United's new 'Elevated' Dreamliner, Polaris suites coming to 4 more international routes

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.United Airlines is bringing its most premium planes to four more long-haul routes.This fall, the carrier will debut its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with the "Elevated" interior at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).This is the aircraft that has United's brand-new Polaris business-class suites with sliding privacy doors — and eight of the ultraluxe Polaris Studio suites.The whole cabin, though, offers a refresh from United's current long-haul fleet, and includes what the airline has deemed the largest economy seatback screens in the world.SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUYMore routes for United's new 'Elevated' DreamlinersCurrently, you'll only find the posh 787 on two long-haul routes: from San Francisco to Singapore and London.But with more of these high-end planes joining United's fleet with every passing month, the aircraft is about to make its first appearance at the carrier's Texas hub.It'll be phased onto routes to four different cities across four continents.SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUYStarting Oct. 24, United's new 787-9s will begin flying three routes out of Houston:IAH to Governor Andre Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU) in Sao PauloIAH to Narita International Airport (NRT) in TokyoIAH to Sydney Airport (SYD)Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletterJoin over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s expertsBy signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.Then, the Elevated Dreamliner will start service from IAH to London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) just after the new year, on Jan. 5.United's poshest plane yetThis is United's next-generation, long-haul aircraft, which sports a configuration that skews heavily toward the upper-echelon seats. Across the Polaris business-class and Premium Plus (premium economy) cabins, there are a whopping 99 premium seats on board.Seating productSeat count on United's Boeing 787-9 Elevated DreamlinerPolaris Studio suitesEight lie-flat suites in row 1 and in the first bulkhead rowPolaris business-class suites56 lie-flat suites across two cabinsPremium Plus35 reclinersEconomy Plus33 extra legroom seatsEconomy90 seatsTotal222 seatsThe highlight of the new plane is certainly the two rows of brand-new, extra-spacious Polaris Studios, located in the first row and across the first bulkhead.These pods have 27-inch 4K screens and come with a host of "soft product" upgrades, such as a caviar service. I was on board the inaugural long-haul flight with these suites back in April, and it certainly wasn't a bad way to spend 17 hours in the sky en route to Singapore.SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUYTo access those seats, you'll want to book a Polaris seat and then upgrade from there. Note that if you book the carrier's new basic business ("Polaris Base") fare, you won't be eligible to upgrade.Bottom lineUnited had already announced plans to (briefly) phase the Elevated 787-9 onto two additional routes from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) beginning earlier in September:SFO to Incheon International Airport (ICN) in SeoulSFO to Zurich Airport (ZRH)After October, the plane will phase out the SFO-ICN route again, and the SFO-ZRH route will end for the winter season.Both routes will see this plane in the future, though, the airline said.As of March, United had expected to take delivery of 20 of these jets in 2026.Related reading:United MileagePlus: Your guide to earning, redeeming, status and moreThe best credit cards for United Airlines flyersUnited's big MileagePlus changes are in effect: What to knowThe best credit cards to reach elite status17 hours in United's swanky new Polaris Studio suiteUnited's new MileagePlus reality: Cardholders win, others lose groundFeatured image by SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUYEditorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.