In May 2025, United Airlines unveiled its new Polaris business class. These seats are being installed on newly delivered Boeing 787-9s, which are in an uber-premium configuration. United is just taking delivery of the first of these planes, and the expectation is that they’ll enter service in the coming weeks.
In this post, I want to focus specifically on the United Polaris Studio, which is the carrier’s “business class plus” concept. That’s because the first flights with the new product are now on sale, so we know what pricing will be like. Let me recap the basics, and then I’d like to analyze this product a bit…
In this post:
The Polaris Studio seat is 25% larger than the standard Polaris seat, with an ottoman, and a 27″ 4K OLED touchscreen monitor (compared to a 19″ monitor in Polaris). On top of that, United is offering an elevated soft product. Polaris Studio customers will receive:
- The Global Services ground treatment, from access to Global Reception check-in, to boarding with Global Services members, to surprise and delight tarmac transfers by car
- Upgraded food and beverage, including a caviar amuse bouche, Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, a premium snack box, and an expanded selection of main courses
- Upgraded amenities, including hoodie-pajamas and slippers on all flights, noise canceling headphones from Meridian, amenity kits with Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ skincare products, United branded playing cards, and a plush velvet throw pillow
The problem with United Polaris Studio seating
I have to give United credit for creating a thoughtful “business class plus” product. The hard product is exactly what you’d expect, while the soft product is a bit more elevated than I was anticipating.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on One Mile at a Time.
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