This is a fun review because I’ll be reviewing the same United Airlines Polaris Business Class cabin on the same aircraft (777-300ER) on the same route (SFO-HKG) with the same flight number (UA869), but eight years after my first review, which you can find below this one.

United Airlines 777-300ER Polaris Business Class Review (SFO-HKG)

This was part of my final journey as a Premier 1K member, which I outlined here.

After spending a couple hours in the SFO Polaris Lounge, I headed over to G5 for boarding of my 15-hour flight to Hong Kong.

Boarding for UA869 to Hong Kong began 45 minutes prior to departure.

United Airlines 869
San Francisco (SFO) – Hong Kong (HKG)
Friday, January 30
Depart: 11:40 AM
Arrive: 7:20 PM+1
Duration: 14hr, 40min
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Distance: 6,927 miles
Seat: 18A (“Polaris” Business Class)

I found my seat in row 18A, a window seat in the last row of business class. I could tell the service would be excellent on this flight when the purser came over to my seat shortly after I sat down, welcomed me onboard, and thanked me for being a Premier 1K member.

Seat

The 777-300ER is United’s largest widebody aircraft, with 60 seats in Polaris Business Class (note that United’s new 787-9 Polaris cabins have 64 business class seats). Polaris is divided into two cabins, with rows 1-8 in the forward cabin and 9-16 in the rear cabin. Seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration and odd-numbered A and L seats are “true” window seats and offer the most privacy (sadly, none were available when I booked my ticket at the last-minute so I ended up with 18A). These seats are modeled on the Safran Optima platform, but custom for United.

The seats are 20 inches wide and convert into a lie-flat bed that is 78 inches long (6 foot, 6 inches). I prefer bulkhead seats (row 1 and 9) when available due to the wider footwells, so my recommendations for the best four seats on the aircraft (in this order) are 9L, 9A, 1L, 1A.

If traveling with someone close, you might want to choose the odd-numbered D and G seats. These so-called “honeymoon” seats make it very easy to chat with one another. Every seat, however, has direct aisle access and if you find yourself stuck in one of these honeymoon seats while traveling solo there is a privacy divider that can be raised.

Each seat has a universal A/C outlet and a USB-A charger and seats can be adjusted by a side panel.

Sitting at each seat was a Saks Fifth Avenue branded bedding bundle that included a blanket, larger duvet, cooling foam gel pillow, and larger pillow. Mattress pads are available on request (and you should request one immediately, even though United now theoretically stocks enough for every passenger).

With excellent bedding and cool cabin (including individual air vents), I took a long nap during the flight.

IFE + Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi was $17.99 for a flight pass and worked poorly…a recurring problem on United’s older aircraft (Starlink cannot come soon enough!). In fact, it was wholly inoperative more than it was operative and United proactively refunded the $17.99 after the flight.

The in-flight-entertainment library included hundreds of movies and TV shows, plus audiobooks, podcasts, and games. United has new noise-cancelling headphones from Meridian Audio that are a big upgrade versus the older ones in terms of sound quality.

Food + Drinks

The pleasant surprise on this flight was the food. I knew United had really upped its beverage game, but did not expect such a nice lunch after takeoff. In terms of wines, selections included The Mascot Cabernet Sauvignon (about $150 per bottle) and a Domaine Serene “Evenstad Reserve” Chardonnay (2023) from Willamette Valley, Oregon, which retails for $75 and was very good with my fish. Here’s the menu:

Lunch

Lunch began with a hot towel and beverage service. I ordered an Aperol Spritz, another recent addition to the beverage line-up and such a nice aperitivo with warmed mixed nuts.

The appetizer, salad, and main course were all outstanding. The salad included baby spinach with crumbled goat cheese, roasted baby beets and candied pecans, served with a nice lemon vinaigrette dressing.

For my appetizer, I was given a whipped mint labneh with blistered cherry tomatoes, minced parsley, and za’atar vinaigrette…it really hit the spot and would have been my choice, though by the time flight attendants arrived in row 18 the oak roasted hot smoked salmon with lentil tabbouleh and dill-date vinaigrette was all out (that also sounded great).

But the most pleasant surprise of all was the main course. My expectations were very low because the fish on United has historically been a disappointment, but hopes springs eternal and I pre-ordered the fish once again, described as Chilean sea bass with orange-Aleppo roasted fennel, saffron farro risotto, pitted olives, Marcona almonds, and cioppino broth.

To my delight, it was cooked perfectly and had a great flavor and I loved the fennel, risotto, and olives served on the side. This was such a good meal and proof positive in my mind how far United’s catering has come.

I followed that with a cheese course (also improved and now with pecans) and an ice cream sundae with “the works.”

