Earlier today I had the chance to check out the beautiful new Polaris Lounge at San Francisco. While I’ll save my full review for tomorrow, I want to post a handful of pictures I took of the stunning new facility. The new lounge will include: Two levels across more than 28,000 square feet 440 seats […]
Visit the New United Polaris Lounge in SFO for 2,500 Miles!
United Airlines is running a great promo to introduce flyers to its new Polaris Lounge in San Francisco. For just 2,500 you can experience the new lounge on April 27, 2018. 2,500 miles gets you a two-hour visit with food and beverage included. The lounge will be fully operational, so this won’t just be a […]
Next United Polaris Lounge Opens April 30th at SFO
United Airlines’ next Polaris lounge will open on April 30, 2018 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The two-level, 28,000-square-foot lounge will include an a la carte dining area, buffet, sleeping/rest area, showers, and of course ample seating and work space. Signature California elements are featured throughout, including locally inspired food and beverages, a wine […]
United Polaris Cutbacks Coming Soon…
Under the guise of maximizing sleep for business class passengers, United Airlines is cutting back service in its Polaris Business Class product. In a memo to flight attendants, United outlines changes to United Polaris coming on May 01, 2018. The rationale: increase sleep. One area customers have been passionate about is the importance of sleep […]
More United Polaris Aircraft Enter Service
While the retrofit process will take several years to fully complete, United has just rolled out its third Boeing 767-300 with new Polaris seating. I wrote about the first 767-300 retrofit here, which is a 1-1-1 configuration with direct aisle access at every seat. It’s narrower than the Polaris seats on the new 777-3ooERs but […]
United Polaris Shop: If You Can’t Steal It, Buy It…
United Airlines’ Saks Fifth Avenue bedding in business class is so popular United has had trouble keeping it onboard. Now you can buy it online, just in time for the holidays. United has had a tremendous problem with the theft of Sak’s Fifth Avenue Business Class bedding. I can understand why as well—the bedding is great. […]
Insider Knowledge: Secret Perks in United Polaris Business Class
Much like the secret menu at In-N-Out Burger, there is a secret menu in United Polaris Business Class that requires a bit of inside knowledge or careful reading to take advantage of. As you board, you’ll find a plush pillow, light blanket, and rolled up heavier blanket already on your seat. That already constitutes one […]
My First Impressions of United 777-300ER Polaris Business Class
Good day from Hong Kong! I’ve made it to HKG after a 15-hour flight from San Francisco on United’s new 777-3ooER in Polaris Business Class. The flight was good, for me at least. My friend John got sick just like I did on the Singapore flight. Hopefully he will recover quickly and I won’t experience […]
Finally, a Trip in “Real” United Polaris Class!
United now calls its international business class product “Polaris” but not all seats are created equal. Only the 777-300ER and one 767-300ER currently have the new Polaris seat installed, a beautiful product that makes United’s longhaul business class much more competitive in an age of 1-2-1 seating. All 777-200s and 787s feature older (but still […]
Review: United Airlines 787-9 Polaris Business Class Los Angeles to Singapore (Inaugural)
After a wonderful opening ceremony at the gate, it was time to board the flight. Although blocked at 17hr,55min the inaugural flight from Los Angeles to Singapore would take only about 16hrs due to reduced headwinds. If you’re just joining me now and missed the first segment, I was invited by United to fly on […]
Richard Quest Explores United Polaris
United Airlines and CNN’s Richard Quest have been working for three years on the latest edition of Business Traveler. The program tracks United’s Polaris Business Class from its birth to takeoff. I think this three-part video is 24 minutes well invested. You’ll track the seats conception, rationale, production, and launch. You’ll also sample the new […]
What is the Difference Between United Polaris First and Polaris Business?
Although United is gradually phasing out its international first class product, 777-2oos featuring an eight-seat first class section could conceivably be operating for the next three years as United gradually retrofits its fleet. What is the difference between Polaris First and Business on United? Is it worthwhile splurging for Polaris First? First, let’s start with […]
First United 767-300 with Polaris Seats Takes Flight
Last month I wrote about the completion of United’s first 767-300 retrofit. Last night, the reconfigured aircraft took its first flight, from Newark to London. > Read More: Revealed: United 767 Polaris Cabin Layout There was some controversy that the new 767 could not possibly be any roomier than the 2-2-2 767 business class cabin, but […]
Revealed: United 767 Polaris Cabin Layout
United Airlines is in the process of retrofitting its current 767-300 and 777-200 fleet to install new Polaris Business Class seats. The first 767 is now out of the factory and will enter service this summer on an unspecified route. How does it look? The current 767-300 layout is: 30 business seats (1-2-1 configuration) 49 Economy […]
Don’t Forget to Ask For These Items When Flying United Polaris
United Polaris (business class) has many great amenities, but some you have to ask for. An Award Expert client just returned from a trip on the new 777-300ER from HKG-SFO and raved about how much she enjoyed the experience. I asked her if she enjoyed the memory foam gel pillow. What gel pillow? And the […]
Review: Los Angeles to London in United 787-9 Polaris Business
I’ve asked my six-month-old son Augustine to offer his thoughts on his very first flight, from LA to London on United Airlines in Polaris Business Class. The day of the big trip finally arrived. Mama and Papa had been looking forward to taking me to Germany ever since I was born. Half my family lives in Germany […]
Already? United Airlines Cuts Back on Polaris Amenities
United Airlines is cutting back on pillows and mattress pads in Polaris Business Class. As reported by Brian Sumers, the following memo went to FAs– Amenities – effective May 01 Customers and flight attendants both reported that there are too many amenities placed on customers’ seats, which makes it difficult for them to get settled. […]
The Black Market for United’s White Stuffed Polaris Bears
Although it is hit or miss, if you have flown United Polaris Business Class lately you may have received this cute stuffed animal– I received one on my flight home from Frankfurt last week. If you notice, the bear is named Ursa (stitched on the left leg of the bear with the United Polaris logo […]
Seatless in Seattle: United’s Polaris Problem
United’s seat problems continue. Two weeks after news that its new Polaris seats would face delivery delays due to “industrial issues” at Zodiac, United faces new short-term delays. The result: United is parking its brand new 777-300s in Seattle. “Short delays” are now threatening the delivery of aircraft already loaded into the schedule. For example, […]
Why United Won’t Sweat the Polaris Seat Delays
Zodiac Aerospace, the seat manufacturer for United’s new Polaris Business Class seat, is in trouble. With labor issues threatening production schedules, United faces further delays in its Polaris retrofit program. Nevertheless, I contend United will not lose too much sleep over this setback. The Problem Zodiac is facing labor problems in the United Kingdom, primary assembly site for the […]
