United Airlines has introduced a new premium interior design for its Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which features expanded business class options and upgraded technology across all cabins. The refreshed layout, called United Elevated, brings enhanced luxury, greater connectivity, and more comfort for travelers on long-haul international routes.
This update marks a full transformation of the aircraft from nose to tail, with an emphasis on delivering a higher-end experience for premium passengers. The redesign includes 99 premium seats—the highest percentage of any U.S. airline—and will be available on United’s new 787-9 aircraft beginning in late 2025.
The new United Polaris Studio suites will sit at the front of each business class section and include a total of eight lie-flat, aisle-access seats. These suites are 25% larger than United’s standard Polaris seats and feature privacy doors, a 27-inch 4K OLED seatback screen, Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, and an ottoman seat for companion dining. Customers will also enjoy exclusive meal options, including an amuse-bouche of Ossetra caviar served with Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé.
In addition to these new suites, United will upgrade all its standard Polaris business class seats with sliding privacy doors and 19-inch 4K OLED screens. Passengers in these cabins can also access the airline’s six Polaris lounges located across its major international hubs.
Andrew Nocella, United’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, stated, “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.” He added, “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.”
New technology and in-flight services
Travelers onboard will benefit from the addition of Starlink satellite internet, which will be free for MileagePlus members. The service offers fast and reliable Wi-Fi throughout the flight, including in remote areas such as over oceans and polar regions.
The airline also confirmed new features in United Premium Plus, including wireless charging, Bluetooth pairing, and privacy dividers. For United Economy passengers, the updated cabin provides the world’s largest economy seatback screens and enhanced meal service. Travelers will be offered a choice of three entrées, new dessert items, and an appetizer course.
An onboard grab-and-go snack bar will be available to business class customers, offering a range of snacks from brands like Garretts, Community, and Joe & Seph’s, along with Polaris Studio-only options like caviar amuse-bouche. Mid-flight meal services will feature regionally inspired tapas.
United has invested over $150 million this year in improving its onboard food and beverage program. The refreshed cabins represent the latest effort by the airline to bring consistency and quality to its international service.
New routes and delivery timeline
The first 787-9 aircraft with the United Elevated interior will enter service before the end of 2025, with the first long-haul flights launching in 2026 between San Francisco and Singapore, and San Francisco and London. United plans to receive about 30 new 787-9s featuring the redesigned cabins by 2027.
Each 787-9 with the new interior will include eight Polaris Studio suites spread across two sections, 56 Polaris business class suites in a 1-2-1 layout, and 35 United Premium Plus seats arranged in five rows of 2-3-2. There will also be 33 United Economy Plus and 90 United Economy seats arranged across 15 rows in a 3-3-3 format.
Compared to the current 787-9 setup, the new layout increases the number of premium seats while reducing the number of standard economy seats. United’s current configuration includes 48 Polaris seats, 21 United Premium Plus, 39 Economy Plus, and 149 Economy seats.
The rollout of United Elevated reflects a shift toward delivering more premium seating and in-flight upgrades to meet the needs of long-haul international travelers.
