New York – United Airlines officially launched its new-generation long-haul business class experience that provides an even more luxurious and technologically infused experience for international travelers. The new cabins, marketed under the “United Polaris” and “United Polaris Studio” labels, were introduced Tuesday at a unveiling ceremony in Brooklyn.
This redo is one piece of a bigger cabin refresh the airline is calling “United Elevated” that will roll out on new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners set to join United’s fleet in 2026.
A New Era of Comfort at 35,000 Feet
United’s new Polaris business class has private suites with door slides, enhanced seatback entertainment, and a completely reimagined cabin atmosphere from cockpit to tail.
Each Polaris seat boasts a 19-inch 4K OLED screen, Bluetooth audio, four charging outlets, and comfortable seating with ventilated wool-blend fabrics. Travelers can opt for window-facing, center-facing, or aisle-facing seating with adaptive privacy.
But the pièce de résistance? The Polaris Studio Suites — a luxury front-row seat in every business class cabin.
Inside United Polaris Studio Suites
There will be eight Polaris Studio Suites per plane, which offer 25% more space than the standard Polaris seat. The suites offer 27-inch entertainment screens — the largest of any U.S. airline — in addition to a buddy ottoman seat, cozy pajamas, and skincare by Perricone MD.
Passengers in these seats will also be treated to an upgraded soft service, which includes an amuse-bouche of Ossetra caviar, Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne, and a choice of hand-curated snack boxes. On the ground, Polaris Studio passengers will have Global Reception access, priority boarding, and tarmac transfer service for added exclusivity.
“We’re not just upgrading seats — we’re redefining what it means to fly United,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “This is about creating the best airline experience in the sky.”
More Than Business Class: Upgrades Across the Plane
United’s transformation extends beyond Polaris. The Premium Plus cabin is also getting a facelift, with privacy wings, wireless charging, and 16-inch 4K screens in a 2-3-2 layout.
Even economy travelers aren’t left behind. United describes its revamped economy seats as having the largest seatback screens in the world — 13 inches in width — and Bluetooth connectivity, along with upgraded in-flight food, like a tapas meal served on board midflight.
The carrier has spent more than $150 million this year alone to improve food and drink throughout all classes, according to its reports.
Launch Timeline and Route Rollout
United will anticipate to receive its first 787-9 Dreamliner with the new Polaris interior design by late 2025, with launch routes in early 2026 from San Francisco to Singapore and San Francisco to London.
The carrier will operate 30 new Dreamliners with these interiors by the end of 2027. Those aircraft will also be among the first in United’s wide-body fleet to feature Starlink Wi-Fi.
United also confirmed that retrofitting would take place on existing aircraft at some point, although a timeline has not been shared.
Flight Attendants Disrupt Launch Event
The launch was not without drama. Flight attendants staged a brief protest at the launch ceremony, calling for improved labor deals. They were quickly ushered out but kept protesting on the street. United declined to comment specifically while reinforcing its focus on customer as well as crew experience.
Safety First Amid Innovation
The launch coincides with a time when United has faced operational disruptions at its Newark hub as a result of FAA equipment outages and manning shortages. In a message to frequent flyers, the airline had promised customers that safety remains their top priority and had commended recent efforts by the U.S. Department of Transportation to modernize air traffic control.