United Airlines has unveiled the ‘Elevated’ interior for its new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, a nose-to-tail transformation which it says will raise its international premium travel experience above that of other US carriers. With a total of 99 total premium seats, United says these cabins will have the highest percentage of such seats among US airlines.
Highlights include new business-class seats, business-plus suites, refined cabin finishes, and a fresher, brighter and warmer feel throughout. Customers can also enjoy Starlink inflight connectivity, and larger 4K OLED seatback IFE screens.
United expects to take delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 with the Elevated interior before the end of 2025, with the first international passenger flights planned for 2026.
Upgrades to Polaris business-class
The airline’s Polaris business-class seats have been upgraded to a suite experience with the addition of sliding doors and 19-inch 4K OLED screens (up from 16in). The seat is the Ascent platform from Elevate Aircraft Seating (the new name for Adient Aerospace).
The 56 Polaris suites are installed in 14 rows, across two sections, in a 1-2-1 configuration for all-aisle access. Customers can choose between seats that face the window or the centre of the aircraft (suitable for individual travellers) and seats where all the suites face the aisle, with a centre divider that can be lowered to bed height (better for those flying together).
Other features include a breathable, wool-blend seat cover, Bluetooth, four ways to charge devices (including wireless), and digital seat controls.
Want even more luxury? Try the Polaris Studio suites
United has also opted for the business-plus / first-class light front-row option of Ascent, branded the United Polaris Studio suites. The first row of each business-class section will feature the studios (two rows across two sections, in a 1-2-1 configuration). These eight lie-flat, all-aisle-access seats will be 25% larger than the standard Polaris seats, with privacy doors and an extra ottoman seat for companion dining (six of the eight seats will be fitted with an ottoman seatbelt).
Further benefits of upgrading to the Polaris Studios include an enhanced trim and finish, exclusive entrée options, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, new amenity kits with luxury skincare offerings, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screen – the largest to be found on a US airline.
The amenities in the Polaris Studio are also upgraded, including exclusive hoodie-pyjamas and slippers, new noise-cancelling headphones powered by Meridian technology, amenity kits featuring Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ luxury skincare products, United-branded playing cards (ideal for passing the time with someone in the ottoman seat), a plush velvet throw pillow on the ottoman, and Saks Fifth Avenue bedding that includes a duvet, day blanket, large pillow and cooling gel pillow.
Customers who book a United Polaris Studio suite have access to the airline’s Global Reception area, receive preferred boarding alongside United Global Services customers, and are eligible for United’s tarmac transfer programme. All customers flying Polaris business class have access to the airline’s six United Polaris lounges across the system.
You can see a video preview of the United Elevated interior HERE.
United Premium Plus
The 35 United Premium Plus (premium economy) seats on aircraft with the Elevated interior (the most in a United aircraft) will also be upgraded with elements normally reserved for Polaris customers, including soft-touch materials, quartzite cocktail tables, and a 16in 4K OLED IFE screen. The United Premium Plus seats will be arranged in five rows in a 2-3-2 configuration.
Premium Plus customers will also enjoy Bluetooth connectivity, and three ways to charge their personal devices, including wireless – the first time this has been offered in United Premium Plus. The seats also include water bottle and headphone holders, as well as a privacy divider with a built-in reading light – also a first for United Premium Plus.
United Economy
The Elevated interior also benefits United’s Economy Plus and Economy customers, bringing in seats with a cradling seat bottom that moves as the seat reclines, 13in 4K OLED IFE screens, Bluetooth connectivity at every seat, and six power outlets per row. The economy cabins will have the same refreshed trim and finish from the United Premium Plus cabin.
There will be 33 Economy Plus seats and 90 Economy seats – 15 rows in total, in a 3-3-3 configuration.
As a recap, United’s B787-9s with Elevated interiors will have 56 Polaris suites and eight Polaris Studios (up from 48 Polaris seats), 35 Premium Plus seats (up from 21), 33 Economy Plus seats (down from 39) and 90 Economy seats (down from 149).
United expects to take delivery of the first United 787-9 with the Elevated interior before the end of 2025, with the first international passenger flights planned in 2026, from San Francisco to Singapore and San Francisco to London. All of United’s future B787 deliveries will be fitted with United Polaris Studio suites and Elevated interiors, and the airline expects about 30 of these planes to join its fleet by 2027.
Upgraded food & beverage
United has invested more than US$150 million in food and beverage improvements this year alone, and the Dreamliners with the United Elevated interior will include a new onboard ‘grab-and-go’ snack bar for Polaris business-class customers that offers treats from brands like Garretts, Community, and Joe & Seph’s. The airline also will introduce mid-flight meal options, including a regionally influenced tapas service.
United is also launching new designs of dishes, glassware, cutlery and linens, and new seasonings – including red pepper flakes.
The famous United Polaris sundae cart also gets an upgrade, with a rotation of Tillamook ice cream flavours coupled with new toppings that will run throughout the year, alongside the classic staple of vanilla bean.
There will also be special options for Polaris Studio customers, including exclusive entrée options, and an amuse-bouche of Ossetra caviar paired with Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé. Studio customers will be offered a post-dessert snack box delivered to their seat that includes a mix of premium salty, sweet and savoury treats.
Customers in Economy will also see expanded dining options, with three entrée choices, new desserts, and an appetiser course served before full lunch/dinner.
