U.S. airlines are betting on customers spending big to fly with them.
They're increasingly adding premium seating to planes and new premium products to cater to more affluent travelers. One airline is taking an interesting approach: introducing a basic pricing option to first-class.
United Airlines' newly announced base fare for first class travel offers a low entry point into its first-class cabins, though like basic fares in economy seating, it comes with restrictions.
While this new fare class introduces basic pricing to first-class seating, another new product United announced recently offers first-class flying in economy cabins. In 2027, United will roll out lie-flat economy seats on international flights with its Relax Row.
United's base first-class
fare is one of several new premium options airlines plan to debut in the coming months. Here's what's coming.
United Airlines 'base' pricing in first and business class
United Airlines just announced a new basic pricing category in its United First and United Business classes.
The base fare in both first class and business class is nonrefundable and cannot be changed. It includes one free checked bag and one carry-on bag, but seat selection costs extra.
The main difference between what's offered with the United First and United Business fares is that base fare with United Business, available on international flights, also includes United Club access.
United said the base fare option for United First and United Business would be available starting fall 2026. Fare searches conducted by The Arizona Republic did not immediately show base fares available for United First for flights out of Phoenix, including flights to United hubs in Chicago, Newark and Washington, D.C.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines premium suites
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines announced a major investment in premium travel offerings that will include new private suites: Aurora on Alaska's Boeing 787 fleet and select routes aboard the 737-10 MAX, and Leihōkū on Hawaiian's Airbus A330 fleet.
Private suites on both carriers will include lie-flat seating, privacy doors on the 787s and A330s, direct aisle access, 19-inch 4K entertainment screens with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless and wired charging options, dining curated by local chefs and free Starlink Wi-Fi.
Experiences for Aurora and Leihōkū passengers will begin at check-in, including lounge access in Seattle and Honolulu and concierge service.
Alaska and Hawaiian are also launching a new premium economy option called Premium Reserve, which will include wider seats, extra legroom, larger tray tables and upgraded dining among its perks.
The sister carriers plan to debut these premium experiences in 2028.
Allegiant First
Allegiant Air, the carrier that handles the near-entirety of commercial service at Mesa Gateway Airport in east Mesa, is getting ready to debut first-class service.
Allegiant First will consist of eight seats in rows of two and will boast extra legroom, a five-inch recline, calf rests and adjustable headrest. Passengers who book Allegiant First will receive upgraded amenities that include priority access and a free checked bag up to 70 pounds.
Initial flights with Allegiant First seating are scheduled to debut in spring 2027, according to Allegiant.
Frontier Airlines first-class seats
In a different time, Frontier Airlines competed for business with low fares, its closest competition being fellow budget carrier Spirit Airlines. But the airline industry landscape has changed in recent months, including Spirit going out of business in May. Now, Frontier is pivoting from its ultra-low-cost model and beginning to offer first-class seats, which it said will be introduced throughout 2026.
Frontier's First seating features rows of two seats instead of three. The airline describes the first-class seats as "thoughtfully designed to provide unmatched comfort, extra space, and an elevated journey."
First-class seats on Frontier will gradually replace its existing UpFront Plus, where passengers get a window or aisle seat with extra legroom compared with standard seats and a guaranteed empty middle seat. UpFront Plus seating is offered in the first two rows of the plane.
JetBlue BlueFirst
JetBlue recently unveiled details about its first-class service for domestic flights, BlueFirst. It will include seats in a two-by-two configuration with five inches of recline and up to seven inches of extra legroom, a 13.3-inch seatback screen with Bluetooth connectivity, in-seat charging ports and plush seats designed by Tuft & Needle. BlueFirst passengers on redeye flights will also receive a blanket and sleep kit.
JetBlue stated that flights with BlueFirst would be available for booking starting in the fall.
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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@usatodayco.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Basic' first class and other new options to upgrade your flights
