding pilots . The FAA has a mandate in place requiring pilots to retire from flying at the age of 65. As a result, the United States is dealing with more pilots aging out of their careers and not enough coming into it to fulfill the need.  

At the same time, there is an increase in demand for air travel —- meaning that commercial air travel companies need to have more planes in the air to meet the demand, but they don’t have the pilots to make it happen.  

With the need for thousands of additional pilots, job openings tend to be plentiful for those interested in becoming commercial pilots.  

United Airlines alongside California Aeronautical University is making it easier for aviation students to help combat these struggles.  

Why Choose United Airlines’ Pilot Program?   

If you have done any sort of research into becoming a pilot, then there is a good chance that you have found a few different options for getting there. What makes the United Airlines’ Pilot Training Program different? What sets it apart from other pilot training programs?  

A Direct Career Path

If you decide that you want to fly for United Airlines in the future, then choosing the United Airlines’ Pilot Program is one of the best solutions as it offers you the most direct path to reach your goal. Successful candidates will receive a conditional job offer (CJO). 

One-on-One Coaching

Being part of the program means having access to one-on-one coaching with a United pilot for career development. This presents a great opportunity to get tips and gain growth in order to excel as a pilot and a leader for the popular airline.  

Travel Privileges

As a pilot for United Airlines, you will have access to travel privileges to many destinations around the world. 

Networking Opportunities

Your training will give you access to those who hold high positions, both pilots and non-pilots, within the United Airlines’ organization. This will allow you to engage with others, learn, and grow while opening the door to possibilities for your future.  

Flying for United Airlines 

There are so many different commercial airlines that take to the skies every single day. Choosing United Airlines for your future can come with quite a few benefits that you may or may not find elsewhere. Keep in mind that these benefits can change so it is always a good idea to confirm with the airlines directly.  

Competitive compensation with benefits, such as medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and disability insurance  

Paid holidays , travel privileges , retirement plan .

United Airlines offers a large fleet of aircraft and many different home bases for pilots, such as:  

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) 

San francisco international airport (fso) , chicago o’hare international airport (ord) , newark liberty international airport (ewr) , cleveland hopkins international airport (cle) , denver international airport (den) , george bush intercontinental airport (iah) , dulles international airport (iad) .

Taking a step toward a future at United Airlines and becoming one of their approximately 700,000 aviation professionals can help you make strides in your aviation career.   

United Airlines’ Aviate Program — a Partner with CAU  

At California Aeronautical University, we have partnered with United Airlines’ Pilot Program known as Aviate. By getting accepted into our program and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements, you could be on your way to a commercial pilot career. If this is a path that interests you, the program states this is what you need to strive for:  

Completed two semesters of full-time coursework at CAU, pursuing (or having graduated with) an R-ATP eligibility aviation major.  

Maintain good standing with cau while upholding the student code of conduct.  , hold a minimum of a private pilot certificate , hold a valid faa medical certificate that was originally issued as a first or second-class medical certificate , have no more than four primary training failures , cau pathway options .

Within the program at CAU, you will work to obtain the 1,000 hours necessary to gain an R-ATP certificate before working toward the goal of reaching United Airlines as a First Officer. To do this, you will need to reach 1,200 hours as a pilot in command (PIC) in one of these two ways:    

Flying for United Express carriers, including CommuteAir, GoJet Airlines, or Mesa Airlines 

Flying for part 135 operators: ameriflight, jsx, tradewind, or wiggins airways .

From here, you will have the opportunity to move on to a career as a commercial pilot for United Airlines. Because of the connection between the two, the transition from CAU is direct and seamless. Of course, you will have to meet a few additional requirements in order to be eligible for transition, such as:  

A current passport with at least six months of validity remaining at the time of employment 

A legal right to work in the u.s. without the need for sponsorship , the ability to travel freely within the united states and without restriction to all countries served by united airlines , meet all additional first officer hiring requirements , learn more at california aeronautical university  .

At CAU, we offer fast-track, career-focused programs for those seeking a career in the aviation industry. Whether you are interested in the United Airlines’ Pilot Training Program or in any other future aviation position, our admissions team is available to guide you through the process.  

