United Airlines unveiled plans for new premium cabins on its 787 Dreamliners for international flights, which will include two business class suites, Starlink Wi-Fi, and larger seatback screens.
The cabins are a big bet for United, which has been bullish on premium and international travel. During the carrier’s most recent earnings call, United chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella said the company had not seen a dip in demand for premium and international travel.
United described the new interiors as a “nose-to-tail” transformation. Here’s what’s changing:
United Polaris Studio and Standard Polaris Upgrades
The carrier is rolling out a new business class suite called United Polaris Studio, which will be in the first row of each business class section. United Polaris Studio will include eight lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.
These seats are 25% larger than the standard United Polaris seats. The suite will also have privacy doors, an extra ottoman seat, exclusive dining options, and a caviar amuse-bouche service.
Each Polaris Studio seat will have a 27-inch seatback screen, the largest for any U.S. carrier.
United is also upgrading amenities for Polaris Studio travelers. These include hoodie-pajamas and slippers on all flights, noise-canceling headphones, and Saks Fifth Avenue bedding.
United said Polaris Studio seats will be priced differently than standard Polaris seats, but did not specify how much more they would cost.
Standard Polaris seats will have sliding doors and 19-inch seatback screens.
Passengers flying business class will get a mid-flight tapas service, and the popular ice cream sundae cart will feature a rotation of limited time Tillamook flavors.
Premium Economy and Economy
Premium economy cabins and economy cabins will also feature larger seatback screens and Bluetooth connectivity.
The new premium economy cabin will include privacy dividers and built-in reading light.
United is expanding the dining options for passengers in economy, offering three entreé choices, new desserts, and an appetizer course.
United said it expects to take delivery of the new 787s by the end of the year and to operate the first passenger flights with these interiors in 2026 for its San Francisco to Singapore route. United plans to expand the service to more international routes in the future.
All new 787s will feature these new interiors and United added that it expects 30 of these new aircraft to join its fleet by 2027.
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