May 13, 2025, 10:36 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
19 March 2026
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13 May 2025
https://www.aerolopa.com/ua-789
Pre-announcement discussion
United considering Polaris Plus Class?
Tickets on Sale Today for United's First Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with Elevated Interior Flights
Photos(1)
Travelers can book seats later today on the airline's most premium aircraft yet, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with Elevated interior featuring the first United Polaris Studio℠ suites, roomier seats, larger seatback screens and Bluetooth connectivity at every seat in every cabin
The inaugural international flight, UA1, is scheduled for April 22 from San Francisco to Singapore; tickets will be for sale later today on United.com and the United app
CHICAGO, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting today, travelers can book seats on United's most premium international aircraft yet – the 787-9 Dreamliner with the United Elevated interior. Unveiled last May, this new aircraft has been redesigned from nose-to-tail with 99 total premium seats – the highest of percentage among U.S. carriers – and marks the introduction of the airline's new United Polaris Studio℠ suites: eight, lie-flat, all-aisle-access seats that are 25% larger than standard United Polaris® seats with privacy doors*, an extra ottoman seat, exclusive entrée options, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, new amenity kits with elevated skincare offerings, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a huge 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screen – the largest among U.S. carriers.
The aircraft will take its inaugural international flight for customers from San Francisco to Singapore, UA1, on April 22. It will launch its second international route from San Francisco to London, UA901, later next month on April 30. Over the next few weeks, customers may see the plane flying on select domestic routes between San Francisco and Houston as the plane prepares for international service.
"The new era of premium air travel is coming soon with our first Elevated aircraft taking flight next month. Our new aircraft redefines international long-haul flying, providing travelers upgraded amenities and experiences in every cabin," said Andrew Nocella, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at United. "We're constantly pioneering new ways to differentiate our customers' experience in every seat, and we're confident they will love it."
An Elevated Experience at Every Seat
Whether flying up in United Polaris or in United Economy®, customers will notice thoughtful upgrades designed to make long-haul travel better, including:
Eight new United Polaris Studio suites
United plans to have at least 30 787-9's with the Elevated interior flying around the globe by the end of 2027.
Customers can view the seat map and purchase tickets at united.com and on the United app later today.
*Privacy doors are temporarily unavailable
Photos(1)
Travelers can book seats later today on the airline's most premium aircraft yet, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with Elevated interior featuring the first United Polaris Studio℠ suites, roomier seats, larger seatback screens and Bluetooth connectivity at every seat in every cabin
The inaugural international flight, UA1, is scheduled for April 22 from San Francisco to Singapore; tickets will be for sale later today on United.com and the United app
CHICAGO, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting today, travelers can book seats on United's most premium international aircraft yet – the 787-9 Dreamliner with the United Elevated interior. Unveiled last May, this new aircraft has been redesigned from nose-to-tail with 99 total premium seats – the highest of percentage among U.S. carriers – and marks the introduction of the airline's new United Polaris Studio℠ suites: eight, lie-flat, all-aisle-access seats that are 25% larger than standard United Polaris® seats with privacy doors*, an extra ottoman seat, exclusive entrée options, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, new amenity kits with elevated skincare offerings, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a huge 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screen – the largest among U.S. carriers.
The aircraft will take its inaugural international flight for customers from San Francisco to Singapore, UA1, on April 22. It will launch its second international route from San Francisco to London, UA901, later next month on April 30. Over the next few weeks, customers may see the plane flying on select domestic routes between San Francisco and Houston as the plane prepares for international service.
"The new era of premium air travel is coming soon with our first Elevated aircraft taking flight next month. Our new aircraft redefines international long-haul flying, providing travelers upgraded amenities and experiences in every cabin," said Andrew Nocella, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at United. "We're constantly pioneering new ways to differentiate our customers' experience in every seat, and we're confident they will love it."
