The carrier has returned with version 2.0 in nearly a decade when United Airlines first launched its Polaris business class product. This is part of United’s efforts to improve the flight experience in every cabin, a nose-to-tail transformation for the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner plane.
For now, most of the attention lies in investments on the pointy edges of the plane. This is because United packs a total of 99 upgraded seats in the new aircraft’s Business Class and Premium Economy (8 studio suites, 56 Polaris suites and 35 Premium Plus seats). This means that almost half of the planes (45% of the total 222 seats) will be premium seats.
The first international passenger flight with these new interiors is scheduled to take off in early 2026 by serving Singapore Changi (SIN) and London’s Heathrow (LHR) from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). United have ordered a 30 Boeing 787-9 until 2027, but there are currently no plans to modify the existing aircraft.
New Polaris Studio Suites
At the heart of the improvements are eight very important berths at the forefront of each business class section: the new United Polaris Studio Suite. In addition to the sliding doors of privacy, travelers of these “Business Class Plus” pods have an ottoman that allows their companions to sit on the flight. Each of the eight suites has a massive 27-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth audio connection, and wireless charging.
Compared to the standard Polaris, passengers here receive a better line of Pericon MD skincare products and an Ocetra caviar amuse bouche paired with Laurent-Perlia Cuvee Rose Champagne. (Not to mention a small touch like a united brand of cards.) On the ground, travelers will have access to the private global reception check-in area, usually reserved for United’s highest elites.
Prices for upgrades for these studio suites have not yet been announced.
Polaris 2.0 or later
The standard Polaris business class suite is also not left behind. In these upcoming Boeing 787-9s, each of the 56 “regular” Polaris seats will earn a sliding door and a 19-inch screen (3 inches larger than the existing Polaris screen). United also offers a centre suite where couples and travel companions can sit together when they split up and lowered to bed height. Currently, the center seat should not be lowered to the bed height. Additionally, the distance between adjacent head areas is increased. (The finishes vary, but Hawaiian Airlines’ new business class reviews provide a sense of what the Polaris Suite will look like in the end.)
United’s premium economy class 35-seat Premium Plus cabin, passengers can expect a 16-inch screen (now 13-inch) and a privacy splitter (now not split) with built-in read lights. Even economic travelers get a 13-inch monitor (now 9-inch). This is the world’s largest economic class screen.
Why is it important?
These days, discerning premium travelers expect more than a seat and bubble of lies flames. Even among the major US airlines, long-haul international passengers are spoiled for choice when it comes to business class options.
American Airlines is set to debut its flagship suite at 787-9 this summer. There are Chaise lounge seats with privacy doors, more personal storage space and adjustable headrest pillows. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines has launched new cabin designs on all aircraft, featuring updated seating materials and wireless charging with the Airbus A350.
In particular, for United, the upcoming Polaris Suite will be one of the first wide body planes with free, super-fast Starlink connections. The carrier promises reliable internet access around the world, including oceans, polar and other remote locations.
Let’s say the business class bar is high and United is trying to raise it. This has happened while United has been in the news recently as Newar Liberty International (EWR) capabilities had to be reduced due to the ongoing crisis of air traffic control. At the very least, the planned internal strengthening of the aircraft provides a welcome distraction from the mayhem at one of United’s most important hubs.
