Now business class is also low-cost

The change means that travellers can now fly business class - but without several of the services that have traditionally been included. This is reported by Reuters.

The new setup consists of three ticket categories:

• Base - lowest price, limited flexibility and fewer included services
• Standard - more classic business class product
• Flexible - fully flexible ticket, aimed at business travellers

The seat itself - often a fully reclining bed on long-haul flights - is the same. The difference lies in everything around it: rebooking rules, choice of seat, access to service and flexibility.

For the first time, a major network airline is applying the same logic in business class that has long characterised economy class: to break down the product and charge for each part.

This means that business class is no longer a uniform premium experience, but rather a spectrum of products with different price levels and content.

The background is clear. Premium cabins are one of the airlines' most important sources of revenue - but also difficult to fill completely.

By introducing a cheaper entry level, United hopes to attract a new type of traveller: customers who want the comfort of a better seat, but who are not prepared to pay for full flexibility or all additional services.

The development is not unique, but marks a clear shift in the industry. Several airlines have tested similar models, but United is now taking a more systematic approach.

It reflects a larger trend where airlines are fine-tuning their revenue models - not least in the premium segment, which has become increasingly important after the pandemic.

At the same time, there is a risk that the change will affect how travellers perceive business class.

When more services are removed from the basic product, the premium experience may feel less obvious - even though the price level in many cases remains high.

For the traveller, it means more choices. For the airlines, it means an opportunity to maximise revenue.

And for the industry at large, it is yet another sign that even the most exclusive parts of aviation are now shaped by the same logic as low-cost carriers.