United Polaris has changed a lot over the last couple of years. You’ll find suites with doors on more routes, the new Studio seats at the front of select cabins, better bedding that helps you sleep, faster onboard Wi-Fi, and lounges in key hubs that finally feel calm at busy times. It still feels like United in the best sense, only more consistent and more considered from curb to cabin.
I’ve flown Polaris across different aircraft and routes, and this guide is my straight take on what it’s like in 2026. I’ll show what’s new, how to spot the better layouts when you book, and when it’s worth paying up whether you’re using cash, miles, or a smart deal. If you’re weighing United for your next long haul, start here before you hit confirm.
#1 tip to find cheap United Polar tickets
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Their $49/year premium version is well worth it- just one discounted flight pays for the whole thing. And if you’re into business/first class, you’ll want to sign up for their Elite version. Last year, this service saved me $2,750 on a first class flight and $1,500 on a business class flight. At just $199 year year, trust me, it’s a small price for massive savings. Try the 14-day free trial, and if you enjoy it, use my discount code JON25 to save 25%!
Overview of United Polaris Business Class
United Polaris is United’s premium business class for long-haul international flights. It launched in 2016 and offers lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, exclusive lounge access, and elevated dining.
The seats have direct aisle access and extend up to 78 inches when flat. You get amenity kits from Away with Sunday Riley skincare, and on flights over 12 hours, pajamas are available on request. I always request them because they’re surprisingly nice.
On the ground, Polaris passengers get Premier Access and access to six Polaris Lounges at major US hubs. These have sit-down dining and shower suites, which makes a real difference on long international connections.
Not all United business class is Polaris. Routes to Latin America, the Caribbean, and some transcontinental flights have standard business class without the full Polaris product. Check your aircraft type before booking if you specifically want Polaris – I’ll share which ones you’ll want to look for below.
What’s new with United Polaris in 2026?
United is in the middle of its biggest business class upgrade since Polaris launched back in 2016, and honestly, the timing couldn’t be better. If you’ve been holding onto miles or planning a big international trip, here’s everything new that should actually get you excited.
Polaris is getting doors and better screens
The new Polaris suites finally have sliding privacy doors, plus 19-inch 4K OLED screens. The seats come in both reverse herringbone and herringbone configurations depending on where you sit in the cabin. The first planes with these new suites are Boeing 787-9s in what United calls the “Elevated” configuration.
They start flying internationally in early 2026 from San Francisco to Singapore and London. I’m particularly excited about the flights to Singapore. Trust me, having a door to close makes a huge difference on ultra-long-haul flights!
Polaris Studio takes it up another level
United is creating eight “Polaris Studio” seats in the first row of each business class section on these new 787-9s. These are 25% larger than regular Polaris seats with 27-inch 4K OLED screens, the biggest you’ll find in business class on any US airline.
Studio passengers get Ossetra caviar as an amuse-bouche, Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé champagne, exclusive meal options, and a curated snack box after dessert. Six of the eight Studio seats have ottomans so you can dine face-to-face with a companion. If you can snag one using miles or PlusPoints, it’s absolutely worth it.
Starlink WiFi is rolling out across the fleet
United started installing Starlink in 2025 with speeds of 200+ Mbps, which is faster than my home internet! The first mainline aircraft launched in October 2025, and the new 787-9s will have it from day one. It’s free for all MileagePlus members, and you can stream, take video calls, or work normally. United is installing it on 40 planes per month across the entire 1,000+ aircraft fleet. Hands down, it’s up there with the best in-flight WiFi across any airline.
New routes are opening up interesting destinations
United is adding secondary European cities for summer 2026. From Newark, you can fly nonstop to Split, Bari, and Santiago de Compostela. Glasgow gets daily seasonal service. All of last year’s routes are returning too, including Nuuk and Ulaanbaatar. A third daily Tel Aviv flight from Newark starts in March 2026.
The A321XLR enters the fleet in summer 2026, opening up thinner long-haul routes like Newark to Edinburgh or Newark to Bogotá. These planes will have a new Polaris product with lie-flat seats. From Chicago, United is adding 10 new domestic routes including daily service to Santa Barbara and Eugene.