An Elevated Experience at Every Seat
Whether flying up in United Polaris or in United Economy®, customers will notice thoughtful upgrades designed to make long-haul travel better, including:
Eight new United Polaris Studio suites
- United's most spacious business class seats
- Fully lie-flat seats
- Ottoman with a seatbelt for companions in six of the eight seats
- Massive 27-inch 4K OLED seatback screen – the largest of any U.S. airline – with Bluetooth connectivity
- Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, including duvet, day blanket, large pillow and cooling gel pillow
- Exclusive hoodie-pajamas and slippers
- New noise-cancelling headphones powered by Meridian technology
- Amenity kits featuring clinically formulated Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ elevated skincare products
- United-branded playing cards – perfect for passing time with someone in the ottoman seat
- Fully lie-flat seats
- Choice in seats that face the window or center of the aircraft for individuals or joint travelers
- 19-inch 4K OLED touchscreens with Bluetooth connectivity
- United Polaris snack bar
- Roomier seats with added privacy dividers and built-in reading light, a first for United Premium Plus
- 16-inch 4K OLED touchscreens with Bluetooth connectivity
- Wireless charging
- Upgraded dining and amenities
- 13-inch 4K OLED seatback screens with Bluetooth connectivity at every seat
- 6 power outlets per row
- Larger overhead bins
United plans to have at least 30 787-9's with the Elevated interior flying around the globe by the end of 2027.
Customers can view the seat map and purchase tickets at united.com and on the United app later today.
*Privacy doors are temporarily unavailable
13 May 2025
United Unveils the Elevated Aircraft Interior: Higher Standard of Premium International Travel Includes New Business Class Suites, Caviar Service and Largest Seatback Screens in the U.S. on new 787 Dreamliners
Photos(1)
New United Polaris Studio℠ suites are 25% larger than United Polaris® with privacy doors, extra ottoman for companions, 27-inch screens, luxury skincare amenities and exclusive caviar and wine pairing
New Boeing 787-9s with the United Elevated interior get a nose-to-tail transformation with the highest number of total premium seats in United's fleet, new United Polaris Studio suites, new United Polaris suites, updated United Premium Plus® seats with privacy dividers and wireless charging, and largest economy seatback screens in the world
Delivery of first United 787-9 with the Elevated interior expected before the end of 2025 and first international passenger flights planned in 2026 from San Francisco to Singapore and San Francisco to London
All of United's future Boeing 787 deliveries will receive United Polaris Studio suites and Elevated interiors - airline expects at least 30 aircraft to join the fleet by 2027
NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today unveiled the United Elevated interior for new Boeing 787-9 aircraft that raises the standard of international premium travel among U.S. carriers and will include two, new business class suites, the greatest number of total premium seats in United's fleet, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, Starlink connectivity and even larger 4K OLED seatback screens.
The airline's new United Polaris Studio suites are positioned in the first row of each business class section and total eight, lie-flat, all-aisle-access seats that are 25% larger than standard United Polaris with privacy doors, an extra ottoman seat for companions, exclusive entrée options, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, new amenity kits with luxury skincare offerings, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a huge 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screen - the largest among U.S. carriers.
Standard United Polaris seats also get upgraded to suites with the addition of sliding doors and larger, 19-inch 4K OLED screens And all customers flying United Polaris business class have access to the airline's six award-winning United Polaris lounges across the system.
"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," said Andrew Nocella, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at United. "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."
The reimagined Elevated interior on the 787-9 includes a nose-to-tail transformation - refined finishes and a fresher, brighter and warmer feel throughout - with something for everyone: 99 total premium seats - the highest percentage among U.S. carriers, United Premium Plus seats with privacy dividers and wireless charging, and a United Economy® cabin with Bluetooth connectivity and the largest Economy class seatback screens in the world.
United has invested more than $150 million in total food and beverage improvements this year alone, and planes with the United Elevated interior will include access to a new, onboard grab-and-go snack bar for United Polaris business class customers that offers treats from brands like Garretts, Community, and Joe & Seph's, as well as United Polaris Studio-specific options like an amuse-bouche of Ossetra caviar paired with Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé. The airline also will introduce mid-flight meal options that include a regionally influenced tapas service. And customers in United Economy® will see expanded dining options with three entrée choices, new desserts, and an appetizer course.
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. United is the largest carrier across the Atlantic and Pacific* and flies to 147 total international destinations. All of United's future 787 deliveries will get United Polaris Studio suites and Elevated interiors, and the airline expects about 30 of these planes to join its fleet by 2027.
