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United Airlines’ newest and most premium plane is finally here.
In April 2026, United will start flying the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with the Elevated interior — which was announced less than a year ago — from San Francisco to international destinations like Singapore and London. As it receives more deliveries, with 47 expected by April 2028, United will expand the number of destinations served by these planes.
With this new plane, United is doubling down on the premium boom in commercial aviation, even as airfares have surged due to rising oil prices. Nearly half of the seats on this plane — 99 out of 222 — represent premium seating options, whether it’s United’s Polaris business class or premium economy product. But that shift also means there will be fewer economy seats to choose from.
United invited me on board the plane as part of the airline’s media day in March 2026. Here’s what it was like.
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United Polaris business class
The Elevated interior is United’s most premium-heavy configuration, so the business class seats are, without a doubt, the star attraction.
The plane features 64 business class suites with sliding privacy doors — a first for the airline. Other airlines, including Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, also offer privacy doors on select aircraft. As with American’s newest planes, expect the privacy doors to remain open for the time being while United awaits Federal Aviation Administration certification.
The seats are laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, so each passenger has aisle access. All window seats face toward the window, while center seats will depend on which section of the plane you’re in. Those seated in the front cabin (rows 1 through 8) will have seats pointing toward the center of the plane, while those in the back cabin (rows 9 through 17) will have seats pointing toward the aisle.
I found the lie-flat seats to be roomy and comfortable, although I wish the airline had found a way to incorporate more storage space into the design. I especially liked the 19-inch screen for watching movies.
If you’re looking for the best seats in United Polaris on planes with the Elevated interior, solo travelers should opt for a window seat in any row for maximum privacy. Couples traveling together should opt for center seats in rows 9 through 17, which makes it easier to interact with each other when the privacy divider is down.
United has also added a self-service snack bar between the two business class sections. I know that can be controversial for people who think business class passengers shouldn’t have to serve themselves, but I think it’ll be a useful option for long flights.
United Polaris Studio
With this plane, United is debuting its “business-class-plus” product, dubbed Polaris Studio. These eight suites are located in the front rows of the business class cabin — rows 1 and 9 — and offer 25% more space than standard Polaris seats, upgraded meal options and better amenities, from hooded pajamas to larger skincare products. Studios also come with a larger 27-inch screen.
To book a Polaris Studio, you’ll need to have a seat in Polaris — whether by purchasing it outright, booking with miles or getting upgraded — and pay an additional seat selection fee. As of March 2026, United is selling Studio upgrades for $499.
Six of the Studio suites will come with ottomans where you can invite someone else seated in Polaris to join you in your suite. Seats 1D and 1F have a standard ottoman, not the buddy ottoman, and aren’t large enough to comfortably fit a second person.
If you’re traveling with a partner, opt for seats 9D and 9F. The privacy divider between those seats comes down completely, creating a bed-like experience.
» Learn more: Is a United credit card worth it?
United is also significantly expanding its premium economy cabin on this plane, offering 35 Premium Plus recliners — five rows in a 2-3-2 configuration.
United frequent flyers have affectionately dubbed this section of the plane the “purple seats” because of their distinctive color amid United's blue. However, the airline’s new tri-tone design features a light gray and two shades of blue that will extend through the rest of the plane.
This section of the plane is also getting upgraded to 16-inch screens, and seats come with a small privacy wing and a reading light.
United economy
Because United is putting such a heavy emphasis on premium seating on this plane, the economy section has been significantly reduced to make up for it.
The Elevated interior features 123 economy seats, including 39 Economy Plus seats with extra legroom. That means passengers in economy will have much slimmer pickings when it comes to seat selection, especially United Premier elites who can select Economy Plus seats for free.
While I enjoy flying in United’s Polaris cabin, I’m usually traveling in the back of the plane. That’s why I’m especially excited about the upgraded seatback screens, which United employees repeatedly emphasized are the largest possible screens in economy.
It’s easy to get bored on an international long-haul flight, especially one as long as the route to San Francisco to Singapore, so I appreciate the added touches to the inflight experience.
United is making it clear that it believes premium flying is not just a fad but a fundamental change in how people choose to travel. That’s abundantly clear by the significant reduction in economy seats to accommodate larger premium economy and business class sections. Its Polaris Studio upgrade — with its enhanced food and amenity offerings — is also a sign that United wants to drive more revenue, however it can, from the front cabin.
However, this may come at the expense of elite flyers who are accustomed to picking Economy Plus seats for free. With fewer aisle and window seats, competition could be fierce to get your preferred seat.
The bright spot for me is the tech upgrades throughout the plane, from Polaris Studio to the very last row. I’m a big fan of larger screens, and I’m excited to fly on this plane in any seat — although preferably not a middle — and see it in action.
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