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Editorial Disclosure
United Airlines is introducing an all-new Polaris cabin onboard its Elevated Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The jet — the first to feature the second-generation Polaris seat — is United’s most premium plane yet.
It features a whopping 99 premium seats, split between 64 business-class pods and 35 premium economy recliners.
There are plenty of other upgrades waiting onboard, too. Here’s the full breakdown.
Related: United just made its worst plane feel like a private jet
United Elevated Polaris Studio
The Elevated 787 Dreamliner is the first to feature a new business-class-plus product that United is calling Polaris Studio.
There are eight Polaris Studio seats on the Dreamliner, all located in bulkhead rows 1 and 9.
These seats offer 25% more space than the standard Polaris pods — largely thanks to the bulkhead positioning — along with larger 27-inch 4K OLED TVs (that supposedly each cost as much as a sports car), a buddy seat, and extra amenities.
Next to the tray table, you’ll find a small enclosed storage drawer, which is also exclusive to the Studio.
All Polaris Studio seats, except 1D and 1F, have room for a companion to dine or relax with you.
The seats in 9D and 9F can be converted into a spacious double bed, and United will even provide an additional mattress topper for the center area to create a more unified sleep surface.
Speaking of the extra amenities, Polaris Studio passengers will enjoy exclusive hoodie pajamas and slippers, a special menu featuring upgraded Champagne and caviar, and an exclusive mid-flight snack box.
On the ground, Polaris Studio flyers can use the Global Reception check-in areas that are typically reserved for invite-only Global Services members.
I’d say the Polaris Studio is a noticeable step up from the “regular” Polaris pod. Although I only had a few minutes to test the seat, it felt spacious and inviting.
I especially love the warm wood tones and the bulkhead wall design that United installed throughout the cabin. It helps the space feel, well, more elevated.
The main downside of the Studio is the bulkhead location. You’re practically adjacent to the galley and lavatory, so some flyers could be bothered by the ambient noise, light, and smells.
At launch, United is charging $499 on top of the business-class fare for a Polaris Studio seat assignment. That feels about right to me.
I’d suggest trying it once or twice if you’re flying on the Elevated 787.
United Elevated Polaris
Meanwhile, most business-class flyers will end up in the standard Polaris cabin.
The 56 Polaris seats are split between two cabins. The forward cabin occupies rows 1 to 9, while the rear cabin spans rows 9 to 17.
Not all seats are created equally.
For one, depending on which cabin you’re sitting in, the center seats either angle toward each other (forward cabin) or toward the aisle (rear cabin).
The latter configuration will likely be preferred by couples and friends traveling together, though all center seats feature proper privacy dividers if you’d rather not interact with your neighbor.
The window seats are all arranged in a reverse herringbone layout. I’d avoid row 5, since it is missing windows.
The seats themselves feel like a modernized take on the existing Polaris product.
Seats measure 21 inches wide and offer a faux-marble side table, an enclosed storage cubby with a mirror, and an armrest that can be raised or lowered that doubles as an enclosed water-bottle holder.
Perhaps my favorite part of the new Polaris pods is the color palette. The velvet-blue suite walls add a premium touch, as does the stylish gray stitching on the seat itself.
In terms of tech, the seats feature universal AC outlets, USB-C ports, Qi wireless charging pads, and retractable entertainment remotes with trackpads.
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The 19-inch 4K OLED TVs are super crisp and loaded with the latest-generation software interface.
All Polaris pods can be converted into a 74-inch-long bed at the push of a button, or with a tap on the new digital seat-control display.
This is also where you can fine-tune the suite’s mood lighting and switch between eight colors.
The 15.5-inch-by-23.5-inch bifold tray table slides out from the seat in front of you and feels even sturdier than the one in the current Polaris product.
When you’re ready to create your own cocoon, you can close the doors and enjoy additional privacy. Just note that the doors haven’t been certified yet and won’t be operable in the near term.
There are four lavatories for the 64 biz passengers: two at the front of the forward cabin and two between cabins.
None are oversized, but if you’re feeling peckish while you’re waiting for the bathroom, you can stop at the walk-up snack bar — a first for United in the Polaris cabin.
All told, United’s new Polaris pods feel like a modernized take on the existing product.
I’m excited to try them on a long-haul flight, but they already look like a winner. I’ve enjoyed other versions of the Adient Ascent seat on airlines like American and Qatar, so I’ll likely enjoy the experience on United as well.
United Elevated Premium Plus
United is also introducing a larger premium economy cabin on the Elevated 787 Dreamliner.
There are 35 recliners arranged in a 2-3-2 layout.
The seats are based on the Collins MiQ product, with a few enhancements, including larger privacy wings and a small privacy divider.
There’s also a new built-in reading light, which is a helpful addition to this recliner.
Seats feature a 16-inch 4K OLED TV, Qi wireless charging, AC outlets, and USB-C ports.
Whatever you do, I’d avoid selecting row 24. It’s missing windows and feels like it’s practically in the economy cabin.
That’s partly because there’s no bulkhead wall between the back of Premium Plus and economy.
Premium Plus shares lavatories with economy.
There’s one oversized lavatory right behind the premium economy cabin and two others at the back of economy.
United Elevated economy
Speaking of economy, United installed 39 extra-legroom Economy Plus seats and 84 standard economy seats on the Elevated 787.
All seats are arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration, and I’d avoid row 41 because of the missing windows.
The highlight of the economy cabin is undoubtedly the 13-inch 4K OLED TVs, which add a sharp pop of color throughout the cabin.
There are two AC power outlets for every three passengers, as well as USB-C ports at each seat.
Bottom line
United’s Elevated 787 ushers in the airline’s most premium LOPA (layout of passenger accommodations) yet.
I’m especially excited about the next-generation Polaris pods. They feel more modern and higher tech than the existing ones.
I’m also excited about the opportunity to snag an upgrade on this plane. There are many more Polaris seats than before, meaning your upgrade odds — and your chances of finding saver awards — should be higher.
All future Dreamliners will be outfitted with these new Polaris and Premium Plus seats, so get ready for a new era for United.
The best part? It’s coming sooner than you think. The new cabins were introduced last year and will be flying within weeks.
Compare that to the first-generation Polaris, which was announced in 2016 and took until 2023 to fully roll out across United’s long-haul fleet.
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