Aircraft with the Elevated interior will also be among the first United widebody planes to have free Starlink connectivity for United MileagePlus members. The service is ideal for international travel as it delivers fast, reliable internet access around the world, including over oceans, polar regions, and other remote locations previously unreachable by traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals.
The first deliveries of 787-9 aircraft with the Elevated interior will include:
United Polaris Studio
Located in the first row of each business class section, United Polaris Studio will be priced differently than standard United Polaris and includes superior features and design elements. United Polaris Studio suites are larger and include an ottoman with a seatbelt for companions in six of the eight seats. Each United Polaris Studio suite also has a huge, 27-inch, 4K OLED touchscreen - the largest among U.S. carriers, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging as well as separate USB-C and electrical outlets. The suite also includes digital seat control options, quartzite tables, a soft, wool-blend seat and wood grain trim.
United Polaris Studio amenities are also upgraded, and include exclusive hoodie-pajamas and slippers on all flights, new noise-cancelling headphones powered by Meridian technology, amenity kits featuring clinically formulated 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 as well as Saks Fifth Avenue bedding that includes a duvet, day blanket, large pillow and cooling gel pillow.
And 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 program.
United Polaris
The new standard United Polaris suites on aircraft with the Elevated interior are also upgraded with the addition of sliding doors, a 19-inch 4K OLED touchscreen with Bluetooth, four ways to charge devices including wireless, and digital seat controls. Each United Polaris suite offers all-aisle access, and breathable, wool-blend covered seats. And in a first among U.S. airlines, customers can choose between seats that face the window or the center of the aircraft, more suited for individual travelers who want even more privacy, or seats that face the aisle that have a divider that lowers all the way down to bed height - perfect for people flying together.
The famous United Polaris sundae cart also gets an upgrade with a rotation of limited time featured Tillamook ice cream flavors coupled with new toppings that will run throughout the year, alongside the customer favorite staple - classic vanilla bean.
United Premium Plus and United Economy
The United Premium Plus seats on aircraft with the Elevated interior also get a major upgrade by adding elements normally reserved for United Polaris customers including soft-touch materials, quartzite cocktail tables and a 16-inch 4K OLED screen. Customers also will enjoy Bluetooth and three ways to charge their personal devices, including wireless - the first time offered in United Premium Plus. The seats also include a dedicated 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 Plus and United Economy customers on aircraft with the Elevated interior will all enjoy 13-inch, 4K OLED screens - the largest Economy class screens in the world. These cabins also include Bluetooth connectivity in every seat and six power outlets per row. Bringing in the same refreshed looks and feel from United's UPP cabin, customers in United Economy will be able to relax thanks to the seat's cradling seat bottom that moves as the seat reclines.
Investments in Food & Beverage
United's investments in its food and beverage program are paying off: customer satisfaction scores were up 12% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year. The team remains focused on creating high-quality onboard dining experiences with signature touches across all cabins, and the upgrades onboard Elevated aircraft are no different: in addition to the Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, United Polaris Studio customers will get a post-dessert, curated specialty snack box delivered to their seat that includes a mix of premium salty, sweet and savory treats, access to exclusive entrée options and Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé.
The special food and beverage offerings that will be onboard Elevated aircraft build on the work already underway to enhance the dining experience for all United customers. United Polaris wine offerings are currently among the most premium of any U.S. airline, featuring exclusive relationships with brands like Heitz Cellar, Shafer Vineyards, Stony Hill Vineyard and Champagne Laurent-Perrier and rotating offerings from Domaine Serene, Chateau Beaucastel, VIK and The Mascot. United Polaris customers will also soon see more regional menus that rotate monthly as well as new breakfast breads, bottled salad dressings, updated mid-flight snack baskets and the addition of an Aperol Spritz to the drink menu. And international economy customers will soon enjoy enhancements like fresh salads with premium dressing, more entrée choices, new desserts and a coursed appetizer that's served before full lunch/dinner.
Finally, United has launched new menus and completely overhauled onboard dishware with new dishes, glassware, cutlery, linens and seasonings - including red pepper flakes.
