United Airlines just raised the stakes in the premium travel game. With the announcement of its new Polaris Studio suites and Elevated cabin interiors on upcoming Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the airline is making a bold statement: international business class can be both luxurious and forward-thinking.

At AwardFares, we’ve flown Polaris multiple times, most recently on long-haul flights across the Atlantic—and we’ve always appreciated its comfort, service, and attention to detail. But this next generation of Polaris goes beyond what we’ve experienced. It’s not just an upgrade; it’s a complete reinvention (as other airlines are doing).

What’s Different About United’s Elevated Interior

United’s new 787-9s will debut with a completely redesigned experience from nose to tail, and it’s more than just aesthetic. The airline is rolling out its most premium-heavy configuration ever, with 99 premium seats, and is introducing a brand-new product at the very front of the cabin: Polaris Studio.

Polaris Studio: A New Benchmark in Business Travel

The Polaris Studio suites will be positioned in the first row of each business class section and are in a league of their own. These eight exclusive seats are 25% larger than standard Polaris, featuring full privacy doors, an ottoman seat for a companion, and a massive 27-inch 4K OLED touchscreen, the largest seatback screen on any U.S. airline.

Each suite also includes wireless charging, Bluetooth audio, digital seat controls, and upscale design elements like quartzite tables and wool-blend fabrics. But the experience goes well beyond seat specs—passengers will be treated to Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche, Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, and curated post-dessert snack boxes.

United is positioning this as a distinct product, with separate pricing from regular Polaris, and benefits like priority boarding, tarmac transfers, and access to United’s Global Reception area.

United Airlines reveal new cabin interiors on their 787-9, including Polaris Studio Suites United Airlines reveal new cabin interiors on their 787-9, including Polaris Studio Suites United Airlines reveal new cabin interiors on their 787-9, including Polaris Studio Suites

Upgraded Polaris Suites

Even the standard Polaris experience is getting a significant boost. All seats will now feature sliding privacy doors, upgraded 19-inch 4K OLED screens, Bluetooth connectivity, and a full suite of charging options—including wireless.

Travelers will also have more seat orientation choices: United is introducing both window-facing and aisle-facing configurations, ideal for solo flyers or those traveling with a companion. And yes, the beloved Polaris sundae cart is staying, now with rotating Tillamook flavors and seasonal toppings.

United Airlines reveal new cabin interiors on their 787-9, including Polaris Studio Suites United Airlines reveal new cabin interiors on their 787-9, including Polaris Studio Suites United Airlines reveal new cabin interiors on their 787-9, including Polaris Studio Suites

Premium Plus and Economy Get a Boost Too

While much of the spotlight is on the front of the plane, the enhancements continue throughout the cabin. The United Premium Plus section will now feature 35 seats—the most of any United aircraft—with privacy dividers, wireless charging, 16-inch screens, and improved finishes more typically found in business class.

In Economy and Economy Plus, travelers will enjoy 13-inch 4K OLED screens (the largest in the world for this cabin), Bluetooth in every seat, and upgraded seat ergonomics designed to enhance comfort on long-haul journeys.

United Airlines reveals new cabin interiors on their 787-9 (Economy and Economy+) United Airlines reveals new cabin interiors on their 787-9 (Economy and Economy+) United Airlines reveal new cabin interiors on their 787-9 (Economy and Economy+)

Elevated Dining and Beverage Experience

United’s strategy when it comes to food has been evolving recently (to be on par with Delta), and the Elevated aircraft are a concrete result of that effort. In addition to the caviar and Champagne pairing in Polaris Studio, all Polaris customers can expect more diverse regional menus, curated wine selections, and thoughtful touches like Aperol Spritz, updated snack baskets, and expanded breakfast options.

Economy passengers won’t be left out either. New menus include fresh salads, a separate appetizer course, three entrée options, and elevated desserts—an uncommon level of attention for economy service on U.S. carriers.

United Airlines reveal new cabin interiors on their 787-9, including Polaris Studio Suites United Airlines reveal new cabin interiors on their 787-9, including Polaris Studio Suites

Launch Timeline and Routes

The first 787-9s with the Elevated interior are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025, with inaugural routes planned for San Francisco to Singapore and San Francisco to London in 2026.

United has committed to at least 30 aircraft with the new configuration by 2027, and all future 787 deliveries will feature the Elevated interior, including Polaris Studio.

In a significant connectivity update, these aircraft will also be among the first in the fleet to offer free Starlink Wi-Fi for MileagePlus members—ideal for global travelers who need fast, reliable internet over oceans and remote regions.

Aircraft Configuration Overview

Cabin Configuration Seats
Polaris Studio 1-2-1 (x2 rows) 8
Polaris Suites 1-2-1 (x14 rows) 56
Premium Plus 2-3-2 (x5 rows) 35
Economy Plus 3-3-3 33
Economy 3-3-3 90

How to Book Polaris Studio with Points

Want to be the first to know when award seats become available on these new United cabins? Try AwardFares for free and stay ahead with realtime alerts, detailed seat maps, and seamless award searches across multiple programs.

With our Gold and Diamond tiers, you can access premium features such as unlimited daily searches, alerts, seat maps, flight schedules, and more!

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