Jan 17, 2020, 6:38 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Archive thread -- Active thread is United Polaris - New Business Class seats & inflight service -- 3+ years after Intro
United website - Explore: http://view.ceros.com/united/polaris-business-class/p/1
from UA's Facebook stream
Official Polaris Lounge Access Rules are here: Polaris Lounge Access Rules
United Polaris Business and Polaris First pax may access the Polaris lounge at connecting airports and their final destination within 24 hours of departure or arrival.
*A international J and F pax may only access the Polaris lounge at the departure airport. For purposes of Polaris lounge access, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, and Guam are excluded from the definition of "international."
Seat Chart.
Press release: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...300278706.html
NEW YORK, June 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With the aspiration of making weary business travel a relic of the past, United Airlines today unveiled its all-new United Polaris business class, the airline's most significant product transformation in more than a decade, featuring a reimagined, sleep-enhancing, departure-to-landing experience for intercontinental travelers.
Named after the North Star, United Polaris is the shining new star of business class travel that flyers can turn to for a tranquil and restful journey.
"United Polaris will change the game in international business travel with an exceptional level of relaxation and comfort throughout our customers' journeys," said Oscar Munoz, president and CEO of United. "This completely reconceived experience exemplifies the new spirit of United and the innovation, excitement and operational momentum across our airline."
Path-Breaking Design
In setting out to create a transformative business class experience, United chose to outfit its widebody fleet with a custom-designed, exclusive-to-United seat, rather than select an option already in the marketplace. Designed in partnership with Acumen Design Associates and PriestmanGoode and manufactured by Zodiac Seats United Kingdom, each United Polaris seat will offer direct access to the aisle, 180-degree flat-bed recline and up to 6 foot 6 inches of bed space.
Crafted as individual, forward-facing, suite-like pods, each customer's personal suite will feature a "Do Not Disturb" sign, mood lighting, one-touch lumbar support, several storage areas, multiple surfaces for simultaneous working and dining, a 16-inch high-definition entertainment screen and, for seats in the center of the cabin, electronic privacy dividers. Complementing the new seats, United and PriestmanGoode have also conceived an all-new look for the United Polaris cabins.
In rethinking the international business class experience, United conducted more than 12,000 hours of research, and sleep emerged as the single most important priority for international business class travelers. United Polaris' path-breaking design and sleep-enhancing focus was inspired and informed by insights from hundreds of customers and employees, inflight product simulations and more than 100 product evaluations.
Sleep-Enticing Amenities
In addition to the sleep-enticing United Polaris personal suites, several other amenities were designed with our customers' sleep in mind.
In a first-of-its-kind partnership, United has worked with leading luxury specialty store Saks Fifth Avenue for custom-designed bedding. All designed to provide the best sleep in the sky, the new bedding collection will feature plush duvets, lightweight day-blankets and a large and small pillow for each United Polaris customer. In addition, mattress cushions will be available upon request.
Slippers will be available on all flights, and customized United Polaris pajamas will be available by request on flights longer than 12 hours**. Flyers will also be able to request a gel-cooled pillow. New amenity kits will feature ergonomically designed eye shades, calming lavender pillow mist and additional products from Soho House & Co.'s Cowshed Spa.
With the introduction of United Polaris, the airline intends to donate tens of thousands of pillows, blankets and other inflight service items to Fisher House Foundation, which United and its employees have long supported.
Elevated Dining Experience
Upon boarding their flight, each United Polaris customer will be welcomed with a pre-departure beverage of his or her choice and gourmet chocolate. While in the air, customers will enjoy regionally influenced in-flight menus updated seasonally, developed in partnership with The Trotter Project and its critically recognized chefs, including Bill Kim of acclaimed Chicago restaurants Urbanbelly, bellyQ and Belly Shack.
The airline will offer an upgraded wine experience, with the highest-quality options curated exclusively by United's Master Sommelier. Inflight service will also include made-to-order signature ice cream sundaes, a dessert cart with a variety of petit dessert options, chocolate truffles and wine flights. On daytime flights longer than eight hours and on all flights longer than 12 hours, hot mid-flight snacks such as lobster macaroni and cheese will be available.
Raising The Bar With United Polaris Business Class Lounges
United will also open an exclusive portfolio of United Polaris business class lounges in nine locations around the world – the only lounge of its kind offered by a U.S. airline to business class customers – that will feature custom-designed chairs, private daybeds, spa-like showers and chef-inspired hot meals served in a boutique restaurant setting so customers can refresh and dine before boarding their planes. Premium sparkling wines and spirits, refreshing snacks and bottled water will also be offered.
