Competition between airlines is heating up – and a U.S. based airline is the latest to up the ante to attract guests, especially to its premium cabins. We’ve heard lots about lavish life in the skies on some Asian and Middle Eastern airlines – now, United Airlines is giving the famously luxe airlines a taste of their own medicine.
Well, a taste of caviar, actually.
United Airlines is raising the bar for international premium travel among U.S. carriers. Its new 787 Dreamliners include two, new styles of business class suites, Ossetra caviar, Starlink connectivity and the largest seatback screens among U.S. airlines.
The new concepts for the Star Alliance group airline are part of the “United Elevated” initiative: a nose-to-tail transformation of United’s latest 787-9’s that also introduces some of the features previously exclusive to Polaris class to other classes.
The first United 787-9 with the Elevated features will be delivered in 2025, with at least 30 new, ‘Elevated’ aircraft by 2027.
United Polaris Studio Suites
New United Polaris studio suites are in the first row of business class. The lie-flat, all aisle access suites are 25% larger than United Polaris. They have privacy doors, an extra ottoman seat for companions, exclusive entrée options, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service paired with Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, new amenity kits with luxury skincare offerings, wireless charging as well as separate USB-C and electrical outlets, Bluetooth connectivity, and a huge 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screen - the largest among U.S. carriers.
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, new 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.
All customers flying United Polaris business class have access to United Polaris lounges across the system.
And customers who book a United Polaris Studio suite have access to the airline's Global Reception area, receive preferred boarding alongside United Global Services customers and are eligible for United's tarmac transfer program.
United Polaris Suites
The new standard United Polaris suites with Elevated upgrades have 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.
In a first among U.S. airlines, you can choose between seats that face the window or the center of the aircraft, for those who want even more privacy, or seats that face the aisle that have a divider that lowers all the way down to bed height - perfect for people flying together.
The famous 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 customer favorite staple - classic vanilla bean.
United Premium Plus and United Economy
Not flying Polaris class?
The United Premium Plus seats on Elevated aircraft also get a major upgrade: soft-touch materials, quartzite cocktail tables and a 16-inch 4K OLED screen.
If you’re flying premium or economy class in the new planes, you’ll enjoy Bluetooth and three ways to charge your 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 - also a first for United Premium Plus.
United Economy Plus and United Economy customers on aircraft with the Elevated interior will all enjoy 13-inch, 4K OLED screens - the largest Economy class screens in the world.
Bringing in the same refreshed looks and feel from United's UPP cabin, customers in United Economy will also enjoy the seat's cradling seat bottom that moves as the seat reclines.
More New Tastes
Caviar for Polaris Studio guests isn’t the only new flavor on United. The airline says it has invested over USD 150 million in upgrading food and beverage across all classes of cabins.
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 new, mid-flight meal options that include a regionally influenced tapas service.
Passengers will also be able to choose Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé as part of wine offerings that feature other exclusive relationship with premium US and international wine brands like Heitz Cellar, Shafer Vineyards, Stony Hill Vineyard and more.
United Polaris customers will also soon see more regional menus that rotate monthly as well as new breakfast breads, salad dressings, updated mid-flight snack baskets and the addition of an Aperol Spritz to the drink menu.
And international Economy customers get enhancements like fresh salads with premium dressing, three entrée choices, new desserts and a coursed appetizer that's served before full lunch/dinner.
Additionally, United has completely overhauled onboard dishware with new dishes, glassware, cutlery, linens and seasonings.
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Image courtesy of United Airlines.
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