Every passenger tries to search for an upgrade service when talking about flight bookings. United Airlines offers United Premier Access to make your travel experience more comfortable. However, it is very important to learn about the service in depth and then go for it. In this blog, you will know closely what premier access is with United Airlines, its benefits, and the fare rules connected to it.
What is United Airlines Premier Access?
Premier Access is a service curated to make their passenger’s travel experience more relaxing and stress-free. This premier access is not a stand-alone product that only a few elite members can enjoy. Any passenger willing to utilize United Premier Access can go for it. The Airlines will provide you with the service with or without a fee. The fee charged for this service totally depends on your status with UA. Passengers with loyalty statuses get to enjoy some perks.
Premier Access helps passengers take advantage of priority check-in, security checks, early boarding, and baggage handling. This service is specially designed to make the process faster without any waiting period.
Key Features of United Premier Access:-
Here are some key features of United Airlines Premier Access that you should know before booking flights with the service.
- Priority Check-ins: Premier Access passengers can skip the regular lines and enjoy the fast check-in procedure. This service is generally provided in the expedited areas of airport terminals.
- Security Screening: The most amazing feature of United Premiere Access is priority security checking. It helps you not to have to wait in long waiting lines for general passengers.
- Priority Boarding: Premier Access passengers can board flights before others. In other words, they can take advantage of early boarding. With this, you get more time to settle in your seats and adjust your carry-on.
- Baggage Handling: Passengers are often given priority in seat selection and baggage claim. This creates a big difference for travelers seeking a quick and easy airport experience.
Now that you know what features you get to enjoy with United Premier Access. Let’s move further to its eligibility and other important aspects.
United Airlines Premier Access Eligibility Criteria
To enjoy the perks of premier access, it is important to know who can retrieve the service. Here’s a list of passengers eligible for Premier Access.
- Mileageplus Premier Members
- MileagePlus Club Members
- Presidential Plus Credit Card Members
- United Polaris Business Class, United First Class & United Business Class
- Star Alliance Gold Members and
- Passengers who pay for United Premier Access
Note: According to United Airlines, Passengers also get to enjoy premier access services even when they have become a Premier Access Member after purchasing the ticket.
How Does United Premier Access Affect Your Ticket Price?
United Airlines Premier Access isn’t just any service that can easily be purchased. The premier access is already embedded within the prices of business or first-class tickets, & some Mileage Plus members tiers or paid upgrades. However, the inclusion of Premier Access in your booking can lead to an increase in the price.
Passengers hoping to enjoy the benefits of Premier Access but on a budget can avail themselves of a few upgrades or bundled fare offers that provide access to various services.
What are the Important Terms & Conditions of Premier Access?
Before getting service, it is important to have detailed information about its terms and conditions.
- Passengers can utilize Premier Access service during United and United Express Flights.
- This Facility is provided at very few airports.
- Basic Economy ticket holders are not eligible for Premier Access.
- It is only applicable on the specific flights passengers have booked it for.
- Access stays valid even when you make changes.
- UA does not provide any refund on canceling a trip with premier access.
- There is no relaxation in the scheduled check-in time.
- It is essential that the word “Premier Access” is mentioned on passenger’s boarding passes.
- Passengers are required to buy separate premier access for passengers traveling through a ticket.
How Can A Passenger Buy United Airlines Premier Access?
To purchase Premier Access, you can go to their official website through the app or at the airport. Below are some easy steps to follow to get access to United Premier service.
Purchase through the Website or App
- Open United Airlines official site or app
- Click on “My Trips”
- Submit your sign-in details (such as confirmation number & last name)
- Then, Tap on the “Search” button
- Choose a specific flight if you have more than one booking
- Select the “Optional Services” option
- Next, click on “Add Premier Access.”
- Complete your payment if required.
- Repeat it for each passenger.
- When you’re done, the airline will send you an email confirming the updates.
Purchase at the Airport
- Go to the Kiosk Machine at the airport.
- Enter your e-ticket number and last name.
- You can also use MileagePlus account details.
- Next, select “Add United Premier Access” from the options.
- Complete the procedure with payment and more.
What If A Passenger Does Not Qualify For United Premier Access?
If passengers do not qualify for Premier Access via premium cabin or frequent flyer status, they can still access certain benefits. They might not be able to access all the benefits but can avail some. Such passengers can go for a paid upgrade to access Premier Access services based on availability during the booking or check-in period. Anyhow, the level of service will depend on the fare class or available upgrade.
In addition, travelers may also get that from co-branded credit cards like the United MileagePlus Explorer Card. It provides them the opportunity to earn elite status that leads to Premier Access eligibility.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, United Premier Access is a premium service offered to travelers by United Airlines. It helps speed up your check-in, security screening, and boarding and helps you with baggage. Where on the one hand, it cannot be purchased as a stand-alone service. On the other, it is available to passengers flying with premium cabin tickets and even to those with MileagePlus status. It is very essential to have detailed information on the fare rules and eligibility for the service. After learning the procedure for Premier Access and the associated fare rules, any passenger can make the most of it.
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