CHAMPAGNE WISHES AND CAVIAR DREAMS

United reaches for the stars with its new premium Polaris Studio suites

- STORY BY ENRIQUE PERRELLA

WHEN SCOTT KIRBY stood before analysts in January and declared United “the best airline in the history of aviation,” the statement landed somewhere between bold vision and boardroom hyperbole. But now, five months later, United is rolling out the most comprehensive premium product upgrade in its history—one that may finally give weight to those lofty words.

The airline just unveiled United Elevated, a top-to-bottom reimagining of its long-haul offering that touches everything from business class to back row. It starts with an ultra-luxe new seat called Polaris Studio and includes fine dining, massive 4K OLED screens, a redesign of every cabin, and free global satellite WiFi powered by Starlink.

"This is the next chapter in that journey," said CEO Kirby. "We're introducing what we believe will be some of the best aircraft in the world." At the heart of the revamp is United's bid to reclaim the premium traveler and reposition itself not just as big—but as best.

Polaris Studio