Let’s be honest: United Airlines has long been the punchline of the aviation world. The airline you book when you’re short on options, short on legs, and maybe short on self-worth. But somehow, in 2025, United has pulled off a miracle. A business class upgrade so good it could make even the most loyal Qatar flyer question their frequent flyer status.
Rewind a few years and United’s long-haul business class was an absolute disaster. The infamous 2-2-2 layout meant awkward eye contact with strangers, no direct aisle access unless you were lucky, and the sort of privacy you’d expect at a suburban bus stop.
Then came Polaris 1.0, a big step forward with lie-flat seats and better service, but still playing catch-up. No doors, patchy consistency across the fleet, and still not a match for the likes of Emirates or ANA.
Now? This latest version, Polaris 2.0, is something else. It’s not just better. It’s freaking elite.
The New Polaris Suite: Actually Worth Getting Excited About
United’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will debut with fully enclosed suite-style seats, finally bringing privacy to the party. Each suite features sliding doors and high walls for actual solitude, a 27” 4K OLED screen with Bluetooth audio, wireless charging, USB-C and AC outlets, Meridian noise-cancelling headphones, and a seat you’d actually want to sit in. There’s even hoodie pyjamas, Perricone MD skincare, and a deck of cards in the amenity kit. Yes, seriously.
The Polaris Studios, found at the front of each cabin, take it further with 25 percent more space, an extra ottoman seat for companions, and a level of comfort you wouldn’t expect from a U.S. airline. Or even United, for that matter.
Soft Product: Caviar, Tapas, and a Spritz at 38,000 Feet
This isn’t just a hardware refresh. United has gone full send on the experience. Think Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne and Ossetra caviar served in Polaris Studio. Mid-flight tapas service for the insomniacs. Post-dessert snack boxes because why not? Aperol Spritz on the drinks menu. And Starlink WiFi so fast you can stream, scroll, and smugly email your mates mid-Atlantic.
For an airline that once couldn’t get the lasagna right, this is practically redemption.
Route Rollout and Pricing
The first Elevated 787s will launch on United’s routes from San Francisco to Singapore and London, with Australia firmly on the radar. In total, 30 of these new Dreamliners will be flying by 2027.
But don’t get too excited about the rest of the fleet. United has no plans to retrofit existing 777s or older 787s. These suites are strictly for the new toys.
As for pricing, early leaks suggest the Polaris Studio will cost $300 to $650 USD more than standard Polaris. If you’re being handed caviar in a hoodie, that almost sounds like a bargain.
Final Verdict
United Airlines has done the unthinkable. It has created a business class product that doesn’t just compete. It crushes expectations. From 2-2-2 misery to private suites and premium excess, this is a full-blown glow-up.
Would I fly United now? Honestly, if I’m in a Polaris Studio, absolutely. I might even look forward to it.
