Going to Minneapolis? United’s first-class promotion

Hey, everybody, United Airlines is inviting its customers to “treat yourself to a first class seat.”

Sounds like a great deal. The offer says, in big text, “Experience first class, fares from $189* each way.”

Uh oh. There’s a little footnote marker. Read the fine print. Golly, this wonderful offer makes me want to rush out and buy a first-class ticket for the 360-mile flight between Chicago and Minneapolis. Not.

Terms and conditions
*Fare is based on one segment between Chicago and Minneapolis. Fares are each way based on required roundtrip purchase for United First® travel on United Airlines®, and United Express® carriers. For tickets purchased through United reservation offices or at airport ticket counters, additional reservation fees will apply: $25 for United reservation office bookings and $30 for airport ticket counter bookings. No reservation fees are added for tickets purchased at united.com. Fees are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. Fares purchased through other distribution channels may also be higher. When purchasing from United, always go to united.com to find United’s lowest fares. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights/dates.

Additional Taxes/Fees: U.S./Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands fares do not include a $3.60 per flight segment tax. A flight segment is defined as one takeoff and one landing. Fares do not include the September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per enplanement at a U.S. airport or Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18.00, which may be collected depending on the itinerary. Fares for Hawaii and Alaska do not include a $8.00 (each way) departure tax. For travel from Canada, fares do not include U.S. Inspection fees of $7, taxes/fees imposed by the Canadian government of up to $19.50, and a $32.20 international departure and arrival tax if outside of the 225 mile buffer zone. All international fares are subject to U.S. arrival and departure taxes and agricultural, immigrations and customs fees of up to $50. For travel to some countries, additional airport, transportation, embarkation, security, and passenger service taxes/surcharges of up to $250 (each way) will apply depending on destination. For return travel from some countries, fares do not include airport and/or departure taxes of up to $45, which may be collected by the foreign government. See complete terms and conditions.