Mid-Flight Tapas

United now offers tapas on longer intercontinental flights as a mid-flight snack and I had to chuckle over the terminology, as each dish was entree sized, not tapas sized. I tried:

• black bean corn empanadas
• brown butter gnocchi
• herb ricotta cheese

There was also a stir-fried chicken and mushroom dish with jasmine rice and green onions that seemed like just too much food.

The heirloom tomato salsa on the ricotta cheese was not very good, but the tapas is a nice upgrade to mid-flight dining…the empanadas were good (though not as good as on Qantas).

There was also leftover cheese plates available in a small buffet area between the two business class cabins.

Pre-Arrival Meal

A full breakfast was served prior to landing. I guess I’m in the minority, but I like breakfast even for 7pm arrivals, though I would have liked to see egg on the menu. The choices were:

• Fluffy custard brioche toast with raspberries, toasted sliced almonds and crème fraîche
• Poached shrimp with congee, butternut squash, ginger, shallot and scallions
• Cold smoothie bowl, described as “a golden blend of oats in honey and yogurt, with raisins, coconut, fresh blueberries, kiwi and macadamia nuts for a sweet tart crunch”

The French Toast was fine, but it just struck me as calories not worth eating (that’s on me, not an indictment of the food). Many people skipped the pre-arrival service so I requested a smoothie bowl and enjoyed it: order this.

With less than 30 minutes to go prior to landing, I was offered a coffee in a to-go cup. United’s illy coffee is good, though I’d love to see espresso onboard.

But overall (and I think this is the takeaway from this review), the food and beverages have greatly improved on United.

Amenities

Slippers were present at each seat upon boarding and passengers were proactively offered pajamas (PJs used to be on request only).

United’s latest amenity kit partner is Brooks Brothers, though the contents of the kit have not changed, including:

• Socks
• Eyemask
• Perricone MD
  • Lip Balm
  • Hand Cream
  • Eye Gel
  • Face Mist
  • Cleansing Towelette
• Tissue
• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Earplugs
• Pen

I prefer Therabody to Perricone, but it’s a decent amenity kit.

Lavatories

Business class has two lavatories in the front of the aircraft and two lavatories between cabins. The Polaris lavatories are stocked with hand creme and hydrating mist from Perricone.

Service

Flight attendants were excellent on this flight. As I mentioned, shortly after boarding, the purser came over and introduced herself to me and to other business class passengers. Ken took care of my section and was very affable and kind…really good service on this flight.

My only “complaint” was whoever was working in the galley decided to serve lunch all on one tray, with the appetizer, salad, and main course all served at once. That is against United policy and unnecessary on a 15-hour daytime flight (I separated the courses for the picture above, but ended up eating the main course before the appetizer and salad so it would not get cold…which is why the courses should not be served together).

CONCLUSION

We arrived on-time in Hong Kong and I headed and after taking the train to immigration and clearing, I headed for Kowloon by bus. If you now read my review below, you will see that there has been change, but the service flow and seat is largely unchanged from eight years prior. The food and drinks, however, were the highlight of this flight and have improved.

I’m thankful to fly in business class and really enjoyed this final long-haul flight (for now…) as a Premier 1K.

My original 777-300ER Polaris class review from January 19, 2018 is below.

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United Polaris Business Class, and by that I mean the actual new Polaris seat, is a step in the right direction for United. My 15hr flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong gave me plenty of time to test out the new product.

This was a business trip and I was traveling with John. We began the day in Burbank and encountered a two-hour flight delay that wiped out our long layover in SFO. By the time we landed, boarding for our connection to Hong Kong had already begun. I’m just thankful we did not miss the flight!

UA 869
San Francisco (SFO) – Hong Kong (HKG)
Monday, November 13
Depart: 01:15PM
Arrive: 08:20PM+1
Duration: 15hr05min
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Seat: 17L (Business Class)

We entered through door 2L to a mid-galley between the forward and rear business class cabin, featuring an attractive Polaris sign and an attractive (faux) marble buffet counter used to offer mid-flight snacks.

United uses dark mood lighting in business class onboard the 777-300ER, which looks much better than it photographs. I found my seat on the starboard side.

United 777-300ER Polaris Business Class Seat

Choose an odd-numbered L seat if you want a true window seat versus even-numbered L seats have an end-table against the window.

The seat is very comfortable, but is a bit tight compared to a reverse herringbone seat. On the plus side, the true window seats feel private even without a door.

Here are two shots with the window shade opened:

Personal storage space is better than the old business class seats, but still limited. A cabinet to the right or left of your seat offers plenty of room for your mobile phone, passport, wallet, keys, etc. There is also a slot under the monitor that can store a laptop, tablet, or personal reading material.

A USB port specifically intended for charging is present below the monitor while the in-seat power and a headphone jack are located near the arm of the seat.

A built-in stand on the end of the tray table offers an easy way to prop up your mobile or tablet device.

