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United Will Retrofit 787-8s and -9s With New Polaris Seats Starting This Year

Jan. 16, 2019
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4 min read
United 787-10 Polaris Review
United Will Retrofit 787-8s and -9s With New Polaris Seats Starting This Year
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It's finally happening, United has announced its upgrading the business class seats on its widebody aircraft that are used on some of its longest international routes.

United said it will start retrofitting its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with its new Polaris seats, replacing the current sub-par option that's been on the aircraft since 2014. The airline says that the first -8 or -9 will be reconfigured with the new seat by the end of 2019.

Until now, United hadn't announced when it would be upgrading its Dreamliners, the first being delivered almost five years ago. Currently, you'll find these less private seats laid out in a 2-2-2 configuration.

United's older business class seats on its 787-8. Image by Zach Honig / The Points Guy.

In 2016, United announced an overhaul to its premium product offering, getting rid of first class and upgrading business class seats to its new Polaris business class product that features semi-enclosed suites with direct aisle access and upgraded amenities like Saks Fifth Avenue bedding.

United recently took delivery of the 787-10 Dreamliner, which features the new Polaris seats. Image by Zach Honig / The Points Guy.

United just took delivery of its first 787-10, which features the new seat, and it's configured in a 1-2-1 layout. Since the -8s and -9s are the same width as the -10, it's likely United will use the same layout.

United recently took delivery of the 787-10 Dreamliner, which features the new Polaris seats. Image by Zach Honig / The Points Guy.

"We're trying to get the reconfigurations done as aggressively as possible." United's Vice-President of Marketing Mark Krolick told Australian Business Traveller.

The airline is currently flying 37 -8s and -9s with the old seats, but hopes to have the first aircraft refitted by the end of this year.

"By the end of 2020, we should have the majority of the international widebody fleet reconfigured... the only possible exceptions to that would be any aircraft that are slated for immediate retirement," Krolick said.

According United's Polaris tracker, the airline has already reconfigured 13 of 14 Boeing 767-300ERs, 13 of 51 Boeing 777-200s and all of its 777-300ERs and 787-10s were delivered to the airline with the new seats. However, United is still operating quite a few 767s with the older seats (these are not included in the Polaris tracker), it's unclear if and when these will get reconfigured.

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The changes will not just affect business class — the airline plans on rolling out its new premium economy Premium Plus seats on the -8s and -9s.

United Premium plus on the 787-10 Dreamliner. Photo by Zach Honig.

United's just opened its fifth Polaris lounge in Los Angeles (LAX) and plans on building four more in the coming years. United is still taking -9 deliveries from Boeing, although all those will be delivered with the new seat.

United confirmed with TPG that 787 retrofits are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of the year.

For more on United Polaris, read our in-depth guide that explains everything you need to know about the product, from how to book with miles and which routes to find it on.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • 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.
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  • $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.