Nice: United Adds Meridian Headphones In Polaris Business Class

Here’s a fantastic development for long haul premium cabin United Airlines passengers, as reported by JonNYC.

United upgrades premium cabin headphones

As of Monday, September 1, 2025, United will be introducing custom designed headphones in Polaris (long haul business class) and Premium Plus (premium economy). By mid-October 2025, they will also be available on premium transcontinental flights, as well as on long haul domestic flights to Hawaii.

The headphones are produced by Meridian, and feature advanced noise cancellation, ideal for the aircraft cabin environment. These new headphones were initially teased when United unveiled its new long haul cabin interiors, but these will be available long before that product debuts, and on a very widespread basis.

This is a long overdue development for United!

There are many areas where United does a good job with its Polaris business class, like with its incredible bedding, which is the best in the industry. However, for a long time, the carrier’s business class headphones have been kind of junky. They haven’t been very comfortable, and haven’t done a great job with noise reduction.

Current United Polaris business class headphones

By comparison, American actually has amazing headphones in premium cabins, as the airline partners with Bang & Olufsen. I’ll take it a step further — I’d argue that American’s headphones are actually the best you’ll find on any airline in business class, which is pretty impressive.

American business class headphones

So I’m happy to see United investing in better headphones, and now it’s Delta’s turn to up its game. Obviously the airline is investing in lots of Missoni amenities, but the headphones could use some help.

Bottom line

As of September 2025, United Airlines is upgrading its premium cabin headphones, with new Meridian headphones coming to Polaris business class and Premium Plus. I’m happy to see this development, as this will nicely complement United’s extensive entertainment selection.

What do you make of United upgrading its headphones?

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Matt Guest

Will flight attendants still get mad at you if don't hear them because you have your noise cancelling headphones on and aren't looking directly in their direction.

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DTWNYC Guest

I haven’t watched a movie in UA IFE in years. I always bring my own device but love the option of pairing my own Bluetooth headphones if needed. Which I think is also available with the new Polaris launch (and on Next). It’s a nice development but I agree, let’s invest in the food. Also, does AA still confiscate their headphones before landing?

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Mike O. Guest

I wish more carriers would invest in their headphones in business. There are plenty of brands out there you can work with and it doesn't have to be a Bang & Olufsen or a Bowers & Wilkins. Aside from Bose which would be "okay" or even as far as decent in business, you have Sonos, Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, Sennheiser just to name a few.

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AeroB13a Guest

Everyone’s hearing is as individual as their fingerprint. Discerning travellers have probably tried several different manufacturers products over the years. For most people it is a matter of personal preference, in ear, on ear, boring black or bright, ‘light hearted and cheerful’ (the AI Bot or censor doesn’t like the ‘G’ word which has been adopted by certain groups to describe their sexual preferences) …. you pays your money and takes your chance. One thing is certain …. if you bring your own equipment, you know what sound quality, comfort level, state of repair and cleanliness to expect.

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AeroB13a Guest

Everyone’s hearing is as individual as their fingerprint. Discerning travellers have probably tried several different manufacturers products over the years. For most people it is a matter of personal preference, in ear, on ear, boring black or bright and gay …. you pays your money and takes your chance. One thing is certain …. if you bring your own equipment, you know what sound quality, comfort, state of repair and cleanliness to expect.

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