United Introduces Polaris Studio: Private Suites With Sliding Doors and Caviar

When CEO Scott Kirby claimed that United is “the best airline in the history of aviation” in January, many spectators rolled their eyes. It sounded like corporate bravado at its finest—optimistic, perhaps, but detached from the complex reality of commercial aviation. To earn that title, an airline must do more than boast. It must deliver: financially, operationally, and experientially. That means a reliable network, strong performance metrics, impressive service on the ground and in the air—and, above all, a premium cabin that travelers genuinely look forward to.

Yet for all the skepticism, United appears to be backing up the talk. On its January earnings call, the airline reported a staggering $4.2 billion pre-tax earnings and an 8.1 percent adjusted pre-tax margin. Even more symbolically, United became the first airline on Earth to operate a fleet of over 1,000 aircraft, officially the largest by fleet size.

But numbers alone don’t move markets or frequent flyers. A long-promised overhaul of the international business class experience—and, frankly, a rethink of in-flight catering—was long overdue. That moment has arrived.

Photo: United Airlines, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Courtesy of United

United’s response is “United Elevated,” an ambitious reimagining of its long-haul product that will debut on the 140 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners it has on order. It’s a bold swing: new Polaris suites, tech-laden interiors, high-design finishes, and—for the first time ever on a U.S. carrier—a caviar amuse-bouche in business class.

Introducing Polaris Studio

At the pointy end of the aircraft, enters Polaris Studio, United’s newest creation—and the airline’s most exclusive seat to date. Positioned at the front of each Polaris cabin, these eight business-plus oversized suites are designed not just to compete, but to surpass.

Photo: Courtesy of United

The new Polaris Suites are 25 percent larger than the existing Polaris seats and are enclosed behind privacy doors. Each suite features a companion ottoman with a seatbelt, making it ideal for traveling couples. Additionally, they include massive 27-inch 4K OLED screens—the largest on any U.S. airline. For comparison, the screen size in Qatar Airways‘ QSuite, often regarded as the world’s best business class seat, measures only 22 inches.

Photo: Courtesy of United

The cabin materials whisper quiet luxury. Think wool-blend upholstery, quartzite cocktail tables, and wood grain surfaces. But form doesn’t overpower function: there’s wireless charging, universal power, USB-C, Bluetooth pairing, and digital seat controls that work intuitively.

Travelers are pampered with hoodie pajamas, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and a Perricone MD amenity kit that suggests someone at HQ finally listened to the premium traveler.

Photo: Courtesy of United

Entertainment and engagement get their due, too: United-branded playing cards and bespoke Meridian noise-canceling headphones add a splash of whimsy and audiophile credibility. And the exclusivity isn’t just seat-deep—Polaris Studio passengers will enjoy Global Reception lounge access, early boarding alongside Global Services, and even tarmac transfers where available.

But perhaps the most unexpected flourish? Ossetra caviar. Yes, on United.

Photo: Courtesy of United

As an amuse-bouche paired with Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne, this dish establishes an unexpectedly sophisticated tone for an airline that was recently criticized for serving foil-wrapped breakfast burritos. With this offering, United joins a select group of airlines, including Qatar Airways and Thai Airways, that serve caviar in their business class.

Polaris Gets Sharper

Right behind, the standard Polaris seat isn’t being left out of the upgrade party. The redesigned cabin has increased the number of premium seats available by 33 percent and features highly sought-after full sliding privacy doors, along with 19-inch 4K OLED screens throughout.

With these updates, United can finally compete in the sliding door segment, which Delta One and JetBlue Mint cabins have dominated for some time. This redesign comes just in time for American Airlines to launch its Flagship Suites in June.

Photo: Courtesy of United

Configured in a 1-2-1 layout, every one of the 56 Polaris seats offers all-aisle access, but there’s now a unique directional layout: some suites face inward or outward, while others face the aisle. The latter provides a full-width privacy divider that lowers when in bed mode, perfect for couples.

Photo: Courtesy of United

United says the new Polaris seats are equipped with four ways to charge devices, including wireless, and digital seat controls.

The signature Polaris sundae cart survives the redesign—but now with rotating Tillamook flavors and seasonal toppings. Wine service has stepped up, too, with names like Heitz Cellar, Shafer, and Laurent-Perrier now part of the lineup.

Premium Plus and Economy

Premium Plus, long the awkward middle child of international cabins, gets a confidence boost. The 35-seat cabin is the largest of its kind in United’s fleet and includes privacy dividers, soft-touch finishes, quartzite cocktail tables, and new 16-inch 4K OLED screens with wireless charging.

Photo: Courtesy of United

Storage solutions feel considered: water bottle holders, headphone storage, and well-placed lights elevate the experience.

Photo: Courtesy of United

And the back of the plane, Economy and Economy Plus passengers, will find 13-inch 4K OLED screens—the largest in any economy cabin globally. That’s no small feat.

Photo: Courtesy of United

Bluetooth connectivity at every seat and six power outlets per row further closes the tech gap between premium and coach. Even the seat bottoms have been redesigned for better lumbar support and weight distribution.

Food, Drink, and Thought

In the food department, United isn’t shy about what it’s spending: over $150 million on food and beverage upgrades in 2025 alone. The results, the airline says, are already measurable, with customer satisfaction scores up 12 percent in Q1.

Polaris passengers will have access to a dedicated grab-and-go snack bar stocked with artisanal items from Garrett’s, Joe & Seph’s, and Community.

Photo: Courtesy of United

Regionally inspired tapas round out the mid-flight menu, while economy passengers can expect refreshed service that includes appetizer starters, three entrée choices, improved desserts, and restaurant-style salad presentation with real condiments and dressings. No more salad kits in plastic pouches.

And yes, red pepper flakes will now be available onboard (in addition to the quintessential salt and pepper shakers, of course.)

Global Internet, Without the Fine Print

Among the most radical enhancements is the already well-known Starlink-powered Wi-Fi. United will be among the first global airlines to offer free satellite internet to all MileagePlus members on long-haul international flights. That includes polar and oceanic routes—previously black holes of connectivity. It will be a game-changer, and it will be free.

Rollout and Routes

The first Boeing 787-9 with the Elevated interior will enter service in late 2025. Launch routes are set for San Francisco to Singapore and to London in 2026. By 2027, 30 of these refitted Dreamliners will crisscross the Pacific and Atlantic, reshaping expectations for international premium travel.

Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines

“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, United’s Chief Commercial Officer.

That may be true. The vision is there. The investments are real. But the question lingers: is it enough to convince a skeptical market that United deserves its lofty place in aviation history?

With caviar in the sky, 4K screens in economy, and seamless global Wi-Fi, United is certainly making its case.