The Ultimate Guide to United Airlines Business Class in 2026

As one of the largest airlines in the world, United Airlines carries millions of passengers annually in its premium cabins. In 2025, United operates more than 1,000 mainline aircraft and serves over 350 destinations worldwide. Its flagship United business class experience, known globally as United Polaris on long-haul international routes, consistently ranks among the best business-class products offered by U.S. carriers. Whether you’re crossing oceans or coasts, United business class delivers elevated comfort, privacy, and service that turns ordinary flights into extraordinary journeys.

United Business Class International: The Polaris Experience

United Polaris is the airline’s premium business class designed specifically for long-haul international travel. You’ll find it on United’s wide-body aircraft flying across the Atlantic, the Pacific, and select long-distance routes in the Americas. Polaris focuses on comfort, privacy, and a true luxury experience from takeoff to landing. 

What you get with United Polaris:

• Fully lie-flat seats that turn into a comfortable 6 ft 6 in bed.

• Direct aisle access for every seat, so no climbing over anyone.

• Added privacy, including doors on newer aircraft like the 787-10 and 777-300ER.

• Cozy bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, with pillows and even cooling gel options.

• Large HD seatback screens (16–18 inches) and quality noise-canceling headphones.

• Restaurant-style dining with multiple courses and seasonal menu options.

• Eat-when-you-want service, not fixed schedules.

• Premium amenity kits and pajamas on longer flights (over 12 hours).

One of the biggest highlights of the Polaris experience is the United Polaris Lounge. These exclusive lounges are currently available at major hubs, including Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington Dulles, and London Heathrow. More locations like Denver and Guam are expected soon. Inside, you can enjoy gourmet à la carte dining, quiet rest areas, private daybeds, showers, and spacious work zones to relax before the flight.

United Polaris is all about making long-haul travel feel like a world-class hotel experience in the sky.

Also read How to Cancel a United Flight: Complete Cancellation Policy

United Business Class Domestic and Transcontinental

On shorter routes within North America, United offers two types of business-style premium cabins:

United Business Class (Most Domestic Routes):

• Found on single-aisle aircraft like Boeing 737 or Airbus A319/A320

• Comfortable recliner seats with good legroom (37–38” pitch)

• 20–21” wide seats

• Hot meals on flights over 900 miles

• Free beer, wine, and spirits

United First (Premium Transcontinental):

• Available on top routes like New York–Los Angeles/San Francisco/Boston

• Lie-flat seats with direct aisle access on select Boeing 757 or 767 aircraft

• Saks Fifth Avenue bedding (same as United Polaris)

• Multi-course dining and lounge access similar to international business class

These “premium transcon” flights are branded as United First, but they deliver a near-Polaris international-style experience just within the U.S.

United Business Class Seats: Aircraft-by-Aircraft Breakdown

United’s business class experience can look a bit different depending on the aircraft. Here’s a quick guide:

Long-Haul Aircraft (Polaris Seats):

• Boeing 787-8/9/10 & 777-200/300ER: Full Polaris seats in a 1-2-1 (or 1-1-1 on some layouts). Direct aisle access and privacy doors on newer models

• Boeing 767-300/400: 1-1-1 Polaris layout with no doors, but still fully flat with aisle access.

🇺🇸 Premium Transcontinental:

• Boeing 757: 16–24 lie-flat seats, 2-2 seating across the cabin.

Most Domestic Routes:

• Airbus A319/A320 & Boeing 737: Comfortable recliner seats (not lie-flat).

All business seats come with power outlets + USB charging, and personal device stands or screens for entertainment.

Dining and Service in United Business Class

United takes food seriously in Business Class:

On International Polaris flights:

• Menus are updated every few months with the help of Trotter Project chefs.

• Popular rotating dishes include Braised short rib, Miso-glazed black cod, and Artisanal ice-cream sundaes.

On Domestic and Premium Transcontinental flights:

• Fresh meals inspired by regional flavors.

• Different menu highlights for the West Coast and East Coast.

Complimentary beer, wine, and spirits included.

You can expect a higher-quality dining experience no matter where you're flying, with thoughtful service and upgraded ingredients.

Lounge Access Rules

• International Polaris Business Class passengers: Access when departing the same day on a Polaris long-haul flight.

• Star Alliance Business Class travelers: Access when flying a long-haul international route from that airport.

• United Club members flying international Business Class: Eligible for Polaris Lounge entry.

• Premium Transcontinental United First: Lounge access at both departure and arrival airports. (e.g., New York ↔ Los Angeles/San Francisco routes).

Also read How to Book United Airlines Flights Using Miles & Save Big?

FAQs About United Business Class

Q.1: Is United Polaris the same as United business class?

Yes, United Polaris is the branded name for United’s long-haul international business class product.

Q.2: Do all United international flights have lie-flat seats in business class?

Yes. Every wide-body international flight operates with 180-degree lie-flat Polaris seats.

Q.3: Can I access the Polaris lounge with a domestic United First ticket?

Only on premium transcontinental routes (EWR/SFO–LAX/JFK/BOS). Standard domestic United Business does not grant Polaris lounge access.

Q.4: Are pajamas provided on all Polaris flights?

Pajamas and premium amenity kits are distributed on flights scheduled over 12 hours.

Q.5: Does United business class include Wi-Fi?

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is included for all Polaris and premium transcon passengers. Domestic United Business offers Wi-Fi for purchase or free to T-Mobile customers.

Q.6: How far in advance should I book United Polaris?

Award space opens 337 days out. Cash fares are often lowest 3–6 months before departure for Europe and 6–9 months for Asia/Pacific.

Final Thoughts: Why United Business Class Deserves Your Next Trip

United Airlines Business Class continues to deliver a premium way to travel, especially on United Business Class international flights, where the Polaris experience shines. From fully lie-flat United Business Class seats to elevated dining and lounge access, comfort and convenience are always prioritized. By booking early and keeping an eye on United Polaris Business Class price deals, travellers can enjoy great value while experiencing one of the best United Business Class international products in the sky.

Visit Flightsquest today, compare real-time United business class fares, snag exclusive partner discounts, and secure your Polaris or premium domestic seat in minutes. Your upgraded journey starts with one click. Book now at Flightsquest and arrive rested, refreshed, and ready for whatever awaits.