United Airlines has revealed a bold new vision for premium air travel with the debut of its next-generation Polaris business class suites, part of a comprehensive cabin redesign for its forthcoming Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet. Aimed at redefining luxury in the sky, the airline’s new layout introduces two distinct Polaris seating experiences—Polaris Studio and an upgraded standard Polaris suite—alongside enhancements across every cabin class.
At the center of this rollout are the new Polaris Studio suites, a premium tier positioned at the front of each of the two business class cabins. These eight flagship seats (four per cabin section) are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, offering lie-flat seating and direct aisle access. According to United, the Studio suites are 25% larger than standard Polaris seats and are designed for discerning travelers seeking the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity.
Each Polaris Studio suite includes:
- A fully enclosed privacy door
- A second ottoman seat for guest seating
- Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service with Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne
- Wireless charging, USB-C and AC power outlets
- Bluetooth connectivity
- A 27-inch 4K OLED seatback screen—claimed to be the largest of any U.S. carrier
- Perricone MD skincare amenity kits
- Hoodie pajamas, slippers, and Meridian-powered noise-cancelling headphones
Passengers in Polaris Studio will also enjoy exclusive pre-flight benefits, including access to United’s Global Reception lounge, priority boarding with Global Services customers, and eligibility for tarmac transfer services—typically reserved for the carrier’s most elite travelers.
Elevated Experience Across Polaris Cabin
The remainder of the 56-seat Polaris cabin will feature upgraded suites with the addition of sliding privacy doors and new 19-inch 4K OLED screens. These seats are also configured 1-2-1 and allow passengers to choose between window-facing or center-paired seats. The redesign reflects United’s continued investment in premium comfort for both business and leisure travelers.
“Post-pandemic, we’ve seen a fundamental shift in premium demand,” said Andrew Nocella, United’s Chief Commercial Officer, during a press event in New York. “It’s no longer just executives flying to London or Paris. Many of our premium customers are headed to places like Tahiti or Venice for leisure—and they expect an elevated experience.”
Upgrades Across the Cabin
The transformation extends beyond business class. United’s Premium Plus cabin—its premium economy product—has been redesigned with features including:
- New privacy dividers with integrated reading lights
- Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging
- Quartzite cocktail tables
- 16-inch 4K OLED screens
Economy Plus and Economy passengers are not left behind. The main cabin features:
- 33 Economy Plus seats and 90 standard Economy seats, both in a 3-3-3 layout
- Six power outlets per row
- Bluetooth capability
- 13-inch 4K OLED seatback screens—touted as the largest in economy class worldwide
A new grab-and-go snack bar will also be available to Polaris customers, and refreshed cabin finishes aim to create a more refined and cohesive onboard ambiance.
Culinary Enhancements and Strategic Investment
United has committed $150 million in 2025 alone to elevate its onboard culinary program. A new suite of dishware debuted in premium cabins on May 5, and Polaris passengers can look forward to Aperol Spritz being added to the beverage menu starting July 1. Economy passengers will see their in-flight meals expand to include a new appetizer course in September, a third entrée option, and upgraded desserts.
Strategic Expansion and Future Routes
The first Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring these new interiors will be delivered before the end of 2025. The initial international routes launching in 2026 will include San Francisco to London Heathrow and San Francisco to Singapore—two key global business and leisure corridors. United anticipates taking delivery of approximately 30 of these enhanced Dreamliners by 2027.
With a total of 99 premium seats per aircraft—the highest percentage of any U.S. airline—United is positioning itself at the forefront of a new era in premium air travel. For business leaders and luxury travelers alike, this next evolution of the Polaris product represents a bold statement of intent.
“This is about redefining who premium travel is for and delivering a product that meets those expectations—whether you’re headed to a boardroom or a beach resort,” said Nocella.
As global competition intensifies, United’s premium strategy reflects a bet on changing traveler behavior—and a confident stride into the future of international aviation.