Request more information and give yourself the opportunity to take off on your career as a first officer for United Airlines. 

Ready to soar in your aviation career?

Mr. Matthew A. Johnston has over 23 years of experience serving various roles in education and is currently serving as the President of California Aeronautical University. He maintains memberships and is a supporting participant with several aviation promoting and advocacy associations including University Aviation Association (UAA), Regional Airline Association (RAA), AOPA, NBAA, and EAA with the Young Eagles program.  He is proud of his collaboration with airlines, aviation businesses and individual aviation professionals who are working with him to develop California Aeronautical University as a leader in educating aviation professionals.

Privacy Overview

• Moscow Tourism
• Moscow Hotels
• Moscow Bed and Breakfast
• Moscow Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Moscow
• Moscow Restaurants
• Things to Do in Moscow
• Moscow Travel Forum
• Moscow Photos
• All Moscow Hotels
• Moscow Hotel Deals
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Intensive Russian language classes - Moscow Forum

• Europe    
• Russia    
• Central Russia    
• Moscow    

Intensive Russian language classes

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Central Russia forums
• Moscow forum

Hope I came to the right place to ask this question.

I have a (rather good) basic knowledge of the language, and would like to practice it more and broaden the knowledge.

I would be looking into a maximum of 3-4 weeks.

How are the experiences with host-families?

Where should I stay if I opt not to stay in a host-family?

I am afraid a tourist site is not exactly the right place,

the right place the university site

Try this http://www.pushkin.institute/en/

or http://www.mgu-russian.com/en/

or http://www.rudn.ru/en_new/

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• Exchange USD to ruble and buy sim card upon arrival Jun 02, 2024
• guide for Moscow (and St.Petersburg) May 30, 2024
• Help needed please... May 30, 2024
• Moscow to St Petersburg train / seating May 28, 2024
• travel to moscow May 04, 2024
• Planning trip to Russia Apr 28, 2024
• Train Booking Moscow to St. Peter Apr 24, 2024
• SIM card. Russian SIM cards, do they still work in the UK? Apr 09, 2024
• Union Pay debit card Mar 27, 2024
• Russian trying to book a hotel in Jerusalem Mar 14, 2024
• Dual Citizen Arrested in Russia Mar 12, 2024
• about clothes Feb 27, 2024
• NOTE - border crossing from Finland into Russia closed Feb 09, 2024
• Snow boots in Red Square Feb 04, 2024
• Moscow to St Petersburg train or air?? 32 replies
• New Sapsan Express Train from Moscow to St Petersburg 18 replies
• New year's in moscow 8 replies
• Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour 5 replies
• How do you purchase Bolshoi Ballet tickets at a great price? 2 replies
• Select-a-room.com Are they legitimate? 3 replies
• Weather Moscow and St. petersburg in May 8 replies
• Night train to St Petersburg 3 replies
• ATM Access 12 replies
• Visa needed if on layover at Moscow Airport??????? 15 replies

Moscow Hotels and Places to Stay

• Where can I get initial answers to ANY question?

Lawsuit says American Airlines kicked 8 Black men off plane, citing body odor

Three of the men sued American Airlines in federal court Wednesday morning.

Key takeaways

Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed.

• Three of the men sue airline, claiming “blatant and egregious race discrimination.”
• Lawsuit says no legitimate reason for action; American says it’s investigating the claims.
• Passengers eventually allowed back on flight, but one calls it “horrible,” “traumatic” experience.

Did our AI help? Share your thoughts.

Three Black men sued American Airlines in federal court Wednesday, claiming they were victims of “blatant and egregious race discrimination” after employees ordered them and five other Black men off a plane in January.

Airline representatives told the men, who were traveling from Phoenix to New York, to return to the gate to be rebooked, according to the lawsuit. An employee eventually told them the reason: Someone on the plane had complained about body odor.

When they first were told to leave the plane, the plaintiffs were “annoyed and frustrated that they were getting bumped” and would probably get home late, attorney Michael Kirkpatrick said. Then they realized that all the booted passengers were Black men.

“It hit them like a ton of bricks,” Kirkpatrick said.

American Airlines said in a statement Wednesday morning that it takes claims of discrimination “very seriously.”

