Last week, United Airlines unveiled the United Elevated interior for the new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, raising the standard of international premium travel. The new interior includes two new business-class suites, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, the greatest number of total premium seats in United Airlines’ fleet, Starlink connectivity and even larger 4-K OLED seatback screens.
The new United Polaris Studio suites will be positioned in the first row of each business class section with eight lie-flat, all-aisle-access seats 25 percent larger than standard United Polaris. The new suites will also feature privacy doors, an extra ottoman seat for companions, exclusive entrée options, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, new amenity kits with luxury skincare offerings, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity and a 27-inch 4-K OLED seatback screen (the largest among U.S. carriers).
© Jack Margerison
Exclusive hoodie pajamas and slippers, and new noise-cancelling headphones powered by Meridian technology are provided to United Polaris Studio Suite customers. Amenity kits boast Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ luxury skincare products; United-branded playing cards; a plush velvet throw pillow; and Saks Fifth Avenue bedding that includes a duvet, day blanket, large pillow and cooling gel pillow.
Standard United Polaris seats will also receive an upgrade with the addition of sliding doors and a 19-inch 4-K OLED screen. All customers flying United Polaris business class have access to the airline’s six United Polaris lounges across the system, too.
The reimagined Elevated interior will include a nose-to-tail transformation of the 787-9 aircraft, complete with refined finishes and a fresher feel. Passengers can expect 99 total premium seats, the highest percentage among U.S. carriers; United Premium Plus seats with privacy dividers and wireless charging; and a United Economy cabin with Bluetooth connectivity and the largest economy-class seatback screens in the world.
© Jack Margerison
This year alone, United Airlines has invested more than $150 million in total food and beverage improvements. Planes with the United Elevated interior will include access to a new onboard grab-and-go snack bar for United Polaris business-class customers. This bar will offer treats from brands like Garretts, Community, and Joe & Seph’s, as well as United Polaris Studio-specific options like an amuse-bouche of Ossetra caviar paired with Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé. The airline will also introduce mid-flight meal options like a regionally influenced tapas service. Customers in United Economy will enjoy expanded dining options with three entrée services, new desserts and an appetizer course.
Delivery of the first United 787-9 with the Elevated interior is slated for the end of 2025, with first international passenger flights via the new aircraft planned for 2026 from San Francisco (SFO) to Singapore (SIN) and SFO to London (LHR).
© Jack Margerison
All of United Airlines’ future Boeing 787 deliveries will receive United Polaris Studio suites and Elevated interiors, and the airline expects about 30 of these planes to join the fleet by 2027.
What are you most looking forward to in the new United Polaris Studio Suites/United Elevated interior? Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.
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