The Chicago Polaris Lounge got a major upgrade
The Chicago Polaris Lounge reopened in April 2025, now 50% bigger with two full-service bars and triple the dining seats. Newark is getting a new Polaris dining room, and Houston will open United’s largest ever United Club in 2026. San Francisco is also getting a new club.
More premium seats means better award availability
The new 787-9s have 64 Polaris seats compared to 48 on older configurations. That’s 33% more business class seats, which means better award availability and more upgrade opportunities. For miles and points people, more premium seats is always good news.
Tips for booking United Polaris
Polaris tickets are expensive if you’re paying cash, typically $3,000 to $8,000+ roundtrip depending on the route. I rarely recommend paying full price because there are much smarter ways to get into these seats.
Using miles for Polaris
This is how I book Polaris most often. MileagePlus miles offer great value, with saver awards to Europe starting around 70,000 miles one-way. Availability can be frustrating on popular routes, but I’ve found the sweet spot is booking 6-9 months out or grabbing last-minute seats within two weeks of departure. Partner awards through Star Alliance sometimes offer better value. I’ve had great experiences booking ANA or Lufthansa business class with United miles when United’s own flights were sold out.
Upgrading to Polaris
If you have Premier Platinum or 1K status, PlusPoints are your friend. The number required varies by route and fare class, but I think this is one of the best perks of United elite status. You can also upgrade using miles, typically 10,000-20,000 miles plus sometimes a $550 co-pay for flights to Europe. Cash upgrades pop up closer to departure, but the pricing is all over the place. I don’t rely on these.
Credit cards that actually help
I recommend the United Club Infinite Card if you’re serious about chasing status. You can earn up to 4,000 Premier Qualifying Points annually, which helps bridge the gap to Premier Silver if you’re close. The catch is you need to spend $84,000 and fly four United flights to actually qualify for status, so it’s not for everyone.
My trick for finding deals
I’ve been using Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) for years to find mistake fares and deals. Their Elite tier tracks business and first class specifically, and it’s saved me thousands. I booked a $1,800 roundtrip Polaris fare to Europe through one of their alerts last year. The annual fee pays for itself with one booking.
Which planes have the new Polaris?
Not all United planes have Polaris, and even among those that do, the experience varies. Here’s what you need to know before booking.
The new Polaris suites with doors
These are on the brand new Boeing 787-9s in the “Elevated” configuration, entering service in early 2026. They feature sliding doors, 4K OLED screens, and the Polaris Studio seats. Routes start with San Francisco to Singapore and London, with about 30 of these planes expected by 2027.
Current Polaris aircraft
The Boeing 777-300ER has the full Polaris product across the entire fleet. These are United’s flagship long-haul planes and consistently offer the best experience. The Boeing 777-200 fleet is mostly retrofitted with Polaris, though a few older configurations still exist.
Boeing 767-300s on transatlantic routes have Polaris seats. The 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners are progressively getting updates, with most now featuring Polaris. The 787-10 came delivered with Polaris installed and also flies premium transcontinental routes like Newark to San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Coming soon
The Airbus A321XLR arrives in summer 2026 with a new Polaris product featuring lie-flat herringbone seats. These will open up thinner long-haul routes to Europe and Latin America. The Airbus A350 is also scheduled to join the fleet with Polaris, though the timeline keeps shifting.
How to check your flight
When booking, look for “United Polaris” in the cabin description. You can also check the aircraft type on United’s website. I always verify the specific plane before booking with miles because nothing’s worse than burning 70,000 miles for an old seat.
United Polaris airport experience
The Polaris experience starts before you board, and this is where United has actually improved over the past few years. You get Premier Access for priority everything: check-in, security, boarding, and baggage claim. The dedicated security lanes make the biggest difference, especially at Newark or Chicago where regular TSA lines can be brutal.
United operates six Polaris Lounges in the US at Chicago O’Hare, San Francisco, Newark, Houston, Los Angeles, and Washington Dulles. These are great lounges with sit-down dining, full bars, shower suites, and quiet rooms with daybeds. The food is restaurant-quality with à la carte ordering.
