Weather 
Basic is the new luxury.
United Airlines has officially launched a cheaper first-class fare — and it’s pretty basic. The airline giant will offer passengers first-class status with its new “base” fare.
Starting in the fall, the Chicago-based company will roll out three fare options for United First and United Business. The new choices — base, standard and flexible.
Its newest fare — base — is now the lowest tier in the first-class cabin, coming with more restrictions, like fees for seat selections and fewer checked baggage items.
“You can select the tier with benefits that fit your travel needs. No matter which tier you select, your fare will include the same elevated onboard experience offered in that cabin,” the United website reads.
Base does not include changes to flights or refunds — passengers must book the flexible tier to secure those amenities.
Here’s what travelers can expect from the three United fares when flying first class on domestic trips:
- Base: Seat selection for a fee, one checked bag and one carry-on. No flight changes or ticket refunds.
- Standard: Free seat selection, two checked bags, one carry-on and flight changes. No ticket refunds.
- Flexible: Free seat selection, two checked bags, one carry-on, flight changes and ticket refunds.
Passengers can expect the following three fares for United Business on international routes to Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean:
- Base: Seat selection for a fee, one checked bag, one carry-on and United Club access. No flight changes or ticket refunds.
- Standard: Free seat selection, two checked bags, one carry-on, United Club access and flight changes. No ticket refunds.
- Flexible: Free seat selection, two checked bags, one carry-on, United Club access, flight changes and ticket refunds.
The Post reached out to United for exact dates the new fare will be available to all passengers, but has not heard back.
The change comes amid a slew of other switches made by the airline. Back in February, United quietly updated a noise policy that — before the change — had flyers nearly losing their minds.
The 100-year-old company told The Post it has started forcing passengers to wear headphones when listening to content on phones, tablets or anything that makes sound.
United’s Contract of Carriage — a rules and policy handbook — was updated on February 27 to add the new “headphone language.”
Back in March, the airline dropped another change — its new cabin designs. The changes include an increased number of premium seats with fewer options in the standard coach section.
Called the United Relax Row — travelers will see three adjacent United Economy seats with adjustable leg rests that can each be raised or lowered to create a cozy lie-flat space for stretching out.