The first new United Polaris lounge will open at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Dec. 1, 2016. Lounges in eight other locations – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York/Newark, Washington Dulles, Tokyo Narita, Hong Kong and London Heathrow – will follow in 2017.
United Polaris Introduction
United will begin to introduce United Polaris on Dec. 1, 2016, with the new inflight food and beverage experience, new custom bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, new amenity kits and the new United Polaris lounge in Chicago. The United Polaris business class seat will first take flight in December on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and subsequently on Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, as well as on Boeing 767-300 and 777-200 retrofits.
United Polaris will serve business class customers flying the U.S. airline industry's most global route network, reaching more than 330 destinations in more than 50 countries.
More information on the United Polaris business class can be found at united.com/Polaris.
** Flights with pajama service (for both directions)
SFO - ICN, PEK, PVG, HGH, XIV, TPE, AKL, HKG, CTU, SYD, TLV, SIN
EWR - NRT, PEK, DEL, BOM, HKG, PVG
ORD - NRT, PEK PVG, HKG
LAX - PVG, SYD, MEL, SIN
IAD - NRT, PEK
IAH - NRT, SYD
(from United Twitter feed https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CyjFHZLW...jpg&name=large
{Similar Threads:
Polaris Lounge Roadmap 2017-2018 (wiki) (thread)
Polaris lounge ORD - opened 01 Dec 2016 (wiki) (thread)
SFO Lounge changes? Which will become Polaris? Shower options?(wiki) (thread)
United Polaris-New Business Class seats & inflight service and new Polaris Lounges(wiki) (thread)}
United website - Explore: http://view.ceros.com/united/polaris-business-class/p/1
from UA's Facebook stream
Only customers traveling in United Polaris business class or United Polaris Global First on international flights and customers in Star Alliance international first or business class cabins on flights longer than six hours will have access to the United Polaris Lounge.
United Polaris Business and Polaris First pax may access the Polaris lounge at connecting airports and their final destination within 24 hours of departure or arrival.
*A international J and F pax may only access the Polaris lounge at the departure airport. For purposes of Polaris lounge access, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, and Guam are excluded from the definition of "international."
Seat Chart.
Press release: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...300278706.html
NEW YORK, June 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With the aspiration of making weary business travel a relic of the past, United Airlines today unveiled its all-new United Polaris business class, the airline's most significant product transformation in more than a decade, featuring a reimagined, sleep-enhancing, departure-to-landing experience for intercontinental travelers.
Named after the North Star, United Polaris is the shining new star of business class travel that flyers can turn to for a tranquil and restful journey.
"United Polaris will change the game in international business travel with an exceptional level of relaxation and comfort throughout our customers' journeys," said Oscar Munoz, president and CEO of United. "This completely reconceived experience exemplifies the new spirit of United and the innovation, excitement and operational momentum across our airline."
Path-Breaking Design
In setting out to create a transformative business class experience, United chose to outfit its widebody fleet with a custom-designed, exclusive-to-United seat, rather than select an option already in the marketplace. Designed in partnership with Acumen Design Associates and PriestmanGoode and manufactured by Zodiac Seats United Kingdom, each United Polaris seat will offer direct access to the aisle, 180-degree flat-bed recline and up to 6 foot 6 inches of bed space.
Crafted as individual, forward-facing, suite-like pods, each customer's personal suite will feature a "Do Not Disturb" sign, mood lighting, one-touch lumbar support, several storage areas, multiple surfaces for simultaneous working and dining, a 16-inch high-definition entertainment screen and, for seats in the center of the cabin, electronic privacy dividers. Complementing the new seats, United and PriestmanGoode have also conceived an all-new look for the United Polaris cabins.
In rethinking the international business class experience, United conducted more than 12,000 hours of research, and sleep emerged as the single most important priority for international business class travelers. United Polaris' path-breaking design and sleep-enhancing focus was inspired and informed by insights from hundreds of customers and employees, inflight product simulations and more than 100 product evaluations.
Sleep-Enticing Amenities
In addition to the sleep-enticing United Polaris personal suites, several other amenities were designed with our customers' sleep in mind.
In a first-of-its-kind partnership, United has worked with leading luxury specialty store Saks Fifth Avenue for custom-designed bedding. All designed to provide the best sleep in the sky, the new bedding collection will feature plush duvets, lightweight day-blankets and a large and small pillow for each United Polaris customer. In addition, mattress cushions will be available upon request.