*as measured by available seat miles
Photos(1)
New United Polaris Studio℠ suites are 25% larger than United Polaris® with privacy doors, extra ottoman for companions, 27-inch screens, luxury skincare amenities and exclusive caviar and wine pairing
New Boeing 787-9s with the United Elevated interior get a nose-to-tail transformation with the highest number of total premium seats in United's fleet, new United Polaris Studio suites, new United Polaris suites, updated United Premium Plus® seats with privacy dividers and wireless charging, and largest economy seatback screens in the world
Delivery of first United 787-9 with the Elevated interior expected before the end of 2025 and first international passenger flights planned in 2026 from San Francisco to Singapore and San Francisco to London
All of United's future Boeing 787 deliveries will receive United Polaris Studio suites and Elevated interiors - airline expects at least 30 aircraft to join the fleet by 2027
NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today unveiled the United Elevated interior for new Boeing 787-9 aircraft that raises the standard of international premium travel among U.S. carriers and will include two, new business class suites, the greatest number of total premium seats in United's fleet, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, Starlink connectivity and even larger 4K OLED seatback screens.
The airline's new United Polaris Studio suites are positioned in the first row of each business class section and total eight, lie-flat, all-aisle-access seats that are 25% larger than standard United Polaris with privacy doors, an extra ottoman seat for companions, exclusive entrée options, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, new amenity kits with luxury skincare offerings, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a huge 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screen - the largest among U.S. carriers.
Standard United Polaris seats also get upgraded to suites with the addition of sliding doors and larger, 19-inch 4K OLED screens And all customers flying United Polaris business class have access to the airline's six award-winning United Polaris lounges across the system.
"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," said Andrew Nocella, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at United. "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."
The reimagined Elevated interior on the 787-9 includes a nose-to-tail transformation - refined finishes and a fresher, brighter and warmer feel throughout - with something for everyone: 99 total premium seats - the highest percentage among U.S. carriers, United Premium Plus seats with privacy dividers and wireless charging, and a United Economy® cabin with Bluetooth connectivity and the largest Economy class seatback screens in the world.
United has invested more than $150 million in total food and beverage improvements this year alone, and planes with the United Elevated interior will include access to a new, onboard grab-and-go snack bar for United Polaris business class customers that offers treats from brands like Garretts, Community, and Joe & Seph's, as well as United Polaris Studio-specific options like an amuse-bouche of Ossetra caviar paired with Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé. The airline also will introduce mid-flight meal options that include a regionally influenced tapas service. And customers in United Economy® will see expanded dining options with three entrée choices, new desserts, and an appetizer course.
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. United is the largest carrier across the Atlantic and Pacific* and flies to 147 total international destinations. All of United's future 787 deliveries will get United Polaris Studio suites and Elevated interiors, and the airline expects about 30 of these planes to join its fleet by 2027.
Aircraft with the Elevated interior will also be among the first United widebody planes to have free Starlink connectivity for United MileagePlus members. The service is ideal for international travel as it delivers fast, reliable internet access around the world, including over oceans, polar regions, and other remote locations previously unreachable by traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals.
The first deliveries of 787-9 aircraft with the Elevated interior will include:
- Eight United Polaris business class Studio suites
- Two rows across two sections, 1-2-1 configuration
- 56 United Polaris business class suites
- 14 rows, across two sections, in a 1-2-1 configuration
- Customers can choose between seats that face the window or center of the aircraft (ideal for individual travelers) and seats where all the suites face the aisle (perfect for those flying together)
- 35 United Premium Plus seats, the most in United's fleet
- 5 rows in a 2-3-2 configuration
- 33 United Economy Plus seats and 90 United Economy seats
- 15 total rows in a 3-3-3 configuration
United Polaris Studio
Located in the first row of each business class section, United Polaris Studio will be priced differently than standard United Polaris and includes superior features and design elements. United Polaris Studio suites are larger and include an ottoman with a seatbelt for companions in six of the eight seats. Each United Polaris Studio suite also has a huge, 27-inch, 4K OLED touchscreen - the largest among U.S. carriers, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging as well as separate USB-C and electrical outlets. The suite also includes digital seat control options, quartzite tables, a soft, wool-blend seat and wood grain trim.