The Chicago lounge just reopened in April 2025 after a major renovation. It’s now 50% bigger with two full-service bars and triple the dining seats. I recommend arriving early enough to actually sit down for a meal rather than rushing through. Newark is getting an expanded dining room this year, which it needs during peak evening departures.
If you’re connecting through a hub without a Polaris Lounge, you get access to United Clubs instead. These are fine but nothing special. Expect standard airport lounge fare with snacks, basic drinks, and Wi-Fi. At international airports where United doesn’t have its own lounges, you can usually access Star Alliance partner lounges, though quality varies wildly.
One thing worth noting: the check-in experience uses Premier Access kiosks with agents nearby rather than dedicated premium desks. It’s faster than regular lines but not quite as premium as what you’d find on some international carriers.
What to expect on board
The Polaris seat is where United got it right. Every seat has direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration, so you’re never climbing over anyone. The seats are arranged in reverse herringbone along the windows, with center seats either facing each other or the aisle depending on the aircraft section.
If you’re traveling solo, I always recommend odd-numbered window seats for maximum privacy. The way the herringbone angles, you’re cocooned away from the aisle. Couples should book center pairs in even-numbered rows where you can see each other. The seats extend to 78 inches when flat, which is proper sleeping space even for tall passengers.
The bedding is Saks Fifth Avenue and it’s fantastic quality. You get a duvet, day blanket, large pillow, and a cooling gel pillow. On flights over 12 hours, you can request pajamas. The amenity kit is from Away and includes Sunday Riley skincare products.
Storage is thoughtful with a side table, multiple USB ports, and power outlets at every seat. The new aircraft will also have wireless charging. There’s a self-service snack bar mid-flight with brands like Garrett’s popcorn and Joe & Seph’s, plus the sundae cart comes through with Tillamook ice cream.
WiFi and entertainment
Entertainment screens are currently 16 inches on most Polaris aircraft, though the new 787-9s coming in 2026 will have 19-inch 4K OLED screens. United Private Screening has a solid selection of movies and TV shows, and you get noise-reducing headphones that are decent but not amazing. I usually bring my own.
One of my favorite things about flying United business class is their Starlink WiFi. It’s free for MileagePlus members and genuinely fast enough to stream or take video calls. The new Polaris aircraft will have it from day one, and United is retrofitting the existing fleet over the next few years. I’ve tested it on regional jets and it’s faster than my home internet!
Food and drink on United Polaris
United partnered with The Trotter Project to overhaul Polaris dining. The food isn’t quite at the level of international carriers like Singapore Airlines or ANA, but it’s solid for a US airline. You get a multi-course meal with chef-designed menus that change seasonally.
Meals are served on real glassware and stainless steel silverware, not plastic. The standard champagne pour is Laurent-Perrier brut, with Cuvée Rosé available in Polaris Studio. All alcohol is complimentary, including premium spirits.
The wine program is impressive. United’s Polaris wine offerings are among the best of any US carrier, with selections that rotate regularly. I’ve had some genuinely good Napa reds on recent flights. Pre-departure beverages aren’t automatically offered anymore, but if you ask for one, they’ll bring it. Same with Bloody Marys or Mimosas on daytime flights.
Mid-flight, there’s a self-service snack bar with Garrett’s popcorn, Community coffee, and Joe & Seph’s gourmet popcorn. The sundae cart comes through with Tillamook ice cream and various toppings. On the new Elevated aircraft, Polaris Studio passengers get an amuse-bouche of Ossetra caviar paired with champagne, plus a post-dessert specialty snack box and exclusive entrée options. It’s a nice differentiator if you can snag one of those seats.
United Polaris vs United first class
This confuses people all the time, so let me clear it up. United first class and United Polaris are completely different products. Trust me on this: United first class isn’t worth getting excited about.
United first class is domestic only. You get a recliner seat that doesn’t lie flat, free drinks, and mediocre food on a tray. It’s fine for a three-hour flight to LA but nothing special. I book it if I have miles to use or can snag an upgrade, but I wouldn’t pay cash for it.
