Last week I had the chance to fly a recently retrofitted United 767-300 from Amsterdam to Newark in Polaris Business Class.
United has updated the 2-1-2 business class seating aboard many of its 767-300s to a new 1-1-1 configuration featuring the “real” Polaris seats. While these seats are narrower than on the 777-300ER, I did not notice a big difference.
The Polaris seat includes a compartment for personal storage and shelf that is perfect for storing electronic devices. United retains excellent Saks Fifth Avenue bedding and cooling gel pillows are now proactively provisioned at each seat. Mattress pads are available upon request.
When I fly home from Europe, I try to stay up all night before I depart and sleep during the flight. That worked like a charm here.
After takeoff, breakfast was served, beginning with muesli and fruit.
That was followed by an omelet served with ham and potatoes.
I know that looks horribly overdone, but it was surprisingly tasty.
With breakfast cleared, I went right to sleep and slept until about an hour before landing when lunch was offered.
The Newark-based crew was excellent, especially the purser, who had a very crisp English accent.
I will post a full trip report after my current Gulf Carrier Mezze report concludes, but wanted to give you a sample of what the flight was like.
As I travel with my wife, I have to say that 767-300 Polaris is a downgrade over the old seats. It looks like these seats are good for individual traveler. I rather save money and or points and sit in the back in economy with my wife instead of a new Polaris seat on a 767-300. I actually liked the old seats from IAD to HNL, but think this actually might caused them problems longterm on those flights with more tourist than business types. I do look forward to trying the product on a 777 or maybe a 787 in the future.
LMAO I don’t have a wife, but I’d take this configuration with my GF and I both in window seats over a 2-1-2 configuration any day…
I second that: On LH First my wife and I choose the window seats – we’re spending the whole life together (and are still in the very same cabin class), so we can sit separately for a few hours.
“I know that looks horribly overdone, but it was surprisingly tasty.”
Not just overdone, but just…cheap.
The seats are an improvement, but while this set-up is great for solo travelers, it isn’t good for people traveling together.
I did GVA-EWR a few weeks back on a new polaris 767-300 and MY GOD it was TERRIBLE! IFE, power plugs, and wifi were broken across the aircraft from before we even took-off. The meal service made no sense (e.g., cold nuts and champagne were served before breakfast…how does that even make sense) and was such poor quality. I think i’ve been spoiled by EY, LH, and SQ F….
That food looks TERRIBLE.
Do you use the same sleep schedule when flying all the way back to Los Angeles? I’ve always stayed awake on the flight home and tried to stay up in LA until bedtime.
Food looks really horrendous. it’s embarrassing that this is considered Polaris catering. Yikes.
I’m hoping to finally get in an actual Polaris seat next year. So far, I’ve yet to see one. Lots of 787’s TATL, though, which are nice, but will be last to get the new seats. Your short review remind one of how disappointing UA F&B is, though. I’m not sure Polaris food catering is an improvement to what it was before, though admittedly the wines seem marginally better.