United’s New Polaris Studio Suites Will Carry a $499 Upcharge Each Way — Here’s What You Get

Updated: June 15, 2026, 10:49am CDT

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

More About Polaris Studio, What It Costs, and Where It’s Flying
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

United’s newest premium product is finally on sale, and travelers now have a clear answer on what it’ll cost to book the airline’s fanciest seat in the sky.

The new Polaris Studio suite — an upgraded bulkhead version of United Polaris with more space, better tech, and extra perks — is now available for a flat $499 one-way on top of a regular Polaris ticket, for now only on flights from San Francisco (SFO) to London (LHR) and Singapore (SIN).

Here’s a closer look at what Polaris Studio includes, where it’s flying, and whether the extra cost is worth it.

More About Polaris Studio, What It Costs, and Where It’s Flying

Polaris Studio is United Airlines‘ upgraded take on its Polaris business class product. It’s only found in the bulkhead row of the airline’s newly updated 787-9 Dreamliners, with just 8 suites total per plane.

Compared to a standard Polaris seat, it’s 25% larger and adds a few noticeable upgrades, including an ottoman, a bigger 27-inch 4K OLED screen instead of the usual 19-inch monitor, wireless charging, Bluetooth, and more. A few of the suites even have an ottoman with a seatbelt, so someone traveling with you can sit across from you and even dine with you.

united polaris studio shot — Image Credit: United Airlines

The soft product is a step above regular Polaris, too. Passengers have access to Global Services perks on the ground, including a dedicated check-in area, earlier boarding, and even driven tarmac transfers, at the airline’s discretion.

Studio passengers can also expect additional perks on board, like elevated food and beverage offerings, more exclusive amenities, upgraded bedding, and more.

Right now, Polaris Studio is only scheduled on 2 routes: San Francisco (SFO) to Singapore (SIN), starting April 22, 2026, and San Francisco (SFO) to London (LHR), starting April 30, 2026. United says it plans to roll out the new interior to more 787-9s over time, with about 30 aircraft expected to have it by the end of 2027.

As for pricing, United is keeping it simple for now: $499 one-way on top of an already booked Polaris cash fare or award ticket. So this is not a separate cabin you book outright; it’s an extra fee for the best seat in United’s business class cabin.

Screenshot — For now, it costs $499 one-way per segment to upgrade from Polaris to Polaris Studio. Image Credit: United Airlines

At least for now, that $499 fee is per segment, whether you’re flying to London or sitting in the seat for more than 17 hours to Singapore. That makes the longer Singapore route look like the much better deal, especially when you factor in the extra space, larger screen, upgraded dining, and added amenities.

Hot Tip:

Start with Best Ways To Book United Polaris Business Class using your points and miles to save on the Polaris fare, then decide if the $499 Studio upgrade is worth it.

Final Thoughts

United’s new Polaris Studio looks like a pretty solid upgrade, especially at $499 per segment. That’s a lot easier to justify on a long-haul flight when you’re getting more space, a bigger screen, upgraded dining, and extra perks on top of an already solid Polaris seat. And on a route like San Francisco to Singapore, that flat fee actually feels like a very good deal.