“Our teams are currently investigating the matter, as the claims do not reflect our core values or our purpose of caring for people,” the statement said.

Videos of the incident, taken by some of the men, show the passengers in disbelief on the boarding ramp as they express shock, ask for an explanation and tell the employees that their treatment amounted to discrimination.

“I agree. I agree,” replies a woman wearing a lanyard and badge.

“Y’all just took like eight Black people off the plane,” one man says. “What?”

American ultimately allowed the passengers back on the plane and continued to John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The plaintiffs — Xavier Veal, a production assistant; Emmanuel Jean Joseph, an actor; and Alvin Jackson, a musician and music teacher — all live in New York City and had booked a flight home from Burbank, Calif., with a layover and plane change in Phoenix. They did not know each other before the flight, were not sitting together and did not see the other five men again.

The lawsuit claims the airline’s decision to remove the men was not based on any “legitimate rationale.” An airline employee ordered the men off the plane one by one without an explanation, the lawsuit says.

It “is near impossible to imagine that American would ever treat white customers in a similar manner,” the lawsuit says.

The body odor complaint came from a White male flight attendant, according to the suit. The lawsuit says none of the men suing the airline had offensive body odor and that none were accused directly of an offense.

Airlines mention body odor in their contracts of carriage that list reasons passengers can be refused boarding. In American’s case, it says passengers must “be respectful that your odor isn’t offensive (unless it’s caused by a disability or illness).” Veal called the airline’s reasoning for removing him and his fellow passengers “ridiculous.”

A woman who was on the flight said that while the men were off the plane, the remaining passengers heard an announcement that an issue with body odor was being addressed, according to Kirkpatrick, an attorney with the Public Citizen Litigation Group. American could not find alternate flights for the men and, after about an hour, let them get on the flight again, the lawsuit says.

“We’re walking through the aisle of shame, if you will,” Veal, 36, told The Post in an interview. “It was horrible. It was a really traumatic experience.”

Veal said there was “visible tension” on the plane when they boarded again. At the baggage carousel later, he said, some passengers said that what had happened to the men was terrible. Veal, who lives in Queens, connected with Joseph and Jackson at baggage claim, and the three decided to pursue a suit against the airline.

Veal said he has experienced racism in his life but that this was a new scenario.

“Unfortunately, I’m a Black man and I live in America,” he said. “It wakes you back up to the reality that I can’t just go to the store; I can’t just do regular things like take a plane home.”

American Airlines faced criticism in 2017 for its treatment of Black passengers, including removing people from flights, which prompted a travel advisory from the NAACP. The group lifted the warning the following year.

Though American allowed the men in January to get back on the plane and fly home, the experience was “traumatic, upsetting, scary, humiliating, and degrading,” the lawsuit says.

“None of the White passengers were taken off the plane and humiliated and embarrassed,” Kirkpatrick said.

The suit seeks an unspecified amount of compensation and punitive damages. Kirkpatrick said the plaintiffs also want the airline to reform its practices to prevent such an incident from happening to anyone else.

“Somebody should have stepped up and said, ‘Wait a minute. We can’t do this. This is wrong,’” Kirkpatrick said. “But instead, nobody stepped up and intervened to stop it from happening.”

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

Onboard experience

No matter your journey, it’s important to know what to expect throughout your trip and to feel confident in your selections. Learn about all of our different onboard improvements and options to help you choose what’s best for you.

Premium cabins

While our premium cabin options vary slightly based on your route, there’s one thing you can expect across the board — enhanced service and comfort during your entire trip.

United Polaris

Available on select long-haul international flights, United Polaris® is all about giving you the best sleep in the sky. On the ground, you’ll have exclusive access to the United Polaris lounge, where available. Once on board, you can indulge in complimentary restaurant-quality dining and alcoholic beverages and get cozy with Saks Fifth Avenue bedding and other sleep-themed amenities.

United First and United Business

For travel within the U.S. and Canada, our United First® service provides you with extra space and comfort, as well as complimentary dining and alcoholic beverages. You’ll also receive Premier Access® benefits as well as two free checked bags and priority baggage handling.

