United unveils stunning next-generation Polaris cabins with caviar service and much more
Nearly a decade since Polaris was introduced, United Airlines is out with its next-generation business-class experience.
After weeks of anticipation, the Chicago-based carrier has officially unveiled the all-new cabins that will debut on its upcoming Boeing 787 Dreamliner deliveries later this year.
The new cabins, dubbed the United Elevated interior, introduce major upgrades in the pointy end of the plane, as well as some other exciting enhancements for those seated in the back.
This all comes at a time when airlines worldwide are investing more in the premium experience. United, for its part, already offers some of the most premium-heavy configurations on its wide-body jets, but these new cabins are easily taking that title. With a whopping 99 premium seats, flyers will have no shortage of options to escape economy.
All in all, there's a lot to get excited about, starting with United's all-new cabin, the Polaris Studio.
First-ever United Polaris Studio
United will introduce its first-ever business-class-plus product on board its new 787 Dreamliners. The Polaris Studio will be in the bulkhead of the two business-class cabins and feature a slew of additional amenities.
In total, there will be eight Polaris Studios on upcoming 787-9 Dreamliners spread across two bulkhead rows in a 1-2-1 layout.
In terms of the product itself, Polaris Studio pods will feature larger living spaces with ottomans for companions to visit or dine together during the flight. They'll also have sliding doors for additional privacy.
The pods also feature a whopping 27-inch 4K OLED touchscreen display, making it the largest entertainment system offered by a U.S. airline.
Other tech improvements include Bluetooth connectivity for pairing your wireless headphones to the entertainment system, Qi wireless charging pads, USB-C ports and universal AC electrical outlets.
The Polaris Studio can be controlled digitally, and the product features quartzite tables, a wool-blend seat finish and wood-grain trim — all high-end touches that United believes will elevate your onboard experience.
Aside from the upgraded seat, Polaris Studio passengers will enjoy an exclusive collection of amenities. This includes hoodie-style pajamas, slippers, new noise-canceling headphones powered by Meridian technology, exclusive amenity kits featuring Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ products, United-branded playing cards (a nod to the glory days of flying) and a velvet throw pillow.
Better yet, the dining experience will also include a selection of Studio-exclusive choices, such as an osetra caviar amuse-bouche service, a post-dessert specialty snack box, exclusive preorder entree options and Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose.
On the ground, Polaris Studio customers will have access to Global Reception check-in areas, previously reserved exclusively for Global Services members, as well as tarmac transfers on a surprise-and-delight basis.
United says that it will price Polaris Studio suites differently from regular Polaris seats, but it stopped short of providing any additional details (as well as whether mileage redemptions or PlusPoints can be used to confirm a flight in these pods).
United is the latest carrier to introduce a business-class-plus offering. This product strategically takes advantage of the bulkhead's curvature and location to offer an extra-spacious experience packaged as a unique product.
In the U.S., we've seen American Airlines and JetBlue introduce similar business-class-plus products, while some international airlines, like Starlux Airlines and Etihad Airways, call these seats true first class. (Interestingly, United is going with the same "studio" nomenclature as JetBlue — perhaps yet another clue that the two airlines are on the verge of announcing a big partnership.)
It'll be interesting to see whether United can deliver the service needed to really make the Polaris Studio shine (and worth the upcharge), but for now, we'll count this as a really exciting development.
New standard United Polaris cabins
Behind the new Polaris Studios are 56 Polaris business-class suites.
For the first time ever, the Polaris pods will feature sliding doors for enhanced privacy and two unique cabin configurations.
The United Elevated 787-9 Dreamliner will have two Polaris cabins. The forward cabin will have Polaris seats that face away from the aisle, while the second cabin will have seats that face toward the aisle. The former configuration should be preferred by individual travelers, while the latter layout is perfect for those flying together.
Better yet, the center seats in the second Polaris cabin will offer privacy dividers that lower to bed height, making it easier to relax with loved ones during your flight.
In total, United will offer 14 rows of Polaris seats in a 1-2-1 layout, totaling 56 pods, an eight-pod increase from the existing 787-9 Dreamliner configuration.
The seats themselves will offer a Bluetooth-enabled 19-inch 4K OLED display (3 inches larger than the existing suite), four charging options, digital seat controls and more. United will install the Panasonic Astrova entertainment system on these planes.
The Polaris cabin on these new planes will also feature a grab-and-go snack bar that'll be stocked between meal services. This joins other recently debuted Polaris dining enhancements, such as new printed menus, dishware and refreshed wines.
United says it will continue to make (much-needed) investments in the Polaris food and beverage service. These enhancements include regional menus that will rotate monthly, new breakfast breads, bottled salad dressings, an updated midflight snack basket and the addition of an Aperol spritz to the drink menu.
Although not explicitly mentioned in United's press release, the airline confirmed to TPG that it is making one major change for families traveling with infants: The airline is removing all bassinets from the Polaris cabins on these planes.
New United Premium Plus cabins
United is also making a big investment in premium economy with the introduction of 35 Premium Plus recliners on the Elevated 787-9 jets.
There will be five rows of Premium Plus seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, and while the seats will still largely resemble domestic first class, they will offer a few new bells and whistles.
This includes privacy wings with a built-in reading light, as well as dedicated water bottle and headphone storage areas. The 4K OLED entertainment screens will measure 16 inches.
New United Economy cabins
Meanwhile, in economy, United will offer 13-inch, 4K OLED screens featuring Bluetooth connectivity and six power outlets per row.
The shell-like seat bottom moves as the seat reclines, which United says will enhance relaxation.
These planes will have 33 extra-legroom Economy Plus seats and 90 standard economy seats in total, spread across 15 rows in a 3-3-3 layout.
As part of the product updates, United will introduce an enhanced dining experience in economy. This includes the introduction of a third main meal choice and new dessert options, as well as an appetizer served before the full lunch or dinner service.
When will United's new cabins fly?
There are 140 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners on their way to United, and the first batch of 787-9s will be based in San Francisco. The airline will inaugurate the Elevated cabins on its route from San Francisco to Singapore in early 2026, followed by service to London. The delivery of the first United 787-9 with Elevated cabins is expected before the end of the year, and at least 30 new aircraft will join the fleet by 2027.
The airline will eventually rotate these planes across other hubs, but it's not ready to say when that will happen.
United also isn't ready to say if (or when) it will retrofit the cabins on existing wide-body jets, but it's safe to say that the soon-to-be-retired Boeing 767s will never see these cabins.
As for the existing Boeing 777s and 787s, hopefully, United will eventually get around to retrofitting these planes with the Elevated cabins.
Bottom line
United Airlines is out with its most advanced and premium cabin configuration ever.
The airline is introducing an all-new business-class-plus product, dubbed Polaris Studio, and it's refreshing the Polaris experience with new seats, sliding doors, upgraded tech and enhanced amenities.
Even those seated in the back are in for an upgrade on these new 787 Dreamliners.
Hopefully, all of these new premium seats will lead to more award and upgrade availability because I, for one, can't wait to fly on one of these planes.
Related reading:
- United Airlines MileagePlus: Guide to earning and redeeming miles, elite status and more
- The best credit cards for United Airlines flyers
- United Premier status: How to earn it — and is it worth it?
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- How to survive basic economy on United Airlines
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.