United on Tuesday unveiled details of the cabin design for its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, including a total of 99 premium seats and a new, amenity-rich business class offering known as Polaris Studio.
Airline officials said the “United Elevated” interiors being installed on the new aircraft will provide “a more premium experience” for customers and help the carrier stand out from its competition.
Most of the new amenities are concentrated in the Polaris Studio suites, eight of which are positioned at the front of the business section. They are 25 percent larger than United’s current Polaris seats and come with lie-flat seating, privacy doors, an ottoman for companions, Bluetooth connectivity, 27-inch 4K television screens, midflight meals, luxury skincare kits, and a service pairing Ossetra caviar and champagne.
Also thrown in are hoodie pajamas and slippers, noise-canceling headphones, United-branded playing cards, a velvet throw pillow, and bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue.
More Upgrades
Behind the Polaris Studio suites are 14 rows of Polaris seats, which are getting an upgrade of their own in the form of sliding doors, larger 19-inch seatback screens, and a regionally influenced tapas service. Both Polaris Studio and Polaris customers will get access to a “grab and go snack bar” featuring treats from brands like Garretts, Community, and Joe & Seph’s.
Completing the layout are 35 United Premium Plus seats, 33 United Economy Plus seats, and 90 United Economy seats.
United Premium Plus customers are getting privacy dividers and wireless device charging, while United Economy passengers will get access to expanded meal options.
The Elevated cabin will also come with free Starlink connectivity for United MileagePlus members. Starlink provides internet connection from a network of satellites, helping users get online even over oceans, polar regions, and areas unreachable for traditional Wi-Fi.
Airlines are rushing to upgrade their premium offerings. Earlier this month, American announced the debut of its Flagship Suite seats for its 787-9s, which also come with privacy doors, more personal storage space, and wireless charging.
United said the first 787-9s with Elevated interiors should be delivered by the end of the year. They will enter service in 2026, flying inaugural routes from San Francisco to London and Singapore.
All future United 787 deliveries will get the Elevated interior and Polaris Studio suites. The airline expects to add 30 of these aircraft to its fleet by 2037.
