5 reasons why United Airlines’ Polaris Business Class is so highly valued

Summary

• United Airlines offers a first-class business class experience with Polaris, including luxurious amenities and exclusive lounges.
• Polaris passengers enjoy benefits such as free checked baggage, priority boarding and access to private lounges before long-haul flights.
• Polaris Business Class seats offer comfort with reclining seats, premium dining, entertainment and Wi-Fi for a relaxing journey.

United Airlines’ Polaris Business Class offers the airline’s best in-flight experience. Since the airline has an extensive global network with numerous long-haul flights, there is no question that a true business class must be offered.

The cabin rivals American Airlines’ first and business class and Delta Air Lines’ Delta One, but has its own unique features. In addition, United operates different aircraft than its two U.S. competitors, such as the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, which sets Polaris apart from other business classes.

A booked flight in Polaris also offers travelers access to the Polaris Lounge, which some call an upgrade from the standard United Club. However, access to the Polaris Lounge is limited to select routes. United has improved its premium experience in all cabins, but Polaris is highly regarded for several reasons. One factor is the amenities offered onboard, which allow passengers to relax and refresh regardless of the length of the flight.

However, United’s business class product hasn’t always been highly regarded. According to Upgraded Points, the Chicago-based carrier’s premium cabin hasn’t had a great reputation in recent years. The same has been said about United Clubs – some have called the Polaris lounges an improvement over the airline’s regular airport lounge experience. United introduced the Polaris product and opened its first Polaris lounge in 2016. The airline has struggled to expand the product, but recently its investments have been clear to see. Here are just five elements that make Polaris business class stand out.

1 Two free checked bags and Premier access

Premium experience begins on the ground

Similar to domestic first class, United Polaris passengers can check two bags for free. United has weight limits on checked bags that are divided by cabin type. Travelers in economy and premium economy may have to pay to check their bags, but are allowed to check bags up to 50 pounds (lbs). In United’s business, first and Polaris classes, passengers can check two bags weighing 70 pounds each. This is a nice perk when a passenger is embarking on a long trip.

In addition to free checked bags, Polaris, First and Business Class passengers can get to their gate and seats faster with Premier Access. The benefit also applies to MileagePlus Premier members, MileagePlus Club and Presidential Plus credit card holders and Star Alliance Gold members. Benefits include:

• Priority boarding
• Priority check-in
• Exclusive security checkpoints (if available)
• Priority baggage handling

Passengers can also purchase Premier Access, which starts at $24.

2 Access to the Polaris Lounge

The best United has to offer

The Polaris experience begins as soon as travelers arrive at the airport. At select airports, Polaris passengers have access to Polaris Lounges, which are exclusive areas for long-haul international flights. Travelers must have a same-day boarding pass to enter the lounges. They are also available to passengers with a first or business class ticket on a Star Alliance member airline. They must also have a same-day boarding pass, but first class passengers are allowed to bring one guest with them into the lounge.

Polaris lounges feature showers where travelers can freshen up before or during their long-haul journey. They can also enjoy private relaxation areas with loungers, soft lighting, and gentle white noise. The lounges also offer a variety of food and beverage options. Some locations offer a buffet, while others offer table service in private dining rooms.

Polaris lounges are not available at every airport that United flies to. Instead, they are located at the airline’s hubs – from where the majority of its long-haul flights depart:

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

3 Reclining seat and amenities

Rest and relaxation

On board, according to Upgraded Points, seat width is 23 inches, while seat pitch ranges from 75 to 78 inches. The seats in the bulkhead rows offer significantly more space. When the seat can be pulled out to form a bed, there is a footwell at the end that provides ample room for feet. The footwells of the bulkhead seats reportedly offer even more space. One of the advantages of Polaris class is that every seat has direct aisle access. However, certain seats are tailored to each traveler’s preferences:

• Seats in odd rows offer more privacy as they are right next to the windows
• The middle seats in the odd-numbered rows are best suited for couples or partners travelling together as they are arranged parallel and directly next to each other.
• Seats in the even rows offer less privacy but better access to the aisle

In-flight amenities include a relaxation channel with content from Therabody and slippers to keep travelers comfortable during the flight. For sleeping, United has partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue to provide a Saks Day blanket, comforter and cooling gel pillow. Mattress pads are available upon request and even pajamas are offered on flights longer than 14 hours.

4 First class food

Dishes from all over the world

Polaris passengers are treated to a variety of dishes from the United Polaris menu on board. The main meal is served after takeoff and consists of mixed nuts, an appetizer, salad, bread and one of United’s classics: a made-to-order ice cream sundae for dessert. Midnight snacks are also offered, while a second meal service is available later in the flight.

All drinks, including beer, wine and spirits, are complimentary. Some of the alcoholic beverages served on board are:

• White Claw Hard Seltzer
• Bell’s Two Hearted IPA
• Red and white wine
• Sparkling wine Brut
• Bacardi Silver Rum
• Jack Daniel’s Whiskey
• Baileys Irish Cream
• Tito’s handmade vodka

5 In-flight entertainment

Millions of hours of content

Passengers can be entertained on their long-haul flights with hundreds of hours of content. Perhaps one of the best features is that movies, TV shows or the flight’s progress on a map can be displayed on a 16-inch seatback.

Screen through the United Private Screening portal. The airline allows travelers to see what is playing on their flight on its website. The network of films and TV shows is updated monthly and divided into different genres, such as:

• Blockbuster
• classic
• Then and now
• Food & Travel
• Lifestyle & Reality

United Private Screening also offers a variety of music styles, and Wi-Fi is available on board so passengers can surf the internet and send messages during their long-haul journey.