Slippers will be available on all flights, and customized United Polaris pajamas will be available by request on flights longer than 12 hours**. Flyers will also be able to request a gel-cooled pillow. New amenity kits will feature ergonomically designed eye shades, calming lavender pillow mist and additional products from Soho House & Co.'s Cowshed Spa.
With the introduction of United Polaris, the airline intends to donate tens of thousands of pillows, blankets and other inflight service items to Fisher House Foundation, which United and its employees have long supported.
Elevated Dining Experience
Upon boarding their flight, each United Polaris customer will be welcomed with a pre-departure beverage of his or her choice and gourmet chocolate. While in the air, customers will enjoy regionally influenced in-flight menus updated seasonally, developed in partnership with The Trotter Project and its critically recognized chefs, including Bill Kim of acclaimed Chicago restaurants Urbanbelly, bellyQ and Belly Shack.
The airline will offer an upgraded wine experience, with the highest-quality options curated exclusively by United's Master Sommelier. Inflight service will also include made-to-order signature ice cream sundaes, a dessert cart with a variety of petit dessert options, chocolate truffles and wine flights. On daytime flights longer than eight hours and on all flights longer than 12 hours, hot mid-flight snacks such as lobster macaroni and cheese will be available.
Raising The Bar With United Polaris Business Class Lounges
United will also open an exclusive portfolio of United Polaris business class lounges in nine locations around the world – the only lounge of its kind offered by a U.S. airline to business class customers – that will feature custom-designed chairs, private daybeds, spa-like showers and chef-inspired hot meals served in a boutique restaurant setting so customers can refresh and dine before boarding their planes. Premium sparkling wines and spirits, refreshing snacks and bottled water will also be offered.
The first new United Polaris lounge will open at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Dec. 1, 2016. Lounges in eight other locations – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York/Newark, Washington Dulles, Tokyo Narita, Hong Kong and London Heathrow – will follow in 2017.
United Polaris Introduction
United will begin to introduce United Polaris on Dec. 1, 2016, with the new inflight food and beverage experience, new custom bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, new amenity kits and the new United Polaris lounge in Chicago. The United Polaris business class seat will first take flight in December on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and subsequently on Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, as well as on Boeing 767-300 and 777-200 retrofits.
United Polaris will serve business class customers flying the U.S. airline industry's most global route network, reaching more than 330 destinations in more than 50 countries.
More information on the United Polaris business class can be found at united.com/Polaris.
[From [email][email protected] 11/15/2016]
Starting December 1, 2016, United Polaris Business Class service will replace United BusinessFirst service on international flights, and United Polaris Global First service will replace the current United Global First service.
Between 2017 to 2019 eight additional United Polaris lounges will open at EWR, HKG, IAD, IAH, LAX, LHR, NRT and SFO. We do not have the exact opening dates at this time. A scheduling announcement will be forthcoming.
Starting December 1, 2016, United Polaris Business Class service will replace United BusinessFirst service on international flights, and United Polaris Global First service will replace the current United Global First service.
Between 2017 to 2019 eight additional United Polaris lounges will open at EWR, HKG, IAD, IAH, LAX, LHR, NRT and SFO. We do not have the exact opening dates at this time. A scheduling announcement will be forthcoming.
SFO - ICN, PEK, PVG, HGH, XIV, TPE, AKL, HKG, CTU, SYD, TLV, SIN
EWR - NRT, PEK, DEL, BOM, HKG, PVG
ORD - NRT, PEK PVG, HKG
LAX - PVG, SYD, MEL, SIN
IAD - NRT, PEK
IAH - NRT, SYD
(from United Twitter feed https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CyjFHZLW...jpg&name=large
{Similar Threads:
Polaris Lounge Roadmap 2017-2018 (wiki) (thread)
Polaris lounge ORD - opened 01 Dec 2016 (wiki) (thread)
SFO Lounge changes? Which will become Polaris? Shower options?(wiki) (thread)
United Polaris-New Business Class seats & inflight service and new Polaris Lounges(wiki) (thread)}
United Polaris - New Business Class seats & inflight service {Archive}
Jun 20, 2017, 7:01 am
#3031
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,165
R space might then become your deciding factor vs seats, but depending on your budget, you can use GPUs on ANA from their PY class (E, I believe) and just stick with ANA if you can't find open R seats on the true Polaris seat flights ex-SFO.
