United's New Boeing 787-9s Bring Premium Experience to Long-Haul Flights

United Airlines has introduced its new Boeing 787-9s featuring all-new cabins, branded as United Elevate. The planes feature a more premium layout and improved onboard experience. With 64 Polaris business class seats, 35 Premium Plus premium economy seats, and 123 economy seats, these aircraft offer a unique travel experience.

The new Boeing 787-9s are currently based in San Francisco (SFO) operating daily flights to London Heathrow (LHR), Singapore Changi (SIN), and Zurich (ZRH). As of September 8, 2026, United Elevate planes will also operate on the route from SFO to ZRH. The one-time seasonal routes include UA44/45 to/from Zurich, UA805/806 to/from Seoul Incheon, and UA948/949 to/from London Heathrow.

Additionally, the new Boeing 787-9s will be based in Houston (IAH) starting October 24, 2026. The routes from IAH include daily flights to Sao Paulo (GRU), Sydney (SYD), Tokyo Narita (NRT), and London Heathrow (LHR). By January 5, 2027, United Elevate planes will operate on the route UA880/879 from IAH to LHR.