Latest news with #PolarisStudio
Business Insider
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Take a look at United's huge Polaris Studio suites with 27-inch screens coming to its Boeing Dreamliners
United Airlines unveiled new cabins for future Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets. Polaris Studio suites will feature 27-inch screens, and have caviar and Champagne on the menu. Business class will now have sliding privacy doors, and economy has the largest screens of its class. United Airlines last week unveiled its plans for an all-new cabin, with some huge business-class suites. The top premium cabin will include two rows of Polaris Studio suites, which have 27-inch 4K screens. Passengers will be able to dine on caviar and sip on Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Its standard Polaris suites will also be upgraded with the addition of a sliding privacy door and larger 19-inch screens. Premium-economy seats will feature wireless charging and a built-in reading light for the first time. Even coach is getting an upgrade, with what United says is the largest screens of any economy cabin. Every cabin will also have access to Bluetooth connectivity to use their own headphones with the in-flight entertainment. The new suites and upgraded interiors will be available on United's new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with the first expected to be delivered by the end of the year. Their first international flights are planned in 2026, from San Francisco to Singapore and London. United's new Boeing 787s will feature an upgraded Polaris business class. The first rows of each business-class section will be dedicated to Polaris Studio suites. They come with more space and more amenities and are closer to a traditional first-class suite. It includes access to the tarmac-transfer program — a chauffeur ride that's ideal for making a connecting flight. These are 25% larger than the standard Polaris offering. Six of these eight suites also come with an extra ottoman seat so you can hang out with a travel companion. United says they're also set to have the largest screens of any 787 in the US. Bedding will be provided by Saks Fifth Avenue. The suites also have wireless charging, and power and USB-C sockets. These elite Studio suites also have the service to match. Passengers will be offered Laurent-Perrier Rosé Champagne and an amuse-bouche of Ossetra caviar. There are upgraded amenities, including United-branded playing cards. Skincare products are provided by Perricone MD, and there are noise-cancelling headphones, pajamas, and slippers. The business-class cabin includes a grab-and-go snack station. The regular Polaris suites will now feature sliding privacy doors. The central divider can also be lowered to bed height, which could be ideal for friends or couples flying together. At 19 inches, its 4K OLED touchscreen is smaller than the Studio suites. Seat choice can also play a role in adding more privacy. United is also upgrading its premium economy offering called Premium Plus. Wireless charging and a reading light in the privacy divider are new additions for United's Premium Plus. The 4K screen measures 16 inches, while there will also be holders for water bottles and headphones. United says its screens will be the largest in any Economy class.
The Independent
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
I tried out United Airlines' new Dreamliner seats. These are the biggest changes
United Airlines has unveiled brand-new seats for its Dreamliners — and is extremely confident that passengers will be impressed. I was at the reveal event in Brooklyn and listened to the carrier's CEO, Scott Kirby, state that the new cabins, dubbed 'Elevated' interiors, put United on the cusp of being 'the best airline in the history of aviation'. The upgrade program will see all newly ordered Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners arrive with nose-to-tail cabin transformations. The most eye-catching new seat is the Polaris Studio, a supersized version of United's regular Polaris business-class suite. Prices haven't been released yet, but passengers will be able to upgrade into it from Polaris, which has also been refreshed. Premium economy has been upgraded, too, along with the seats at the very back of the plane. United expects at least 30 Dreamliners with Elevated interiors to join the fleet by 2027, with delivery of the first Elevated 787-9 expected before the end of 2025. Working models of all the seats were on display at the event — and I sat in them all to put Mr Kirby's rather bold claim to the test ahead of the Elevated cabin debut flights between San Francisco, Singapore and London in 2026. Polaris Studio Polaris Studio is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of United's upgrade scheme, a seat that on paper is first class in all but name. Eight Studio seats will be fitted in two rows in a 1-2-1 configuration. The seat length in lie-flat mode is actually one inch shorter than the current Polaris at 6ft 5in, but is 0.5 inches wider (21 inches versus 20.5 inches). However, overall it offers 25 percent more space than regular Polaris business-class seats, along with a 27-inch 4K screen (up from 16 inches); noise-canceling headphones by Meridian; a privacy door; an extra ottoman seat for companions; new amenity kits with Perricone MD products; an Osetra caviar amuse-bouche service; and