Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Airlines and Mileage Programs > United Airlines | MileagePlus
Reload this Page >

UA launches Elevated 787, Polaris Studio,Polaris Suites(SFO-SIN 22Apr, SFO-LHR 30Apr)

Community
Wiki Posts
Search
Old May 13, 2025, 10:36 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
19 March 2026
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 entre 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
56 United Polaris seats
  • 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
35 United Premium Plus seats
  • 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
39 Economy Plus and 84 Economy seats
  • 13-inch 4K OLED seatback screens with Bluetooth connectivity at every seat
  • 6 power outlets per row
  • Larger overhead bins
To celebrate the inaugural flight, United will hold a gate event in San Francisco before the first international departure for customers. United will also be hosting tours of the aircraft for media next week ahead of the first commercial flight.

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 entre 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 Cuve Ros. 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 entre 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
The carrier's 787-9s currently have 48 United Polaris seats, 21 United Premium Plus seats, 39 United Economy Plus seats and 149 United Economy seats.

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 entre options and Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuve Ros.

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 entre 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?
Print Wikipost

UA launches Elevated 787, Polaris Studio,Polaris Suites(SFO-SIN 22Apr, SFO-LHR 30Apr)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 4:53 pm
  #571  
All eyes on you!
15 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS/1MM
Posts: 301
Yes, sadly, my seat was returned to 1F and the 787-9 configuration is back to normal.




ContinentalFan likes this.
jjj8 is offline  
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 4:59 pm
  #572  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
500k
30 Countries Visited
All eyes on you!
10 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, ALL Accor Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Avis PC, Hertz PC
Posts: 10,662
I'm pretty surprised they would consider moving/changing people this close in to the flight. My SFO-SIN flight on UA1 shows only 2 unbooked J seats. I guess with the 16 extra J seats, it makes it easy to boot people from the bulkheads given a last-minute plane swap.
PsiFighter37 is offline  
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 5:06 pm
  #573  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
50 Countries Visited
5M
100 Nights
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Los Angeles, California
Programs: United LT-GS, AA LT-Plat, Hyatt LT-Globalist, Hilton LT-Diamond, Marriott LT-Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 15,667
Its now over 30 minutes past the posted departure time and no update. Im now bracing for another cancellation.
ContinentalFan is offline  
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 5:14 pm
  #574  
20 Countries Visited
1M
All eyes on you!
5 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,158
Originally Posted by ContinentalFan
Its now over 30 minutes past the posted departure time and no update. Im now bracing for another cancellation.
Yup, no new estimated time.
NJSwamplands is offline  
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 5:24 pm
  #575  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
50 Countries Visited
5M
100 Nights
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Los Angeles, California
Programs: United LT-GS, AA LT-Plat, Hyatt LT-Globalist, Hilton LT-Diamond, Marriott LT-Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 15,667
Originally Posted by NJSwamplands
Yup, no new estimated time.

FlightAware just updated to 1851the app still shows 1830.

Its now scheduled for 1945.

The app has updated too. With a new gate of arrival at IAD. I assume its a hangar?

The arrival gate for N61101 at IAD.
The arrival gate for N61101 at IAD.

Last edited by ContinentalFan; Feb 26, 2026 at 5:38 pm
ContinentalFan is offline  
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 6:17 pm
  #576  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
50 Countries Visited
5M
100 Nights
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Los Angeles, California
Programs: United LT-GS, AA LT-Plat, Hyatt LT-Globalist, Hilton LT-Diamond, Marriott LT-Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 15,667
Originally Posted by ContinentalFan
Its now over 30 minutes past the posted departure time and no update. Im now bracing for another cancellation.
Were once again over thirty minutes past the last time. Its getting to the point where theyll have to cancel again and try tomorrow.

It doesnt make any difference, as all these times have past, but in the last few minutes on FlightAware the departure time has moved from 1945 to 1946, back to 1945; it then jumped to 1951 and its now at 1956strange.
NJSwamplands likes this.

Last edited by ContinentalFan; Feb 26, 2026 at 6:29 pm
ContinentalFan is offline  
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 6:33 pm
  #577  
20 Countries Visited
1M
All eyes on you!
5 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,158
Originally Posted by ContinentalFan
Were once again over thirty minutes past the last time. Its getting to the point where theyll have to cancel again and try tomorrow.

It doesnt make any difference, as all these times have past, but in the last few minutes on FlightAware the departure time has moved from 1945 to 1946, back to 1945; it then jumped to 1951 and its now at 1956strange.
I wonder if they ran out of PDB?
Xyzzy, kirkwoodj and hhdl like this.
NJSwamplands is offline  
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 6:48 pm
  #578  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
50 Countries Visited
5M
100 Nights
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Los Angeles, California
Programs: United LT-GS, AA LT-Plat, Hyatt LT-Globalist, Hilton LT-Diamond, Marriott LT-Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 15,667
Originally Posted by NJSwamplands
I wonder if they ran out of PDB?

Well, things are looking up. It has now been rescheduled to depart in three minutes. Lets hop its the last departure update.

Well, lets see if N61101 departs this time.
Well, lets see if N61101 departs this time.
ContinentalFan is offline  
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 6:55 pm
  #579  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
5M
100 Countries Visited
All eyes on you!
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus. Eurobonus Millionaire
Posts: 38,605
FR24 now shws ETD as 9:11pm.
Xyzzy is online now  
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 7:11 pm
  #580  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
50 Countries Visited
5M
100 Nights
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Los Angeles, California
Programs: United LT-GS, AA LT-Plat, Hyatt LT-Globalist, Hilton LT-Diamond, Marriott LT-Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 15,667
Originally Posted by Xyzzy
FR24 now shws ETD as 9:11pm.

Its just some sort of abuse at this point! FlightAware moved it to 2110!
ContinentalFan is offline  
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 7:18 pm
  #581  
20 Countries Visited
1M
All eyes on you!
5 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,158
Originally Posted by ContinentalFan
It’s just some sort of abuse at this point! FlightAware moved it to 2110!
I refreshed and it still shows 2050 on UA website/PC.
Edit: This is like waiting for the NYE Ball Drop but they keep pushing back midnight.
SPN Lifer likes this.
NJSwamplands is offline  
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 7:22 pm
  #582  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
500k
30 Countries Visited
All eyes on you!
10 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, ALL Accor Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Avis PC, Hertz PC
Posts: 10,662
I'm surprised that brand-new 789s seem to have worse delays than ~30 year old 763s and 772s.
PsiFighter37 is offline  
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 7:27 pm
  #583  
20 Countries Visited
1M
All eyes on you!
5 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,158
Originally Posted by PsiFighter37
I'm surprised that brand-new 789s seem to have worse delays than ~30 year old 763s and 772s.
If this was an international delivery would it qualify for sonyeoshin "Consolidated delayed/cancelled International flights (2026)" thread?
ContinentalFan, Kmxu and hhdl like this.
NJSwamplands is offline  
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 7:35 pm
  #584  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
50 Countries Visited
5M
100 Nights
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Los Angeles, California
Programs: United LT-GS, AA LT-Plat, Hyatt LT-Globalist, Hilton LT-Diamond, Marriott LT-Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 15,667
Shocking, its in the air!

Does anyone have a defibrillator?
Does anyone have a defibrillator?
dw, SPN Lifer and Repooc17 like this.
ContinentalFan is offline  
Old Feb 26, 2026 | 7:37 pm
  #585  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
1M
50 Countries Visited
100 Nights
5 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 12,043
Originally Posted by ContinentalFan
Shocking, its in the air!
still taxiing...don't jinx it
NJSwamplands likes this.
Repooc17 is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.