It’s official: United Airlines has unveiled its next-generation 787-9 cabins it calls United Elevated. The upgrade includes a brand new Polaris business class seat on future 787-9 deliveries, including a premium section within the cabin called United Polaris Studio that will offer additional space and amenities.

United Elevated: A New Interior Experience On The 787-9

United Airlines is introducing a new onboard experience called “United Elevated” for its upcoming Boeing 787-9 deliveries. The design reflects a full interior refresh, offering more premium seating than any other United widebody and new upgrades across all cabin classes. The first deliveries are expected by the end of 2025, with initial international routes launching in 2026 from San Francisco (SFO) to both Singapore (SIN) and London (LHR).

The new layout of the Elevated 787-9 prioritizes premium seating and flexibility for different types of travelers. Each aircraft will include:

• 8 United Polaris Studio suites (1-2-1 layout)
• 56 United Polaris business class suites (1-2-1 layout)
• 35 United Premium Plus seats (2-3-2 layout)
• 33 United Economy Plus seats (3-3-3 layout)
• 90 United Economy seats (3-3-3 layout)

This brings the total premium seat count to 99—more than on any other United aircraft. The new layout increases both the number and variety of premium seating options while keeping a balanced offering for economy class passengers.

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, but United will not retroit existing 787-9s in the fleet.

United Polaris Studio

United Polaris Studio will be a new premium business class product located in the first row of each business cabin section. These suites, based on the Adient Ascent platform, are 25% larger than standard Polaris seats and include a privacy door, companion seating with a belted ottoman (on 6/8 seats), and a 27-inch 4K OLED screen, the largest available on any US carrier. Other features include wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, digital seat controls, and elevated finishes like quartzite tables and wool-blend upholstery.

Polaris Studio passengers also receive upgraded amenities including Perricone MD skincare kits, United-branded playing cards, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, a velvet throw pillow, and exclusive hoodie-pajamas and slippers. Additional perks include preferred boarding with Global Services guests, access to the Global Reception area, and eligibility for United’s tarmac transfer program. The food and beverage experience includes an amuse-bouche of Ossetra caviar paired with Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé and a specialty post-dessert snack box.

United Polaris

The standard United Polaris cabin is also getting an upgrade. All seats will be enclosed suites with sliding doors and lie-flat beds, and passengers can choose between seats facing the window or the aisle, depending on their privacy preferences. Each suite has a 19-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and refreshed design touches.

United’s signature sundae cart will continue flying, now with rotating Tillamook ice cream flavors and new toppings throughout the year. A new grab-and-go snack bar in the back of the cabin will offer “updated” snacks.

United Premium Plus

United’s premium economy product sees its biggest redesign to date. The expanded new seats will include soft-touch surfaces, quartzite cocktail tables, a 16-inch 4K OLED screen, wireless charging, Bluetooth, and multiple power options. The cabin also introduces privacy dividers with integrated reading lights, along with added storage for water bottles and headphones.

United Economy

The Economy and Economy Plus cabins will feature 13-inch 4K OLED screens (the largest available in economy class) Bluetooth at every seat, and six power outlets per row. The seats have also been reengineered with a cradle-style recline for improved comfort. Food service is getting an upgrade too, with new entrées, appetizers, desserts, and improved presentation.

Starlink Connectivity

United’s new 787-9s with the Elevated interior will be among the first widebody aircraft in the fleet to offer free Starlink internet for MileagePlus members. The satellite-based system provides global coverage, including over oceans and remote areas where traditional inflight connectivity has struggled. The service aims to offer faster and more reliable speeds, making it a better fit for long-haul international travel.

CONCLUSION

While details have been leaking out this week, this marks official confirmation that United is debuting a new “United Elevated” cabin interior on the 787-9 with sliding-door seats in business class, an expanded premium economy section, a new premium seat within business class, and wider screens in all cabins.

I’ll be reporting on the seats firsthand later today…stay tuned.