Overall Iwe had a very positive experience with the new United Polaris 777-300ER cabin on our flight from SFO to EWR yesterday afternoon. I quickly walked the plane front to back during boarding to see the whole plane.
I always insist on a window seat since I get claustrophobic if I'm in the middle section.. So for this flight I assigned myself 5A and my hubby 6A.
Key observations :
1) if you insist on a window seat, our setup of one on front of the other worked quite well... He'd just tap me on the head whenever he wanted to talk or had a question etc.
Here's our selfie from 5A/6A:
United Boeing 777-300ER Polaris Business Class by https://www.flickr.com/photos/flyguymba/, on Flickr
2) Privacy : I definitely love the privacy of the odd numbered straight seats vs the angled seats. Seating on the angled seat made me feel exposed to the aisle but it wasn't too bad as my hubby who sat there for most of the flight didn't mind.
2) Sleep Comfort : in a full lie flat position:
A) Odd numbered straight seats are fine if you're a back sleeper. Sleeping on your side is problematic since the footwell and that "wall" that comprises of the armrest and seat controls against the window gets in the way. Besides you do recline into a small cubby with your legs under the monitor.
B) the angled seats are much less claustrophobic since there's no cubby hole you recline into and that armrest wall isn't noticeable.. Sleeping on your side is not problem for this seat.
C) Shoulder room : I'm fairly broad shouldered...or so I thought... But didn't have any problems in either seat in the lie flat position. I just had to consciously inch away from the armrest "wall" with the straight seat version in order to be comfortable... And make sure to lower the other armrest which is adjustable.
The "wall" is on my right side in this picture:
United Boeing 777-300ER Polaris Business Class by https://www.flickr.com/photos/flyguymba/, on Flickr
3) Tray table is awesome. Adjustable in so many ways and you can leave your seat even during meal service.
4) Ottoman space underneath : space is very shallow. Can't put my backpack underneath.. But perfect height for putting your shoes in them.
The aisles though is a bit tight in both Polaris and economy cabins.
Row 8, the last row in the front cabin, is a definite NO. It's way too close to the galley and the galley noise and lights would definitely be an issue... Even the F/A's told me to avoid that seat.
Overall I think the Polaris cabin is a good improvement. Coach looked dreadful.
For this flight in particular, the crew was awesome!! ������ I have no status on United but the flight attendant found a way to find me my first choice for lunch. (and yes she told me the front and back Polaris cabins are catered separately when doing meal choices)
Service was very fast.. I had to almost rush finishing lunch as they were doing sundaes right after the lunch service. I guess I ate too slow as I was busy taking pictures and making notes.
Captain was gracious enough to give me a tour of the cockpit and the crew rest area after we landed.
Fantastic crew... I know service can be a hit or miss.. But everyone on the crew for this flight were genuinely proud of their new plane. :-)
I'm posting pictures and video shortly.
https://flic.kr/s/aHskPrJHhr
Quick walk from back to front of the 777-300ER :
The tray table :
My hubby, who doesn't travel much, was shocked to see the difference when we went from the 777-300ER Polaris cabin to our 737-800 First Class cabin to SJU.... It was no comparison.. Lol������