United new Boeing 787-10 entered service on Jan 7th 2019. Initially the new 787-10 is flying between Newark and Los Angeles and San Francisco (from Feb 14th). The one way fare in Polaris Business Class can be as low as $599 so this is an excellent way to try out a brand new 787 with the latest Business Class seats flying domestic.
I traveled on flight UA2418 from Los Angeles to Newark on Feb 4th. While my main focus is to make a video review which you can watch it below, I am also sharing some pictures of the cabin and my thoughts with you.Video Review
Polaris Business Class Cabin
There are 44 Business Class seats in the forward cabin on the United 787-10. The seats are the latest Polaris Business Class seat which offer direct aisle access and 180 degree fully flat bed.
Window seats number is odd (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11) while aisle seats number is even (2,4,6,8,10)
The seats are staggered with the most private ones are the window seats. The best for pair traveling on center pair seats or a couple can use 2 aisle seats adjacent to each other. My choice of the seat is 11A (or 11L) as these seats offer great engine views for filming but it is the last row in business class which is close to the galley. I didn't notice much noise from the galley during the flight.
Seat map (44/274 configuration)
Interior specifications
| Interior elements | United Polaris® business class | United® Premium Plus | United Economy Plus® | United Economy® |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of seats | 44 | 21 | 54 | 199 |
| Seat numbers | 1A–11L | 20A–2L | 30A–34L, 42ABCJKL, 44DEF | 35A–40L, 43ABCJKL, 44ABCJKL, 45A–60F |
| Exit rows/doors | Front of cabin and behind row 11 | — | — | Behind row 40 and back of cabin |
| Seat configuration | 1–2–1 | 2–3–2 | 3–3–3 | 3–3–3 |
| Standard seat pitch | 6'6" (198 cm) sleeping space | 38" (97 cm) | 34" (86 cm) | 31" (79 cm) |
| Standard seat recline | 180° | 6" (15 cm) | 4" (10 cm) | 3" (7 cm) |
| Seat width | 20.5" (52 cm) | 19" (48.3 cm) | 17.3" (43.9 cm) | 17.3” (43.9 cm) |
| Movable armrests | All aisle seats 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 | All aisle seats | All aisle seats (except bulkhead) | All aisle seats |
| Entertainment | Seatback on-demand and personal device entertainment | Seatback on-demand and personal device entertainment | Seatback on-demand and personal device entertainment | Seatback on-demand and personal device entertainment |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power outlets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB ports | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fixed bassinets | 6AB, 6KL | 20A–L | 30A–L, 44DEF | — |
Note the aisle seats are slightly angled towards the aisle. The window seats and center pair seats are straight facing.
My seat 11A which is very close to the window. I felt the seat is slightly narrower than the Polaris seat on the 777-300/ER.
On this domestic trans-con sector, a Saks Fifth Avenue pillow and blanket is placed on top of the seat, also a small amenity pouch (not seen here).
Premium Plus
What's unique on the United 787-10 is the Premium Plus cabin which is United's Premium Economy. there are 3 rows of recliner seats (total 21 seats) which offer seat pitch of 38" and recline of 6" (2" more than standard economy)
Check out the video for opinion of the seats in Premium Plus cabin. I tried out myself and found it very similar to American Premium Economy and on par with other major carriers in terms of the seat width and pitch. We will have to wait and see what are the soft products like on United int'l flights.
Video Review
Economy Plus and Economy
The next cabin has 54 Economy Plus seats followed by standard economy which has 199 seats which makes the United 787-10 seats total of 318 passengers)
During boarding, I met a mechanic Papa Joe, who bought in a big box of lolly on his retirement day after 32 years with United. My video recorded his farewell to other crew members.
Departure out of LAX was on Southerly runway 25R on a grey and drizzly morning.
There are good storage places in front and on the side table. 2 USB charger outlet and a standard power outlet. The seat control is on the side panel of the seat which one don't have to twist his back to reach.
Flight time to Newark was 4 hour 15 minutes and a hot breakfast was served after takeoff. Here is my choice of Brioche Souffle. Before landing, there was a cold sandwich snack offered.
I tried out the full flat mode after breakfast, the bed padding was soft and also very long in length. The only issue I have was the bed being quite narrow. The best position to sleep is "turn to the side". On the plus side, the footwell did not limit my foot movement. I lowered one of the armrest to create a bit more space. The privacy is excellent with high walls and divider around the seat.
Passengers on the left side of the plane were treated to this gorgeous Manhattan view on descent into Newark (Runway 22L). We landed 25 minutes ahead of schedule thanks to the tail wind and on-time departure.
After landing, I visited the gorgeous 787-10 cockpit. The pilots were very kind and invited me for a walk around the plane with a security escort.
I really like the new United 787-10. I would place it above United 777-300/ER because of newer, quieter technology and better cabin comfort (lower cabin altitude and better humidity). Check out my video for a better visualization and familiarization of the newest plane of United fleet.
The United 787-10 will be deployed on Trans-Atlantic service out of Newark from late March onwards (Newark to Frankfurt, Paris, Tel Aviv, Brussels and Dublin)
Video Review
How To Fly United’s New 787-10 Starting Early Next Year