United unveils Elevated aircraft interior

United's Elevated interior
United Airlines has unveiled the United Elevated interior for new 787-9 aircraft that will include two Business Class suites, the greatest number of total premium seats in United's fleet, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, Starlink connectivity and larger 4K OLED seatback screens.
The airline's 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 percent larger than standard United Polaris with privacy doors, an extra ottoman seat for companions, exclusive entrée options, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, amenity kits with luxury skincare offerings, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity and a 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screen.
Standard United Polaris seats also get upgraded to suites with the addition of sliding doors and larger, 19-inch 4K OLED screens and all passengers flying United Polaris Business Class have access to the airline's six 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 99 total premium seats, United Premium Plus seats with privacy dividers and wireless charging and a United Economy® cabin with Bluetooth connectivity.
United has invested more than US$150 million in total food and beverage improvements this year alone, and planes with the United Elevated interior will include access to an onboard grab-and-go snack bar for United Polaris Business Class passengers 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 this year with the first international passenger flights planned in 2026 from San Francisco to Singapore and San Francisco to London. 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 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
Passengers can choose between seats that face the window or center of the aircraft and seats where all the suites face the aisle
35 United Premium Plus seats, the most in United's fleet
Five 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 27-inch, 4K OLED touchscreen, 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, 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.
United Polaris
The 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. The 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 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 passengers including soft-touch materials, quartzite cocktail tables and a 16-inch 4K OLED screen. Travelers can also 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.
United Economy Plus and United Economy passengers on aircraft with the Elevated interior can enjoy 13-inch, 4K OLED screens. 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 reports that passenger satisfaction scores were up 12 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to last, thanks to investment in food and beverage. The team remains focused on creating high-quality onboard dining experiences with signature touches across all cabins, including the upgrades onboard Elevated aircraft, the May 13 press release said.
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.
United Polaris wine offerings currently feature 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 passengers 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. International Economy passengers can 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.
United has also launched updated menus and completely overhauled onboard dishware with new dishes, glassware, cutlery, linens and seasonings - including red pepper flakes.