United Airlines has revealed its new ‘United Elevated’ aircraft interiors, as it looks to transform the flying experience across all cabins, but especially at the pointy end of the plane.
Revealed this week, the first-of-its-kind cabin upgrade will debut on United’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and promises to deliver the airline’s most premium product yet. That includes caviar in business class, massive 4K OLED screens (even in Economy) and tech-forward seating from nose to tail.
Introducing Polaris Studio
At the front of the plane, United Airlines is introducing a brand-new suite concept – Polaris Studio. Positioned in the first row of each business class section, the eight suites are 25% larger than standard Polaris seats and offer top-tier perks like sliding privacy doors, companion seating with seatbelt-equipped ottomans and dedicated amenity kits stocked with luxury Perricone MD skincare.
But perhaps the most impressive feature is the 27-inch, 4K OLED touchscreen, which is the biggest you’ll find in any U.S. airline business class. Add wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, a plush velvet throw pillow and Saks Fifth Avenue bedding and you’ve got a mini hotel room at 30,000 feet.
Polaris Studio flyers also enjoy priority boarding and access to United’s Global Reception lounges among other benefits.
More space, more sparkle
United’s standard Polaris seats are also getting the suite treatment with sliding doors, larger 19-inch 4K screens, new entertainment tech and a redesigned layout that allows passengers to pick seats facing windows, aisles or centre sections.
As part of the revamp, Polaris customers can now pair their Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé with an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche – served before take-off, of course.
They’ll also get post-dessert snack boxes, rotating wine lists from high-end vineyards and upgraded sundaes with new toppings and limited-edition Tillamook ice cream flavours.
Comfort redefined
While the business end of the plane gets an overhaul, the rest of the aircraft isn’t missing out.
Premium Plus, United Airlines’ version of premium economy, now includes privacy dividers with built-in reading lights, wireless charging, 16-inch screens and premium materials usually reserved for business class. It’s the largest Premium Plus layout in the airline’s fleet, with 35 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration.
In Economy and Economy Plus, passengers can expect the world’s largest seatback screens in their class – 13 inches of 4K OLED clarity, with Bluetooth audio in every seat and six power outlets per row. Even the seats themselves have been re-engineered with a cradling recline and refreshed materials.
Cuisine & creature comforts
It’s not just the seating and design that are getting a makeover. United has poured over $150 million into food and beverage enhancements in 2025 alone, and the benefits are baked into the new interiors.
Polaris Studio customers have access to an exclusive onboard snack bar, and all Polaris passengers will soon enjoy new regional menus, signature breakfast breads, curated wine lists and even Aperol Spritzes mid-flight.
Back in Economy, travellers can look forward to upgraded meals with more choice, new desserts and multi-course service – including appetisers and fresh salads with premium dressings.
Meanwhile, the entire aircraft benefits from a visual refresh with lighter tones, woodgrain accents and an all-round warmer cabin feel. In addition, fast, free Starlink wi-fi for MileagePlus members is part of the package.
What’s next?
United Airlines expects the first 787-9s featuring the Elevated interior to enter service by the end of 2025, with international routes from San Francisco to Singapore and London set to showcase the product from 2026.
The airline is planning to take delivery of around 30 of these aircraft by 2027 – all fitted with the new interior standard, from Polaris Studio down to Economy. That means more premium seats than ever, with a whopping 99 in total per aircraft.
“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,” United EVP and Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said.
“We never stand still and are always looking for more ways to set ourselves apart from other carriers. And we’re confident this elevated experience will take international flying to new heights.”
In April, United Airlines announced its first flights to Adelaide, linking South Australia and North America for the first time on a 15-hour flight.
For more info, visit the United Airlines website.