For travel between the U.S. and select cities in Latin America and the Caribbean, our United Business® service provides you with extra space and comfort in addition to complimentary dining options and alcoholic beverages. You’ll also receive Premier Access benefits as well as two free checked bags and priority baggage handling.

Premium transcontinental service

Experience extra comfort coast to coast on flights between New York/Newark and Los Angeles and New York/Newark and San Francisco. You can choose between the United Premium Plus SM experience, which includes a hot meal as well as free alcoholic drinks, or the United Business experience, which features a premium flat-bed seat, special bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue and enhanced food and drinks.

Economy cabin

From seating and ticketing options to a selection of onboard food and beverages, you can decide what’s most important to you in our Economy cabin. Which of our three Economy experiences is right for you?

United Premium Plus

United Premium Plus SM offers you extra space, added comfort and more ways to enjoy your trip on select flights. Your seats are closer to the front of the plane, giving you more legroom, elbow room and room to recline. Each seat has its own power outlet and USB charger. You’ll also get free drinks (including alcohol), hot meals, snacks and desserts. Top it all off with two free standard checked bags, Premier Access ® boarding and discounted United Club SM passes.

United Economy

When you choose our standard fare in United Economy®, you’ll have access to a variety of inflight amenities to create your ideal onboard experience. While this option has fewer restrictions than our Basic Economy fare, it also has a little less legroom than what you’ll find in Economy Plus®.

Economy Plus

Our Economy Plus seats are located near the front of the cabin and offer more space to stretch out and more room to work or relax. You can make a one-time Economy Plus purchase anytime you’re selecting seats for a flight, or you can purchase a subscription, which allows you to select available Economy Plus seating for an entire year.

Basic Economy

When price is what’s most important to you, we’re happy to offer you our Basic Economy fare. While you’ll still enjoy the same onboard options — such as entertainment, food and beverages — as Economy, Basic Economy fares include some essential restrictions. We encourage you to make sure you understand each restriction before purchasing a Basic Economy ticket.

Book now: Summer business-class award availability to Europe starting for 63K miles

If you thought it was too late to use your points and miles to fly to Europe on peak dates this summer, United Airlines and Swiss have plenty of seats available.

As first published by Find Flights For Me , numerous July and August dates are available in business class on Star Alliance carriers United and Swiss to and from Europe.

You can fly nonstop from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Denver International Airport (DEN), Dulles International Airport (IAD) or O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Heathrow Airport (LHR), Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Munich Airport (MUC), Brussels Airport (BRU), Geneva Airport (GVA) and Zurich Airport (ZRH).

Most availability is through flying with United, though some dates are flying with Swiss (especially between Chicago or New York and Zurich), and there is also some availability between these airports from Europe to the United States.

Related: Is United Polaris business class worth it to Singapore?

If you have American Express Membership Rewards points, Capital One miles or Citi ThankYou Rewards points, the cheapest way to book these flights is with Avianca LifeMiles , which charges just 63,000 miles each way in business class between North America and Europe without imposing fuel surcharges, though TPG has found some itineraries for as low as 60,000 miles.

Transfers to LifeMiles are usually instant, but make sure you can see the availability on LifeMiles' own site before transferring credit card points.

If you have Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards , Citi ThankYou or Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you could also book with Air Canada Aeroplan . It charges only 60,000 points for shorter flights from New York to Western Europe in business class and 70,000 points for most other itineraries.

You can also book these flights through United's MileagePlus program, which charges 80,000-88,000 miles each way in business class.

If you want to search across multiple dates, United's "flexible dates" search engine will show you prices for 30 days on one screen, so you can see which dates are offered at the lowest prices. As a reminder, the best availability is in July and August.

Best credit cards to earn points and miles for award travel

The following cards all currently offer strong welcome bonuses with points and miles that you can transfer to either your LifeMiles and/or Aeroplan accounts:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• American Express® Gold Card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Bottom line

Europe will be a hive of activity this summer, especially with the Paris Olympics in July and August. You must usually redeem your miles many months in advance to pay this great low pricing. Luckily, an impressive amount of business class flying on United and Swiss is available right now for as low as 60,000 miles.

With some other programs charging 300,000-plus miles for flights to Western Europe, this is a great way to use your credit card points — but don't wait, as these seats will likely be booked up fast.