What to Expect in United’s Polaris Business Class on the 787 Dreamliner

Last week I flew transatlantic with United on their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in the Polaris cabin. Short version: I really like United’s hard product—the seat, bedding, and overall setup—while the soft product (service style) still feels very “efficiently American,” sometimes to a fault. Here’s the full take.

Check-In & Boarding

United does order well. Priority lanes are clear, boarding is organized by groups and cabin location, and the ground team actually enforces it—so you’re in the right line at the right time without drama. A friendly greeting at the door set the tone as I settled into my seat.

The Seat, Layout, Bedding & Amenities

At the seat I found pillows, a duvet, a seat cover, and United’s amenity kit waiting. I’m a fan of the Polaris bedding setup, including the thin mattress pad that makes a real difference when you lie flat. I also appreciate the pajamas—a small touch that helps you switch into “sleep mode.”

Seat layout & privacy. United’s 787-9 Polaris cabin is arranged 1-2-1, so every seat has direct aisle access. The solo window seats feel more private thanks to the shell and staggered layout, while the center pairs work well for couples or colleagues who want to chat but still enjoy their own space.

Sleep Comfort

My flight departed at night, so I skipped straight to sleep. Like many 787s, the footwell is on the narrow side, so don’t expect to sprawl. Still, with the mattress pad and duvet I slept comfortably and woke up feeling human.

Service Style

Here’s my honest experience: United flight attendants can feel a bit robotic—professional and efficient, but not especially proactive or warm. You’ll rarely get checked on without pressing the call button. It’s a very “we’re here to do the job” vibe, quite different from top Asian carriers and even some European ones like SWISS. If you know that going in, you won’t be disappointed.

Meals & Drinks

Pre-departure, the crew offered an apéritif and soft drinks. I believe dinner was served shortly after takeoff, but at midnight I preferred sleep over a heavy tray. Before landing we had a classic American breakfast—omelet, a few potatoes, a small salad, and coffee. Tasty enough, filling, and on schedule.

Between services, Polaris typically stocks a small snack setup with fruit and packaged bites, which suits late-night grazing at the front galley.

Entertainment & Wi-Fi

United continues to offer a wide selection of movies and shows plus onboard Wi-Fi, which is great if, like me, you plan to work. I didn’t watch much this time, but the library looked broad and current.

Cabin Condition & Tech

No complaints here: clean aircraft, modern cabin, everything working properly—from the seat mechanics to the screens. It all felt well maintained.

The App Experience

Shout-out to the United app: intuitive, reliable, and genuinely useful for check-in, boarding passes, and live flight updates. I always set things up there before heading to the airport.

Bottom Line

United’s Polaris on the 787-9 delivers exactly what it promises: a solid, comfortable hard product that makes long-haul travel easier,

especially for sleeping paired with efficient, somewhat hands-off service. If you value sleep, a tidy cabin, and dependable tech over high-touch pampering, you’ll be happy here.

Pros

• Comfortable lie-flat seat with quality bedding (mattress pad helps)

• Pajamas available and a practical snack setup

• Organized boarding and reliable operations

• Strong Wi-Fi and IFE selection

• Clean, well-maintained 787-9

• Excellent mobile app

• Every seat has aisle access (1-2-1); window seats feel private

Cons

• Footwell can feel narrow when lying down

• Service is efficient but not especially warm or proactive

• Late-night meal timing may be less appealing if you prioritize sleep

Tips to Maximize Your Flight

• Sleep first, dine later: If it’s a late departure, consider skipping dinner and asking the crew to save you something—or rely on breakfast.

• Ask for what you want: Don’t wait for proactive service; use the call button for refills or extra bedding.

• Choose your seat wisely: For more privacy, pick a solo window seat in rows where the side table is on the aisle and the seat is closer to the window (the more “tucked-in” positions).

• Set up the app pre-flight: It streamlines everything from upgrades to bag tracking.

If you travel the way I am focused on rest, productivity, and getting from A to B with minimal fuss Polaris on the United 787-9 is a smart choice, not the best and cant compare to the Asian or the gulf airline but efficient and OK.