The All New United Airlines Business Class, an Elevated Experience

United Airlines Just Dropped Its Most Luxurious Cabin Yet: Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the New 787-9 Elevated Interior

It’s always an exciting day when an airline launches a new product, and United's announcement is no exception. United Airlines has unveiled its United Elevated interior for their soon to be delivered Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, in a hope to redefine premium international travel. 

The New Polaris Business Layout

With two shiny new Business Class suite options, the most premium seats in any United aircraft ever, and enough high-tech and high-touch upgrades to make your head spin, this cabin is no small refresh. We’re talking Starlink Wi-Fi, 4K OLED seatback screens, Ossetra caviar, and an ultra-refined design aesthetic.

At a first glance, we have to say the product certainly looks “top of the class” when compared to American and Delta.

Future Expansion and Aircraft Deliveries

United is expecting the first 787-9 with the Elevated interior to be delivered by late 2025, with international flights planned from San Francisco to Singapore and San Francisco to London starting in 2026. By 2027, United expects to have around 30 of these new aircraft in its fleet, each featuring the United Polaris Studio suites and Starlink connectivity.

Aircraft Configuration and Seat Layout

The 787-9 with the Elevated interior will feature:

• Eight United Polaris Studio suites in a 1-2-1 configuration

• 56 United Polaris Business Class suites in a 1-2-1 configuration

• 35 United Premium Plus seats in a 2-3-2 configuration

• 33 United Economy Plus seats and 90 United Economy seats in a 3-3-3 configuration

Whether you’re flying solo and want a window seat to yourself or traveling with a buddy and prefer the aisle, there’s something for everyone. No awkward leg-swings over sleeping strangers required.

United Polaris Studio Suites: Unmatched Luxury in Business Class

The United Polaris Studio suites are a highlight of the new 787-9 interior. These lie-flat, all-aisle access suites are 25% larger than standard United Polaris seats, providing ample space and privacy for business class travellers. Located in the first row of each business class section, there are eight Polaris Studio suites, each with privacy doors, an extra ottoman for companions, exclusive entrée options, and luxury amenities such as new amenity kits with Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ skincare.

The All-New Polaris Studio Suites

Each suite features a massive 27-inch 4K OLED screen—the largest among U.S. carriers, offering unparalleled entertainment options. Passengers will also enjoy wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, USB-C and power outlets, and digital seat controls. The suite’s design includes quartzite tables, soft wool-blend seats, and wood grain trim, creating an elegant and comfortable environment.

The new Polaris Studio Suites include quartzite tables, soft wool-blend seats, and wood grain trim.

In addition, Polaris Studio passengers will be treated to an exclusive Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche paired with Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé. After dessert, customers will receive a curated specialty snack box with a mix of premium salty, sweet, and savory treats. Polaris customers will also experience new mid-flight tapas service, featuring regionally inspired options.

There is also an ottoman with a seatbelt so that if you are flying with a companion you can spend time together

Important to note that these will be priced differently than standard United Polaris, how has not yet been announced.

The Studio Suite will be the perfect place to relax and unwind as you fly long-haul

Enhanced United Polaris Suites: Privacy and Comfort Redefined

Standard United Polaris suites are also upgraded with sliding doors, larger 19-inch 4K OLED screens, and the ability to wirelessly charge devices. Each Polaris suite now offers all-aisle access, making it easier for passengers to move about during the flight. The seats are crafted from a breathable wool-blend fabric, and there are two options for the suites. First up are the window seats which are angled towards the outside of the plane. Perfect for solo travellers or if you just want to snooze. The other option are the centre seats which are angled away from the aisle and come with a divider that can be lowered to bed height. These seats always suit couples who wish to fly together, but are also just as private as the window seats once the divider is up.

The new Polaris seat

It is certainly nice to see how many airlines are fading out business class seat configuration where you have to climb over someone to access the aisle. Not a particularly premium experience.

Plenty of space to relax on your flight

United also adds to its Polaris sundae cart, offering a rotating selection of Tillamook ice cream flavours, alongside a classic vanilla bean option and various toppings throughout the year. Not one for me alas, but I love the thought behind this. It really harks back to the heyday of travel where dessert carts were the norm on planes, and United keeping this going is something very special. 

The snack zone has never looked so good in Business Class.

United Premium Plus: Luxury in Every Seat

The new Premium Plus seats

United Premium Plus customers are also in for a treat with major upgrades. These seats now feature soft-touch materials, quartzite cocktail tables, and 16-inch 4K OLED screens, all the hallmarks of a premium experience typically reserved for Business Class. Passengers will enjoy Bluetooth connectivity and three ways to charge their devices, including wireless charging, marking the first time these features have been available in United Premium Plus. Additional perks include a privacy divider with a built-in reading light, a dedicated water bottle holder, and an ottoman seat for additional comfort.

In a 2-3-2 configuration

United Economy: Enhanced Comfort and Technology

In United Economy, the changes are equally impressive. All passengers in this cabin will enjoy 13-inch 4K OLED screens, the largest in Economy class worldwide. Seats are equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, and each row is fitted with six power outlets to ensure that travellers can stay connected throughout the flight. United Economy customers will also experience upgraded seating with a cradling seat bottom that moves with the seat as it reclines, offering improved comfort.

The updated Economy layout which is in a 3-3-3 layout

United’s design overhaul extends throughout the aircraft, ensuring a brighter, warmer, and more refined atmosphere. The Elevated interior includes 99 premium seats across the plane—this is the highest percentage of premium seating among U.S. carriers. The cabin transformation features United Premium Plus seats with privacy dividers and wireless charging, and United Economy seats that now offer more tech-friendly options.

World-Class Food & Beverage Enhancements

United has committed more than $150 million to improving its food and beverage offerings in 2025, with Elevated aircraft getting new grab-and-go snack bars for United Polaris business class customers. These bars will feature gourmet options from brands like Garrett’s, Community, and Joe & Seph's. Passengers in Polaris Studio suites can enjoy Ossetra caviar, and there will be a mid-flight tapas service reflecting regional cuisine.

With an elevated food and drink offering throughout all cabins, here is a sample of what you can expect from the Studio Suites

United’s Polaris wine collection has received a major boost, with exclusive partnerships with brands like Heitz Cellar, Shafer Vineyards, and Stony Hill Vineyard. In addition, rotating regional menus will be available, offering more variety for long-haul international flights. New Aperol Spritz offerings will be added to the drinks menu, and customers in United Economy will see enhanced options such as fresh salads with premium dressing, more main course choices (or entrees if you are an American), new desserts, and a coursed appetiser before the main meal.

Starlink Connectivity: A Game-Changer for Global Travellers

One of the most exciting innovations is the addition of Starlink connectivity on United's 787-9 aircraft. This service offers fast, reliable internet access, even over oceans, polar regions, and remote locations previously unreachable by traditional Wi-Fi. United is the first U.S. airline to provide this free service to MileagePlus members. Qatar Airways has recently introduced Starlink to their aircraft, with WiFi speeds on board reaching 150mbps per passenger, enough to easily stream content from Netflix.

Conclusion: A New Era in American Premium International Travel

United Airlines' United Elevated interior represents a significant leap forward in premium international travel, offering unmatched comfort, luxury amenities, and state-of-the-art technology. Whether you're flying in Polaris Studio, United Premium Plus, or United Economy, these upgrades ensure that your journey will be as memorable as the destination. With enhanced food and beverage options, Starlink internet, and new seating configurations, United is raising the bar for air travel and ensuring a superior experience for all passengers.

We will of course keep you updated with how to book this experience in the future, and hopefully with a good miles and points option too!

Helena