United Polaris is United Airlines' international business class product. It features a custom-designed, staggered reverse herringbone layout offering direct aisle access, but lacks a privacy door.
What Is United Polaris?
United Polaris is United Airlines' long-haul international business class product, featuring lie-flat seats arranged in a staggered reverse herringbone configuration that gives every passenger direct aisle access. Unlike some competing business class suites, Polaris seats do not have a privacy door.
United launched Polaris in December 2016, replacing the airline's older BusinessFirst cabin. The rebrand accompanied new seating hardware, dedicated Polaris lounges at select hub airports, and updated bedding, amenity kits, and dining service designed to compete with Delta One and American's Flagship Business.
Key Features
Polaris seats measure approximately 22 inches wide and recline into a fully flat bed roughly 78 inches long, with 78 inches of pitch in most configurations. The staggered herringbone layout alternates seats between higher and lower positions relative to the aisle, angled slightly toward the windows or center of the cabin. Every seat has direct aisle access — no passenger must climb over another. Bedding includes a mattress pad, duvet, and pillow, and premium amenity kits are stocked with skincare items. Polaris also includes multi-course dining service with pre-arrival meal ordering on select routes.
Airlines & Aircraft
United Polaris flies exclusively on United Airlines widebody aircraft, including the Boeing 777-300ER, 787-9, 787-10, retrofitted 767-300ER, and Airbus A350-900. United operates dedicated Polaris Lounges at Chicago O'Hare, San Francisco, Newark, Houston Intercontinental, and Los Angeles for eligible Polaris passengers connecting internationally. Not all United widebody aircraft have been fully retrofitted, so older 777-200 and some 767 fleets may still feature legacy business class seating rather than true Polaris pods.
Traveler Tip
Before booking, confirm the specific aircraft type on your route — some older United widebodies still lack the full Polaris seat retrofit. Check seat maps on tools like SeatGuru to verify. CEOFLIGHTS specialists can help find discounted fares — call (888) 851-6897.
