United Airlines Now Offering Priority Boarding Access for a Fee

For at least an extra $9, passengers flying United Airlines can guarantee that they will board early and secure overhead storage space, with a new early boarding option.

United Airlines is now offering “Priority Boarding” for passengers wanting to guarantee boarding with Group 2 instead of one of the later of the five boarding groups. The fee, starting at $9, will depend on the flight date, time of day, and day of the week.

Chase preferred credit card holders and United Airlines frequent flyers will get the option for free. Basic Economy passengers will not get the option.

The option can be added during booking or, if it is not available at the time of booking, as the departure date gets closer.

According to United, the option now gives travelers the choice to add on something that was only offered in its Premier Access tickets without having to upgrade their entire ticket. The move brings United in line with some of its competitors, including Delta Air Lines, which offers priority boarding for $15.

It also continues United’s road towards offering more options to its travelers depending on their budget and needs, which the carrier has undertaken over the past two years.

The carrier began offering its Basic Economy fare domestically in 2017, though it had to roll it back to work out some problems. The option is now available again.

United announced earlier this year that its International Premium Economy option — which will give flyers more space per seat, upgraded dining on china dinnerware, free alcoholic beverages, and a Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and pillow — will be available later this year.