United's Annual Lounge Rates to Increase by $25 for Individuals
By: Darren Booth
Airline lounges are a great place to relax before a flight. But beginning January 1, it'll cost you more at one airline's club. (Read more: Unique, Luxurious and Exclusive Airport Lounges)
United Airlines is raising its individual rate for annual United Club membership by $25. And membership-with-spouse rates will jump up to $100, according to United's website.
"We have made continued investments into our products and facilities and the price increase enables us to improve the lounge experience for our customers," said United spokesman Charles Hobart.
The new club prices vary based on your United elite frequent-flier status. Individual membership prices will increase as follows:
- General member (non-elite) prices rise to $500 from $475, or about 5.3 percent.
- Premier Silver (25,000 miles flown annually) prices rise to $475, or 5.5 percent.
- Premier Gold (50,000 miles flown annually) prices rise to $450 from $425, or 5.9 percent.
- Premier Platinum (75,000 miles flown annually) prices rise to $425 from $400, or 6.3 percent.
- Premier 1K (100,000 miles flown annually) prices rise to $400 from $375, or 6.7 percent.
There is an extra $50 initiation fee for all new or expired (more than 30 days past expiration) United Club memberships.
Additionally, United is discontinuing the three-year membership option on December 31, which saves $250 on individual memberships over the course of three years. "We discontinued the 3-year membership as it was not a feature that many of our customers utilized," United's Hobart said.
As a comparison, American charges fliers $350 to $500 for an individual, annual lounge membership. Delta's lounge rates range from $300 to $450 per person. Neither American or Delta have notices of price increases set for the new year on their websites.
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