Here’s a fantastic development for long haul premium cabin United Airlines passengers, as reported by JonNYC.
In this post:
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
AA has stopped taking headphones before landing.
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.
One was lead to understand that airlines own supplied headphones may be branded by a well known manufacturer, however, the product is never quite the same.
Apple have been reported as refusing to even offer their lesser brand to a well known airline.
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.
...
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.
Loser.
Yes John, one has to agree with you …. you really are a most pathetic AI Bot of extremely limited intellect …. a “Loser” of international renown. Keep it up old bean as I feel certain that you have very little else in you life to aspire to.
I’d rather it be better food and beverage
... I always pack my own 'equipment' with me 24/7 !
... lol
…. some very sound advice there Bossa, one never knows where the ‘equipment’ of others has been.
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.
Loser.
Any upgrade to the IFE is welcomed. I just flew twice this week on United 737's with the refreshed cabins and blue-tooth enabled IFEs. My Bose QC45 paired easily and sound quality was quite good listening to Spotify.
I have a jag with meridian speakers and theyre amazing. wonder why my fave sound brand, Sonos, isn't making strides in this market. weird.
Has anyone heard anything about United’s HKG lounge? Originally was supposed to be July but no announcement. Would I just be better off hitting up the Silver Kris lounge during my layover anyway?
I thought the old ones did the job just fine. Interested to try these out.
"I’d argue that American’s headphones are actually the best you’ll find on any airline in business class, which is pretty impressive."
Better than Emirates" Bowers & Wilkins?
B&O is only in First Class on EK.
I stand corrected then since what I read online is wrong.
While I appreciate the branded (and quality) headphones, should headphones be upon request now with the advent of Bluetooth-enabled in-flight entertainment systems? A lot of carriers still use mediocre quality headphones across all classes and at best, Bose is pretty "meh".
Bluetooth enabled IFE still suffers from latency issues.
I'd argue that Bose is "meh".
On the ground, maybe there are better headphones, in the air it's Bose.
And those AirPods that also make you look stupid are the worst.
Only a pedantic predator would choose to disagree with you Mike.
One thing is certain …. if you bring your own equipment, you know what sound quality, comfort, state of repair and cleanliness to expect.
They still early collect though right? Unlike AA….
They haven’t on any Polaris flight I’ve been on though it has been about two years.
UA has never collected headsets.
It was AA that collected them, they they’ve discontinued the practice.
UA staff would be too lazy to do the extra work of collecting them
UA doesn't collect them so as not to interrupt customer enjoyment of the entertainment. I'm Sure it costs them some $ with pilferage, but they are obviously committed to continuous improvement of the product.