Dhaka: United Airlines Holdings Inc. will begin increasing fees for customers to access its airport lounges in an effort to address overcrowding, a challenge that has grown since the pandemic.

Individual United Club memberships will now be priced at $750 or 94,000 MileagePlus reward miles per year, according to a company announcement made on Monday. Additionally, United is introducing a new “All Access” membership tier, priced at $1,400 or 175,000 miles.

This tier allows members to bring certain guests along with them into the lounge.

Previously, United Club annual fees peaked at $650 or 85,000 miles.

Since the pandemic subsided, travelers rushed to access the amenity-rich spaces by enrolling in airline loyalty programs and acquiring carrier-branded credit cards, part of a growing demand for premium experiences.

The clubs provide free food, drinks and comfortable seating. They’re a key perk of frequent-flyer programs and co-branded credit cards — a major revenue stream for airlines.

Major US carriers are now trying to tame the crowds inside their plush lounges that have become more of a nuisance in recent years, with long lines sometimes spilling into airports. Airlines have opened more locations and added larger and more premium facilities with limited access to help address the issue.

United’s latest changes take effect Monday (March 24), but current benefits will remain in place until existing memberships expire, the company said.

-B