United Polaris Studio amenities are also upgraded, and include exclusive hoodie-pajamas and slippers on all flights, new noise-cancelling headphones powered by Meridian technology, amenity kits featuring clinically formulated 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 as well as Saks Fifth Avenue bedding that includes a duvet, day blanket, large pillow and cooling gel pillow.
And 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 program.
United Polaris
The new standard United Polaris suites on aircraft with the Elevated interior are also upgraded with the addition of sliding doors, a 19-inch 4K OLED touchscreen with Bluetooth, four ways to charge devices including wireless, and digital seat controls. Each United Polaris suite offers all-aisle access, and breathable, wool-blend covered seats. And in a first among U.S. airlines, customers can choose between seats that face the window or the center of the aircraft, more suited for individual travelers who want even more privacy, or seats that face the aisle that have a divider that lowers all the way down to bed height - perfect for people flying together.
The famous United Polaris sundae cart also gets an upgrade with a rotation of limited time featured Tillamook ice cream flavors coupled with new toppings that will run throughout the year, alongside the customer favorite staple - classic vanilla bean.
United Premium Plus and United Economy
The United Premium Plus seats on aircraft with the Elevated interior also get a major upgrade by adding elements normally reserved for United Polaris customers including soft-touch materials, quartzite cocktail tables and a 16-inch 4K OLED screen. Customers also will enjoy Bluetooth and three ways to charge their personal devices, including wireless - the first time offered in United Premium Plus. The seats also include a dedicated 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 Plus and United Economy customers on aircraft with the Elevated interior will all enjoy 13-inch, 4K OLED screens - the largest Economy class screens in the world. These cabins also include Bluetooth connectivity in every seat and six power outlets per row. Bringing in the same refreshed looks and feel from United's UPP cabin, customers in United Economy will be able to relax thanks to the seat's cradling seat bottom that moves as the seat reclines.
Investments in Food & Beverage
United's investments in its food and beverage program are paying off: customer satisfaction scores were up 12% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year. The team remains focused on creating high-quality onboard dining experiences with signature touches across all cabins, and the upgrades onboard Elevated aircraft are no different: in addition to the Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, United Polaris Studio customers will get a post-dessert, curated specialty snack box delivered to their seat that includes a mix of premium salty, sweet and savory treats, access to exclusive entrée options and Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé.
The special food and beverage offerings that will be onboard Elevated aircraft build on the work already underway to enhance the dining experience for all United customers. United Polaris wine offerings are currently among the most premium of any U.S. airline, featuring exclusive relationships with brands like Heitz Cellar, Shafer Vineyards, Stony Hill Vineyard and Champagne Laurent-Perrier and rotating offerings from Domaine Serene, Chateau Beaucastel, VIK and The Mascot. United Polaris customers will also soon see more regional menus that rotate monthly as well as new breakfast breads, bottled salad dressings, updated mid-flight snack baskets and the addition of an Aperol Spritz to the drink menu. And international economy customers will soon enjoy enhancements like fresh salads with premium dressing, more entrée choices, new desserts and a coursed appetizer that's served before full lunch/dinner.
Finally, United has launched new menus and completely overhauled onboard dishware with new dishes, glassware, cutlery, linens and seasonings - including red pepper flakes.
*as measured by available seat miles
https://www.aerolopa.com/ua-789
Pre-announcement discussion
United considering Polaris Plus Class?
UA launches Elevated 787, Polaris Studio,Polaris Suites(SFO-SIN 22Apr, SFO-LHR 30Apr)
May 13, 2025 | 9:41 pm
#136
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Alexandria, Longboat Key
Programs: UA Gold Marriott Gold Choice Gold Wyndham Platinum IHG Platinum Avis President's Club Amtrak Select
Posts: 2,959
Good news is these seats WILL make it to existing 787 and 777-300ERs as reported here:
“The cabins will debut on newly delivered 787-9s, starting in 2026. Then they will be retrofitted to the 787s already in the fleet, including the smaller 787-8 and larger 787-10 models. With a whopping 140 on order from Boeing, United will make the 787 the backbone of its long-haul fleet. 787s will also replace all of United’s 777-200s, which won’t be getting the new interiors, Nocella said. The larger 777-300s — the largest plane in the United fleet — will be getting them, on a schedule yet to be determined.