Jun 25, 2017, 12:31 pm
#3032
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
Polaris Lounge closes at 9pm from the literature...
When is last chance to order food etc? do they cut off at 8:30 or something. I have a flight landing at 6pm, but don't fly out of T5 until after midnight. Will have plenty of time to sit down and have a nice dinner etc, but obviously want to stretch it out as much as possible before schlepping over to T5.
When is last chance to order food etc? do they cut off at 8:30 or something. I have a flight landing at 6pm, but don't fly out of T5 until after midnight. Will have plenty of time to sit down and have a nice dinner etc, but obviously want to stretch it out as much as possible before schlepping over to T5.
Jul 2, 2017, 3:01 pm
#3033
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 9,670
Just had my first Polaris experience (NRT-DEN, 787-8).
Food observations:
1. Japanese option was tasty but could have been presented better.
2. Traditional Japanese desserts was a nice touch - I'm glad for anything beyond the ice cream option.
3. Cheese plate was offered in addition to ice cream / dessert cart, but it was kind of gross (why does cheddar continue to show up here?!). Pre-plated, 3 cheese types (cheddar, brie, and a blue) with ONE grape. Looked like something you could get in the lounge.
4. Ice cream was served in a paper cup on a glass plate. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and hope that they just ran out of bowls... but it also looks like these paper cups are used in the lounge for soup. What the heck?
5. The 2 truffles they give you at boarding time is kind of pathetic. White box, no branding whatsoever (thus, I assume these are Costco-style generic, nothing fancy). Didn't bother trying them.
Since the Polaris seat isn't widely available, I was expecting United to really come through on the branding and presentation. Adding more courses or amenities like the wine tasting is a nice idea but I feel like they are missing a huge opportunity to make their product stand out. Yes, the linens are nice (getting away from the white napkin, finally!) but having a white cardboard box of truffles (at least Godiva or neuhaus or something??) just looks horrible and cheap. For now, let's assume the ice cream in a paper cup was a one-off. God forbid that's the norm... or is it? (I have no idea)
Visuals:
Food observations:
1. Japanese option was tasty but could have been presented better.
2. Traditional Japanese desserts was a nice touch - I'm glad for anything beyond the ice cream option.
3. Cheese plate was offered in addition to ice cream / dessert cart, but it was kind of gross (why does cheddar continue to show up here?!). Pre-plated, 3 cheese types (cheddar, brie, and a blue) with ONE grape. Looked like something you could get in the lounge.
4. Ice cream was served in a paper cup on a glass plate. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and hope that they just ran out of bowls... but it also looks like these paper cups are used in the lounge for soup. What the heck?
5. The 2 truffles they give you at boarding time is kind of pathetic. White box, no branding whatsoever (thus, I assume these are Costco-style generic, nothing fancy). Didn't bother trying them.
Since the Polaris seat isn't widely available, I was expecting United to really come through on the branding and presentation. Adding more courses or amenities like the wine tasting is a nice idea but I feel like they are missing a huge opportunity to make their product stand out. Yes, the linens are nice (getting away from the white napkin, finally!) but having a white cardboard box of truffles (at least Godiva or neuhaus or something??) just looks horrible and cheap. For now, let's assume the ice cream in a paper cup was a one-off. God forbid that's the norm... or is it? (I have no idea)
Visuals:
Jul 2, 2017, 3:05 pm
#3034
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,682
Just had my first Polaris experience (NRT-DEN, 787-8).
Food observations:
1. Japanese option was tasty but could have been presented better.
2. Traditional Japanese desserts was a nice touch - I'm glad for anything beyond the ice cream option.
3. Cheese plate was offered in addition to ice cream / dessert cart, but it was kind of gross (why does cheddar continue to show up here?!). Pre-plated, 3 cheese types (cheddar, brie, and a blue) with ONE grape. Looked like something you could get in the lounge.
4. Ice cream was served in a paper cup on a glass plate. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and hope that they just ran out of bowls... but it also looks like these paper cups are used in the lounge for soup. What the heck?
5. The 2 truffles they give you at boarding time is kind of pathetic. White box, no branding whatsoever (thus, I assume these are Costco-style generic, nothing fancy). Didn't bother trying them.