United Polaris is the international business class product with lie-flat beds, direct aisle access, real bedding, multi-course meals, and Polaris Lounge access. It’s what you actually want for long-haul flights. The difference is night and day.
Here’s the confusing part. Some transcontinental routes like Newark to San Francisco have Polaris-equipped planes but don’t always include lounge access unless you’re flying internationally. Check your booking confirmation for “Polaris Lounge access” listed under amenities. If it’s not there, you’re getting the seat but not the full experience.
My advice: don’t waste money or miles on domestic first class for short flights. Save them for Polaris on international routes where the product actually matters. If you’re flying coast-to-coast overnight, spring for Polaris if it’s available. Otherwise, book economy and save your money.
How United Polaris compares to other airlines
I’ve flown most major business class products. Here’s how United Polaris stacks up against the competition.
United Polaris vs Delta One
Delta One is United’s main domestic competitor. The hard product is similar with lie-flat seats and direct aisle access, though Delta’s seat design varies more across their fleet. Some Delta planes have the excellent Delta One Suites with doors, while others have older configurations.
Where Delta wins is consistency and service. Their flight attendants tend to be more attentive, and the soft product feels more polished. Delta’s Sky Clubs are also generally nicer than United Clubs, though United’s Polaris Lounges beat Delta’s Sky Club lounges.
United wins on network. They fly to way more international destinations, especially in Asia and secondary European cities. If you want to use miles to get somewhere obscure, United’s Star Alliance partnerships give you more options.
United Polaris vs American business class
American Airlines newer 787-9s and 777-300ERs have Flagship Suites that are honestly better than current Polaris seats. They’re more private with higher walls and doors. But American’s soft product is inconsistent. I’ve had great meals and terrible ones on the same route.
American also has fewer premium lounges. Their Flagship lounges exist at fewer airports than United’s Polaris Lounges, and the quality varies. United’s lounge network is more reliable. The big difference is award availability. American has been stingy with business class award seats lately, while United generally releases more inventory. If you’re using miles, United is easier to work with.
United Polaris vs Lufthansa business class
Lufthansa’s business class on long-haul flights is the European standard, and in my opinion, it’s better than Polaris in most ways. The seats are more private, the food is genuinely excellent, and the ground experience in Frankfurt or Munich is superior.
Where United competes is on price and convenience. Booking Lufthansa with United miles can offer good value, but cash fares on Lufthansa tend to be higher. United also has way more direct flights from US cities, so you’re not always routing through a European hub. I’d recommend Lufthansa if the routing works and the price is similar. But United’s network and schedule often make it the more practical choice for US-based travelers.
- Read next: Best Airport Lounges in the World
So, is United Polaris worth it?
If you’re buying a cash ticket, Polaris is hard to justify unless you’re flying a really long route or someone else is paying. Spending $6,000 on a business class flight to Europe when you could fly premium economy for $1,500 doesn’t make sense for most people. Save that money for the actual trip.
But if you’re using miles, absolutely yes. Using 70,000 miles one-way to Europe in Polaris is one of the best uses of MileagePlus miles. The same route in economy might cost 30,000-40,000 miles, so you’re paying roughly double for an exponentially better experience. On long-haul flights where sleep matters, that’s worth it. Upgrades using PlusPoints or miles are also worth it if you’re close to elite status anyway. I’d rather use 20,000 miles to upgrade an economy ticket than pay cash for business class.
The new Polaris suites arriving in 2026 make it even more compelling. Doors, better screens, Starlink WiFi, and the Polaris Studio option put United closer to competing with top international carriers. If you can book one of these new configurations, especially the Studio seats, do it.
For domestic flights, skip it unless it’s an overnight transcontinental and you need to sleep. Polaris on a daytime flight from Newark to San Francisco is nice but not necessary. Save your miles for international routes where the product actually shines.
Bottom line: United Polaris is worth it if you’re using miles, upgrading with status perks, or catching a deal. It’s not worth paying full cash price unless you value sleep and comfort that highly or you’re traveling for work.
- Looking to find international business class flights for under $1,300 roundtrip? You’ll want to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for economy deals, the Elite version is what you’ll need to find cheap business and first class deals.