The seat transforms into a fully lie-flat 6’4” bed. That is buttressed by United’s excellent bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue. Note that you’ll find a pillow, light blanket, and comforter on your seat. Request a mattress pad and cooling memory foam gel pillow from the FA as soon as you board, as quantities are limited.

United 777-300ER Polaris Business Class IFE + Wi-Fi

The United 777-300 bring something back I have missed on United since the merger with Continental: Live from the Flight Deck. Also known as Channel 9, I love the ability to listen in on ATC communication. Do note that this audio channel is made available at the discretion of the captain. On long-haul journeys, captains will often make it available during the climb out and descent but turn if off for most of the flight.

The IFE system contained about a large selection of movies, TV shows, and games. United seems to be unique among world carriers in failing to offer any audio beyond a few audiobooks and a handful of radio stations.

Unfortunately, the IFE map did not work:

United offers noise-cancelling headphones in Polaris Class, but they are not great.

Internet was also available onboard. A flight pass cost $36.99. Unfortunately, internet only worked during the first half of the journey, but United is good about issuing refunds when internet doesn’t work.

United 777-300ER Polaris Business Class Dining

Prior to takeoff, FAs offered a choice of beverage. It was served in a blue plastic glass from economy class, something United just needs to ditch, and also came with a box of two chocolate truffles.

Meal orders were also taken prior to takeoff. Here’s the menu for the flight:

There was no wine list offered, though United has started 2018 by listing wines once again on menus.

Hot mixed nuts and choice of beverage to start, preceded by a hot towel:

No choice on the appetizer (smoked salmon + cabbage salad) or bread, but I chose the pork tenderloin as the main course. I’ve had this several times in the past and never been disappointed with it. The key is that it still tasted good when well-done.

Sure enough, the pork was well-done, but still had a pleasant flavor.

This was followed by a cheese course, served with crackers and grapes.

United still has not solved its ice cream sundae bowls problem and continues to use white paper cups. It is unacceptable and greatly brings down the quality of an otherwise nicely-presented meal. My eyes lit up when the FA also offered mini pecan-pies for dessert from the petit four selection, but it was mostly dough.

Mid-Flight Snack

15hrs is a long flight and about nine hours into the flight I was hungry again. First, I proceeded to the mid-galley buffet, where I found the following layout of fruit, sandwiches, and candy—

This was an upgrade from earlier, where only leftover desserts were on offer:

But nothing looked appealing, so I asked a FA what was on the “hot bite” menu. Two choices: noodles or a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. I went with the latter and about 15 minutes later it was served piping hot. It was a perfect snack.

I fell asleep for a few hours, but did not sleep all that much on this flight due to the midday departure.

Breakfast

Despite the evening landing in Hong Kong, breakfast is served prior to landing. I chose a Southwestern omelet over congee and enjoyed it very much. It was served with fruit, yogurt, and a croissant. Sadly, no cinnamon rolls on today’s flight.

There’s always debate over whether dinner or breakfast should be served prior to landing on flights to Asia. I think the answer is both, but I do not mind the breakfast…it is always my favorite meal of the day and the spicy Southwestern omelet is always tasty.

United 777-300ER Polaris Business Class Service

Just as I was sick on my 18hr flight to Singapore a few weeks prior, John got sick on this one. He had the flu over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) but woke up feeling significantly better on Monday morning. But even though he only had an ice cream sundae, he spent half the flight in the lavatory.

But the FAs took excellent care of him. Unlike my flight, where I was just left alone, they mothered him, constantly bringing water, tea, and warm towels to place on his forehead as well as extra blankets (he was shivering).

That’s what I love about United. The service was not polished or particularly friendly, but the FAs proved their worth in the caring way they looked after John.

I’d like to see FAs more vigilant in making water runs and checking in on passenger needs, but they were certainly proactive with John.

United 777-300ER Polaris Business Class Amenity Kit

A special-edition United 747 Amenity kit (celebrating the legacy of the 747, which United retired in November 2017) was offered to each passenger. I love the socks!

United 777-300ER Polaris Business Class Pajamas and Slippers

On flights over 12hrs, United offers pajamas (by request). These are comfortable lightweight cotton and I like that the pants have pockets.

Slippers were proactively offered to every passenger prior to takeoff with the amenity kits. These slippers are plush and comfortable—the best airline slippers other than on Garuda Indonesia First Class.

United 777-300ER Polaris Business Class Pajamas and Slippers

Lavatories are brightly-colored and more spacious than on the 777-200. Cowshed amenities are available.

CONCLUSION

I was happy to finally try United’s new Polaris Business Class seat. It’s not a game-changer, but is a great step forward and a comfortable seat. Combine United’s great bedding with decent food and wi-fi (at least for parts of the flight) and you have a combo that works well for me. United is not the best…but I’d easily rank it better than SWISS Business Class. Kudos to the FAs as well for taking such good care of sick John.