United Airlines’ Boeing 787: A Spectrum of Travel Experiences

By Wiley Stickney

Published on

Boeing 787 cabin

United Airlines offers a range of travel class experiences across its Boeing 787 fleet to cater to diverse passenger needs.

Overview

  • United Airlines provides multiple options on its Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 aircraft, including United Polaris business class, United Premium Plus premium economy, United Economy Plus extra legroom economy, and standard United Economy class.
  • The expansive United Polaris business class features fully lie-flat seats with direct aisle access and a selection of luxury amenities to enhance comfort on long journeys.
  • Looking ahead, United Airlines plans major fleet expansion by 2032, aiming to provide an elevated inflight experience across up to 200 new widebody aircraft.

The airline accommodates varying budgets and priorities through its tiered classes on Boeing 787 models. All travelers receive complimentary entertainment, drinks, and snacks. Notably, the 787-10, United’s newest variant, has the highest passenger capacity at 253 seats.

The premium United Polaris cabin offers a tranquil, private escape with fully reclining pods transforming into 6-foot lie-flat beds. With aisle access for every traveler, the spacious seats ensure personalized comfort. Thoughtful touches include Therabody amenity kits, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding sets made from recycled materials, pajamas on longer flights, and table settings boasting upgraded dinnerware.

The dining menu showcases global cuisine options. Passengers select their main dish, complemented by mixed nuts, salad, bread, and a made-to-order sundae. On applicable routes, United Polaris features midflight snacks and a second meal service. Moreover, customers gain entry to exclusive Polaris business lounges when flying eligible long-haul international itineraries.

For a semi-private experience, United Premium Plus provides wider recliners with extendable footrests, extra legroom, and noise-reducing headphones. Enhanced touches encompass welcome kits, larger entertainment screens, preferential drinks, and upgraded chinaware.

Economy Plus mirrors standard economy with the benefit of extra legroom and forward-positioned seats. For added convenience, United offers an annual subscription granting access to Economy Plus for customers and companions. Finally, United’s no-frills basic economy and standard economy classes have complimentary soft drinks, snacks, and inflight entertainment. Seating is mostly clustered near the middle section.

United envisions elevating over 200 next-generation widebody aircraft by 2032 to further enrich the passenger experience system-wide. Inflight accessibility details for current planes, including cargo door dimensions and movable armrest locations, are on United’s website.

Across its Boeing 787 versions, United Airlines extends diverse offerings catering to varied budgets and travel styles. The thoughtfully designed cabins provide complimentary amenities while differentiating through factors like privacy, dining, seating space, and comfort.