rose Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Andrew Nocella, Chief Commercial Officer, told me that it's a 'game-changer', a 'step above what anybody else in the United States is doing' and 'absolutely' the new No.1 business class for transatlantic travel. Is United's bullish outlook misplaced? Possibly not. United's current Polaris business class is ranked 17th in the world in the Skytrax 'Oscars of Aviation' awards. I'll stick my neck out and say that the Studio stands a chance of pushing the carrier into the top five, along with Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, ANA, Cathay and Emirates. In terms of raw real estate, it's a huge step up from the regular Polaris which, as I've discovered, has frustratingly minimal storage space. The Studio by comparison — wrapped in United-blue faux-suede — felt like a mini hotel suite. Like Qatar Airways' world-beating Qsuite, when the divider is lowered and a mattress topper fitted, the Studio transforms into a double bed. And the entertainment screen, the largest seatback screen of any U.S carrier, is incredible. Gigantic and pin-sharp. With the privacy door closed, I predict that passengers will find themselves longing for the flight to be delayed. At the event, I also tried the Studio's light bites — caviar with crème fraiche, and Manchego cheese and olive on a broken seeded lavash. Tiny portions — but tasty. And while I didn't try the Champagne at the event, I happen to know that Laurent-Perrier is a classy fizz. The refreshed "regular" Dreamliner Polaris suite shares the same seat dimensions as the Studio seats further forward in the cabin, with the most noteworthy changes being privacy doors and a larger 19-inch 4K screen. In addition, all Polaris customers will have access to a new "grab-and-go" snack bar. If United can offer service to match, it'll be on to a potential winner with the new Polaris cabins. At the very least, Delta and American Airlines should be nervous. Premium economy For premium economy to make money for the airline, passengers have to feel that the upgrade from economy is worth it. Upgrading with United means paying 30 to 90 percent more, but it can probably count on a money-spinner here, with upgrades that feel tangible. There are now wireless charging pads, but the two most noticeable improvements are the introduction of moderately dramatic privacy headrest winglets and a gem of a 4K screen — it measures 16 inches, the same size, of course, as the current Polaris business-class screen. The seat is also slightly wider, 20 inches versus the current 19, which is just about enough to feel like an improvement. However, legroom remains the same — seat pitch is unchanged at 38 inches. Economy United's upgrade for economy — arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration — is the least noteworthy. It's doubtful anyone will notice that the new seats are 0.3 inches wider, and seat pitch remains the same at 31 inches. However, those at the back of the plane should appreciate the 13-inch screens, up from 11 inches. They felt perfectly comfortable, but, crucially, it wasn't possible to judge the leg space because the display versions were spaced out to allow attending journalists to move around. Verdict: United's hyperbole is potentially justified. But the true test will come in 2026 when the Elevated cabins take to the skies.
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
United Airlines upgrades business class with high-end amenities
United Airlines upgrades business class with high-end amenities Show Caption Hide Caption Airfare prices decline ahead of summer travel season Major carriers, including Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, are also cutting back on flight schedules. Scripps News United Airlines UAL.O will increase the number of premium seats and services on its upcoming fleet of Boeing BA.N 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, as it looks to cash in on rising demand for luxury travel. The carrier on Tuesday unveiled a new business class suite called 'Polaris Studio' for the new aircraft, which will have 25% larger seats, caviar service, skincare kits, 27-inch screens and other luxury offerings. The aircraft will also have a standard 'Polaris' business class suite, which has been upgraded with sliding doors and larger screens, among other changes. More airline news: Roaches spotted on Spirit Airlines flight spark viral TikTok and passenger outrage North American airlines are rushing to capitalize on surging demand for high-margin premium travel and safeguard profits against potential economic downturns. Travel habits have changed post the COVID-19 pandemic, as consumers look for experiences and hospitality rather than buying expensive goods. A rebound in corporate travel has bolstered this trend. Last month, United said it expected its financial performance to be resilient despite economic uncertainty stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, citing demand for premium offerings and international travel. The carrier expects the first 787-9 Dreamliner with the new interior before the end of this year, with the inaugural flight planned in 2026. It expects 30 of these jets to join its fleet by 2027. Reporting by Shivansh Tiwary in Bengaluru; Editing by Sahal Muhammed
CBS News
13-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
United Airlines unveils Polaris Studio suites for premium travelers. See inside the cabin.