“By the very, very early 2030s, the Elevated interior will be seen across the entire network,” Nocella promised.”
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/unit...usiness-class/
“The cabins will debut on newly delivered 787-9s, starting in 2026. Then they will be retrofitted to the 787s already in the fleet, including the smaller 787-8 and larger 787-10 models. With a whopping 140 on order from Boeing, United will make the 787 the backbone of its long-haul fleet. 787s will also replace all of United’s 777-200s, which won’t be getting the new interiors, Nocella said. The larger 777-300s — the largest plane in the United fleet — will be getting them, on a schedule yet to be determined.
“By the very, very early 2030s, the Elevated interior will be seen across the entire network,” Nocella promised.”
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/unit...usiness-class/
May 13, 2025 | 10:25 pm
#137
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: AA EP, UA 1K/MM, WoH Globalist, HH Diamond
Posts: 3,812
Just to clarify, I'm of the opinion that Polaris 1.0 and this product, along with virtually every other all aisle access business class product, is four-abreast. An exception being the Polaris 767 configuration at 3-abreast. I don't see how a row with more than four abreast can have direct aisle access for each seat in a two-aisle airplane.
May 13, 2025 | 10:29 pm
#138
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: UA-1K MM, AA-Gold, DL-Silver, AS-Silver
Posts: 3,275
That's not what was being suggested. You replied to a comment saying that they would be for op-ups for GS/1K and for NRSAs. An op-up specifically only occurs in overbooked situations, where they need to give someone an operational (i.e., for UA's purposes) upgrade. I don't think anyone is suggesting they'd give them away for free to GS/1K first-come, first-served, and even CPUs seem unlikely to me (except, when a Polaris 2.0 is swapped into a CPU-eligible route; in those cases, I suspect the entire J cabin will be treated as one upgrade zone).
May 13, 2025 | 10:37 pm
#139
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Hilton Gold, Barry's Silver
Posts: 1,305
Tough crowd in here!
Maybe I have unrefined tastes, but this looks like a perfectly fine evolutionary J product. I even liked Polaris 1.0 and would have been happy had they continued with only that for a while longer.
It seems as though the world's airlines and seat designers have settled on largely the same ultimate J product: flat bed, all-aisle access, and reverse herringbone. I'm not sure how much more they can innovate on that. It's no surprise UA went with a reverse herringbone product, and it's no surprise they didn't do much beyond adding doors. They were never going to increase seat pitch. What more do you want?
I think the biggest move they made in this whole announcement is increasing the quantity of J and PP seats – that's huge. Routes like SFO-SIN are screaming for more premium seats.
Maybe I have unrefined tastes, but this looks like a perfectly fine evolutionary J product. I even liked Polaris 1.0 and would have been happy had they continued with only that for a while longer.
It seems as though the world's airlines and seat designers have settled on largely the same ultimate J product: flat bed, all-aisle access, and reverse herringbone. I'm not sure how much more they can innovate on that. It's no surprise UA went with a reverse herringbone product, and it's no surprise they didn't do much beyond adding doors. They were never going to increase seat pitch. What more do you want?
I think the biggest move they made in this whole announcement is increasing the quantity of J and PP seats – that's huge. Routes like SFO-SIN are screaming for more premium seats.
May 13, 2025 | 11:05 pm
#140
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: JAL Global Club & oneworld Sapphire, ANA SFC & Star Alliance Gold
Posts: 4,531
Like most airlines introducing doors, UA did not make the suite walls any higher (based on the pictures). At the current height, I think doors are meaningless. You have to make the walls (and doors) higher in order to create a real sense of privacy. JL and QR did it right. Why are all the other airlines failing on this rather obvious point? I guess we're going to have to wait another 10 years until the next new seat rollout before we see doors that actually mean anything.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; May 13, 2025 at 11:58 pm Reason: merged consecutive by same member
May 13, 2025 | 11:47 pm
#141
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: أمريكا
Posts: 26,930
The main benefit of doors is less chance of disturbance when you're sleeping. Yes people can still see you from above, on angled seats where your head is close to the aisle, anything that creates more insulation from people or carts brushing by is helpful for sleep.
