CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) has unveiled an Elevated interior for new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, establishing a new benchmark for premium international travel among U.S. carriers. This comprehensive redesign features new business class suites, caviar service, and the largest seatback screens available on any U.S. airline.
The revolutionary interior transformation prioritizes passenger comfort and luxury with 99 total premium seats, the highest percentage among domestic carriers, alongside advanced connectivity options and enhanced dining experiences throughout all cabin classes.
United 787 Business Class
United’s new Elevated interior represents a complete nose-to-tail transformation of the Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
The redesign introduces the exclusive United Polaris Studio suites, positioned in the first row of each business class section.
These eight premium lie-flat, all-aisle-access seats are 25% larger than standard United Polaris seats and feature privacy doors, companion ottoman seating, and industry-leading 27-inch 4K OLED seatback screens.
“We already deliver a superior international experience and fly to the most places across the Atlantic and Pacific – these new innovations provide a more premium experience overall, give customers even more reasons to choose United, and set our airline up to grow into the next decade and beyond.”
Andrew Nocella, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at United Airlines (UA)
The standard United Polaris seats have also received significant upgrades, now featuring privacy doors and larger 19-inch 4K OLED screens.
In a first among U.S. airlines, passengers can choose between window-facing seats for increased privacy or aisle-facing seats with fully lowering dividers, ideal for passengers traveling together.
New Experience on All Cabins
The Elevated interior delivers improvements throughout all cabin classes on the redesigned 787-9 Dreamliners. United Premium Plus seats now include elements typically reserved for business class, including privacy dividers, wireless charging capabilities, and 16-inch 4K OLED screens.
Economy class passengers haven’t been overlooked, with United Economy and Economy Plus seats featuring 13-inch 4K OLED screens—the largest in any economy cabin worldwide—along with Bluetooth connectivity and six power outlets per row.
The seats incorporate an innovative cradling design that moves as the seat reclines, enhancing comfort on long-haul journeys.
United expects to take delivery of its first 787-9 with the Elevated interior before the end of 2025, with inaugural international flights planned for 2026 from San Francisco (SFO) to Singapore (SIN) and San Francisco (SFO) to London (LHR).
All future Boeing 787 deliveries will include the United Polaris Studio suites and Elevated interiors, with approximately 30 new aircraft expected to join the fleet by 2027.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Aircraft featuring the Elevated interior will be among the first United widebody planes to offer free Starlink connectivity for United MileagePlus members.
This service delivers reliable internet access worldwide, including over oceans, polar regions, and remote locations previously unreachable by traditional connectivity solutions.
The technological enhancements extend to the seat features across all cabins. United Polaris Studio suites include Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging, separate USB-C and electrical outlets, and digital seat controls.
Even standard United Polaris seats receive tech upgrades with Bluetooth capabilities and four different charging options.
Premium Amenities
United has invested more than $150 million in food and beverage improvements this year alone.
The Elevated aircraft will feature exclusive dining options, including an onboard grab-and-go snack bar for United Polaris business class passengers with treats from premium brands like Garrett’s, Community, and Joe & Seph’s.
United Polaris Studio passengers will enjoy an amuse-bouche of Ossetra caviar paired with Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, along with exclusive entrée options and a curated specialty snack box.
Mid-flight meal service will include regionally influenced tapas, while Economy class passengers will benefit from expanded dining options featuring three entrée choices, new desserts, and an appetizer course.
The amenities program has also been significantly enhanced for United Polaris Studio passengers, featuring exclusive hoodie-pajamas, Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ luxury skincare products, noise-cancelling headphones with Meridian technology, and premium Saks Fifth Avenue bedding. These passengers will also gain access to United’s Global Reception area, preferred boarding alongside United Global Services customers, and eligibility for the airline’s tarmac transfer program.
Cabin Configuration and Premium Focus
The first deliveries of 787-9 aircraft with the Elevated interior will feature:
- Eight United Polaris Studio suites across two sections in a 1-2-1 configuration
- 56 United Polaris business class suites across two sections in a 1-2-1 configuration
- 35 United Premium Plus seats (the most in United’s fleet) in a 2-3-2 configuration
- 33 United Economy Plus seats and 90 United Economy seats in a 3-3-3 configuration
This configuration significantly increases premium seating compared to United’s current 787-9 layout, which offers 48 United Polaris seats, 21 United Premium Plus seats, 39 United Economy Plus seats, and 149 United Economy seats.
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