Since the Polaris seat isn't widely available, I was expecting United to really come through on the branding and presentation. Adding more courses or amenities like the wine tasting is a nice idea but I feel like they are missing a huge opportunity to make their product stand out. Yes, the linens are nice (getting away from the white napkin, finally!) but having a white cardboard box of truffles (at least Godiva or neuhaus or something??) just looks horrible and cheap. For now, let's assume the ice cream in a paper cup was a one-off. God forbid that's the norm... or is it? (I have no idea)
Food observations:
1. Japanese option was tasty but could have been presented better.
2. Traditional Japanese desserts was a nice touch - I'm glad for anything beyond the ice cream option.
3. Cheese plate was offered in addition to ice cream / dessert cart, but it was kind of gross (why does cheddar continue to show up here?!). Pre-plated, 3 cheese types (cheddar, brie, and a blue) with ONE grape. Looked like something you could get in the lounge.
4. Ice cream was served in a paper cup on a glass plate. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and hope that they just ran out of bowls... but it also looks like these paper cups are used in the lounge for soup. What the heck?
5. The 2 truffles they give you at boarding time is kind of pathetic. White box, no branding whatsoever (thus, I assume these are Costco-style generic, nothing fancy). Didn't bother trying them.
Since the Polaris seat isn't widely available, I was expecting United to really come through on the branding and presentation. Adding more courses or amenities like the wine tasting is a nice idea but I feel like they are missing a huge opportunity to make their product stand out. Yes, the linens are nice (getting away from the white napkin, finally!) but having a white cardboard box of truffles (at least Godiva or neuhaus or something??) just looks horrible and cheap. For now, let's assume the ice cream in a paper cup was a one-off. God forbid that's the norm... or is it? (I have no idea)
-the packaging of the chocolates is the norm ex-Asia, not sure what the deal is. They have been tasty though IME
-yes the new cheese thing sucks and has been this way since 01DEC
-Japanese meals up & down, I too enjoy the change from the same old stuff.
Jul 2, 2017, 8:02 pm
#3035
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,912
4. Ice cream was served in a paper cup on a glass plate. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and hope that they just ran out of bowls... but it also looks like these paper cups are used in the lounge for soup. What the heck?
ng??) just looks horrible and cheap. For now, let's assume the ice cream in a paper cup was a one-off. God forbid that's the norm... or is it? (I have no idea)
ng??) just looks horrible and cheap. For now, let's assume the ice cream in a paper cup was a one-off. God forbid that's the norm... or is it? (I have no idea)
-FlyerBeek
Jul 2, 2017, 9:24 pm
#3036
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,682
Jul 2, 2017, 10:18 pm
#3037
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: United 1k aa exec plat
Posts: 1,839
still no sundaes on the nrt routes then?? travelling on mon
Jul 3, 2017, 5:36 am
#3038
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,912
Jul 3, 2017, 7:05 am
#3039
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: CA, FL, and China.
Programs: UA1K (no longer serviced!), Bonvoy P, Hyatt G
Posts: 704
I am still baffled by how terrible of an idea it was for the tray table to stow into the foot well. Mind blowingly bad idea.
Jul 3, 2017, 9:45 am
#3040
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
Jul 3, 2017, 11:57 am
#3041
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,416
Jul 4, 2017, 7:39 am
#3042
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: IAD-DCA
Programs: Won Kay
Posts: 1,324
Unfortunately, our culture combined with union rules prevent FAs from being required to give the sort of top-shelf service one expects in a business or First Class cabin, or which is already available on many overseas carriers.
Jul 4, 2017, 8:15 am
#3043
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: CA, FL, and China.
Programs: UA1K (no longer serviced!), Bonvoy P, Hyatt G
Posts: 704
Not to mention this one blocks the arm motor controls when you pull it out.
Jul 4, 2017, 8:36 am
#3044
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: IAD
Programs: UA 1K & 2MM, MR Titanium
Posts: 456
First real Polaris experience in C on June 30 when 777 300ER was subbed for 777 200 on BRU-IAD route. New seat is amazing, with storage, more work area, easier tray, larger foot well, improved entertainment screen with better touch response, and a great private feel to the single window seat. Look of cabin is also really nice in my mind. Improved food and bedding are also nice, as I have already experienced during several flights on 747 and 777 200 in recent months. Chicago based crew was visibly excited as they told me this was their first flight too on the new aircraft. Good idea for UA to cycle these new aircraft through various hubs. My aircraft had flown EWR-FRA-ORD-BRU before doing BRU-IAD, so it was getting around. Y was barely half full as the new aircraft has 100 more Y seats than the 777 200 and it was subbed only 2 days before my flight, but flying Y in a full 777 300ER would be BRUTAL. Note to self: Polaris is worth any price on this aircraft...of course, that is what UA wants me to think!