United Airlines unveils new elevated interiors for B787-9

• May 14, 2025
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In a move to reposition itself at the forefront of transcontinental air travel, United Airlines has unveiled its new ‘United Elevated’ interior for the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

Set to take flight in 2026 on international routes from San Francisco to London and Singapore, the redesigned cabin layout introduces the United Polaris Studio suites an offering that underscores United’s ambition to deliver luxury, privacy and refined service for the global business traveller.

United Polaris Studio

The United Polaris Studio is located in the first row of each business class cabin. With only eight suites per aircraft, these spaces are provide exclusivity in the sky. Each suite is 25% larger than a standard Polaris seat and comes equipped with sliding privacy doors, a companion ottoman with seatbelt, wireless charging, Bluetooth audio, and an 27-inch 4K OLED screen apparently the largest in its class.

Soft wool-blend seating, woodgrain trims, and digital seat controls mimic the experience of a modern business jet. Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, plush velvet throw pillows, upgraded amenity kits featuring Perricone MD skincare, and Meridian-powered noise-cancelling headphones are a part of the soft touchings.

Adding to the luxury, access to an amuse-bouche of Ossetra caviar paired with Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne is offered. Studio guests also receive priority boarding alongside United Global Services members, Global Reception access, and tarmac transfers at select hubs.

United Polaris

The remainder of the Polaris cabin also gets a comprehensive upgrade, with all seats now enclosed by sliding privacy doors and boasting a 19-inch 4K OLED screen.

A novel layout allows passengers to select either centre-facing suites for a cocooned, solo experience, or aisle-facing pairs ideal for colleagues or companions travelling together.

Each seat offers all-aisle access, a fully flat bed, and multiple charging options, including wireless pads and USB-C outlets. Long-time favourites like the Polaris sundae trolley return, now enhanced with seasonal Tillamook ice cream flavours and expanded toppings.

Premium Plus and Economy

United’s Premium Plus cabin now mirrors Polaris-level finishes complete with soft-touch surfaces, quartzite tables, 16-inch 4K OLED screens, wireless charging, privacy dividers, and reading lights blurring the lines between premium economy and business class, especially on long-haul routes.

United Economy and Economy Plus passengers are not left wanting. Each seat will feature a 13-inch 4K OLED screen with Bluetooth connectivity, improved seat comfort, and six power points per row.

Food & Beverage

United claims to have invested over US$150 million into its onboard food and beverage programme in 2025 alone. Polaris Studio passengers can look forward to post-dessert gourmet snack boxes and curated meals featuring Champagne, caviar, and rotating entrée selections. Across the aircraft, enhancements include new dishware, linens, aperitifs such as Aperol Spritz, and an upgraded sundae cart.

Economy dining has also received a refresh, with coursed service, fresh salads, an appetiser course, and improved desserts.

The B787-9 is tipped to have the highest ratio of premium seating among U.S. carriers: 99 seats out of a total of 222, configured as follows:

• 8 Polaris Studio suites (1-2-1 layout)
• 56 United Polaris suites
• 35 Premium Plus seats (2-3-2)
• 33 Economy Plus and 90 Economy seats (3-3-3)

Starlink Wi-Fi

The most significant for business travellers is the integration of Starlink high-speed satellite internet across the new fleet. This free service for MileagePlus members will offers uninterrupted global coverage including over oceans and polar routes making it ideal for those who need reliable inflight connectivity.

The elevated cabins will feature across United’s future Dreamliner deliveries around 30 aircraft by 2027.