United Airlines is adding some extra bells and whistles to its new Boeing fleet. The Chicago-based company announced that its Boeing 787-9 planes will offer a larger selection of premium seats as well as new suites, dubbed "United Polaris Studio." Positioned at the front of the business class section, the Polaris Studio suites will include a host of luxury amenities for travelers who are willing to dish out more money for the premium experience. Among the offerings are skincare kits, flatbed seating with ottomans, champagne service, and exclusive dining options including "curated food and drinks," according to the United website. Also included are wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity and 27-inch screens. United Polaris Studio seats will also be 25% larger than standard United Polaris seats and come with privacy doors, the airline said. "We're planning to fly this aircraft to Singapore, but there's 140 of these aircraft on order that are all gooing to come with this amazing suite on board," United Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said. United hasn't disclosed the cost of the enhanced seating. "We've created a everything around it to make sure that we can deliver it reliably and we can deliver it for a price that I think consumers will be excited to pay," Nocella added. The Polaris Studio suites will include a host of luxury amenities for travelers willing to dish out more money for the premium experience. United Airlines United posted its best quarterly performance in five years earlier this year, raking in $13.2 billion in first-quarter revenue. Standard United Polaris seats — the tier below the new studio suites — will also see some upgrades, including 19-inch screens and sliding doors. United Polaris Studio seats will be 25% larger than standard United Polaris seats and come with privacy doors, the airline said. Kris Van Cleave The Boeing 787-9 aircraft will have 99 premium seats total, the most of any in United's fleet and the highest percentage among U.S. carriers, according to the airline. That number includes seating in eight United Polaris Studio and 56 United Polaris business class suites. This nose-to-tail transformation comes as the luxury travel sector continues to expand. Demand for luxury tourism and hospitality is expected to grow faster than any other travel segment, according to a 2024 McKinsey & Company report. This rendering shows the Boeing 787-9's new interior, which will have 99 premium seats total, according to United Airlines. United Airlines The first international flights planned for the new Boeing aircraft will take off from San Francisco and travel to Singapore and London in 2026. "All of United's future 787 deliveries will get United Polaris Studio suites and Elevated interiors, and the airline expects about 30 of these planes to join its fleet by 2027," the company said in a statement. The airline industry has been under increased scrutiny in recent months after an American Airlines flight collided with an Army helicopter over the Potomac River in February, killing everyone aboard both planes. Newark Airport, which has hundreds of departures each day, has also made headlines in recent weeks after multiple air traffic control outages disrupted travel. United Airlines limited flights to and from the New Jersey airport amid the problems.
The Independent
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
United Airlines unveils new business-class seat that converts to a double bed — plus upgrades for economy
United Airlines today unveiled a brand-new seat for its Dreamliners that most travelers will view as first class in all but name. Called the Polaris Studio, it's 25 percent bigger than the carrier's current Polaris business class, has the largest seatback screen of any U.S carrier and the middle two seats become a double bed when the divider is lowered and a mattress topper fitted. At an event in Brooklyn, United also announced a refreshed version of the current Polaris suite and new premium and economy seats for the Dreamliner — collectively forming what the carrier calls an "Elevated" interior — with working versions of each one on display. But it was the Polaris Studio that grabbed most of the limelight. Other new features of the Studio include a 27-inch 4K OLED screen (versus 16 inches for the current business class); noise-cancelling headphones by Meridian; a privacy door; an extra ottoman seat for companions; new amenity kits with Perricone MD products; an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, and rose Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Eight Studio seats will be fitted in two rows in a 1-2-1 configuration. United hasn't released prices yet, but did confirm that passengers will upgrade into it from their existing Polaris suite. Business-class competition is tough, particularly across the Atlantic, with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta and now American all offering privacy-door suites. Does United see Polaris Studio as the new No.1 product for transatlantic travel? Andrew Nocella, Chief Commercial Officer, told The Independent: 'Absolutely. We thought about this really carefully. 'How to use the space on the aircraft, how to make more opportunities and more choices available to the customers — and so we found room for eight great suites on board the aircraft — they're 25 percent larger than the standard suite, including six of them that can be ottomans with the seatbelt. 'But we did more than just the seat. We put all the other things around it that make it a great experience. "We're really excited about it. We think it's a game-changer. It's a step above what anybody else in the United States is doing." CEO Scott Kirby added: "It's hard to argue that it's not the best." Features of the refreshed "regular" Dreamliner Polaris suite include privacy doors and a larger 19-inch 4K screen. And all Polaris customers will have access to a new "grab-and-go" snack bar. The Elevated premium economy cabin gets 16-inch 4K screens (up from 13 inches), slightly wider seats (20 inches vs 19 inches), wireless charging pads and headrests with privacy-divider winglets. The Elevated economy seat, meanwhile, has a 13-inch 4K screen (up from 11 inches) and is slightly roomier — they are 0.3 inches wider (17.6 inches versus 17.3). All newly ordered Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be fitted with Elevated interiors and Starlink connectivity, with United expecting at least 30 to join the fleet by 2027. Delivery of the first United 787-9 with the Elevated interior is expected before the end of 2025, with debut flights planned for 2026 from San Francisco to Singapore and San Francisco to London.