May 14, 2025 | 12:22 am
#142
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Alexandria, Longboat Key
Programs: UA Gold Marriott Gold Choice Gold Wyndham Platinum IHG Platinum Avis President's Club Amtrak Select
Posts: 2,959
May 14, 2025 | 12:32 am
#143
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 25,548
Yes ok, I was conflating the two. But if from an op-up perspective, if a GS/1K was already booked in a regular Polaris J seat, and PE or Y was overbooked, do we really think UA will bump the GS/1K from their J seat to a Studio seat, and then a op-up a PE/Y passenger to a regular Polaris seat? Or would they op-up a GS/1K sitting in PE/Y directly to a Studio seat? Perhaps I'm just finding it overly complicated for UA to do.
May 14, 2025 | 3:48 am
#145
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: UA 1K 1MM (finally!), IHG AMB-Spire, HH Diamond
Posts: 62,515
May 14, 2025 | 5:29 am
#146
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.6MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; DL GLD, HYA GLOB
Posts: 4,889
Makes sense that the studio will be 25% larger. That will be an improvement. As will the bigger/ better screen. And as others have noted, a better tray table would be nice.
More PP seats is a good idea, but if they sacrifice seat padding in exchange for more seats and less pitch, that is a bad idea.
More PP seats is a good idea, but if they sacrifice seat padding in exchange for more seats and less pitch, that is a bad idea.
Also, the "standard" (i.e. non-Studio) Polaris 2.0 J seat seems to have more foot-space than the current version, but not as much as the current row 1/9 seats. A decent compromise.
Last edited by wxguy; May 14, 2025 at 5:37 am
May 14, 2025 | 5:33 am
#147
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May 14, 2025 | 6:03 am
#148
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Please forgive me if these were already mentioned (I haven’t had time to read through the thread yet).
1. I like the fact that all of the window seats have access to an actual window. One of my biggest complaint about the current Polaris setup is that the even numbered window seats often don’t have a good window.
2. If two people are on the same itinerary, I’m hoping one can book a Polaris Suite and the other can just book a regular Polaris seat. Wifey and I both like window seats, but we’d like to hang out together mid-flight for a few hours as well.
1. I like the fact that all of the window seats have access to an actual window. One of my biggest complaint about the current Polaris setup is that the even numbered window seats often don’t have a good window.
2. If two people are on the same itinerary, I’m hoping one can book a Polaris Suite and the other can just book a regular Polaris seat. Wifey and I both like window seats, but we’d like to hang out together mid-flight for a few hours as well.
May 14, 2025 | 6:19 am
#149
Join Date: Mar 2017
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Please forgive me if these were already mentioned (I haven’t had time to read through the thread yet).
1. I like the fact that all of the window seats have access to an actual window. One of my biggest complaint about the current Polaris setup is that the even numbered window seats often don’t have a good window.
2. If two people are on the same itinerary, I’m hoping one can book a Polaris Suite and the other can just book a regular Polaris seat. Wifey and I both like window seats, but we’d like to hang out together mid-flight for a few hours as well.
1. I like the fact that all of the window seats have access to an actual window. One of my biggest complaint about the current Polaris setup is that the even numbered window seats often don’t have a good window.
2. If two people are on the same itinerary, I’m hoping one can book a Polaris Suite and the other can just book a regular Polaris seat. Wifey and I both like window seats, but we’d like to hang out together mid-flight for a few hours as well.
May 14, 2025 | 6:51 am
#150
Join Date: May 2009
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put differently, I expect United to sell 64 J seats on these flights. If some of the 8 studio suites are unsold, some J pax may not get a seat assignment until, say, 24 hours out. At that point I predict UA will upgrade by status to those seats. In the first instance it will be people who used instruments (miles, plus points), and then those who didn’t. NRSAs will fill in the vacated other Polaris seats (all assuming there’s no one in P+ or Y to upgrade).