✈ United Unveils 3 New Planes, American Express Launches New Business Card & More News From TPG ✈

March 26, 2026

The future of air travel on United

by Summer Hull, Senior director of content

From the first “lie-flat couches” in economy on a U.S. airline to the introduction of the fanciest plane in the U.S. (with 99 premium seats, including 8 Polaris Studio suites), United Airlines absolutely blew me away with its future plans at its recent media day at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

(Yes, this information came against the admittedly dichotomous backdrop of this week’s air travel head winds, which included long airport security lines, spiking prices and more.)

But back to the good news we all deserve:

United will have what is likely the fanciest regional jet in the U.S. when the CRJ-450 enters service later this year. We’ve probably all flown on a sad, cramped, depressing regional jet with a claustrophobia-inducing ceiling and no good place to store bags, so this jet is a huge step forward. At times during the United media day, it drew a bigger crowd than the fancy new Dreamliner did!
United surprised us all with economy seats that turn into lie-flat “couches,” which will start flying in 2027. This “Relax Row” will be similar to the Air New Zealand Skycouch and the ANA Couchii, both of which are delightful options I have previously flown with my kids.
We scored a first look at United’s most premium plane: the “Elevated” Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. It offers eight brand-new Polaris Studio suites that are 25% larger than regular Polaris seats. If you want to enjoy the caviar, comfy pajamas and elevated dining in the Polaris Studios, expect to pay $499 more than the cost of regular Polaris. (It’s not all about Polaris, though I found the premium economy seats to be a real improvement, too.)
A mock-up of the new A321neo “Coastliner” — which will also skew premium and fly, as the name implies, coast to coast — was on display. You can take a peek at what that plane will offer. (Spoiler alert: Polaris customers on that domestic route will ultimately get Polaris Lounge access for the first time, which is very nice.)

There are also (much) nicer blankets, better free earbuds, new menu options via Chef’s Table and so much more coming to United’s longer-haul economy class.

Be sure to read our stories above on each of these announcements as well as our broader recap so you don’t miss any fun details!

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Photo Credit: SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY.

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