Originally Posted by
hikouki
How does Polaris compare to AC's international business class?
I am planning a trip to Europe for November and the UA website is giving me the option of AC or UA on the return. Outbound, it will be AC from SEA via YYZ. On the return, it is either AC via YYZ again, or UA via IAD or ORD or EWR.
The advantage of the AC return flight is that connecting time is only 2-3 hours, but via UA it will be 4-6 hours, I guess to account for CBP processing (I do have Nexus).
I know very well that both carriers do not compare well to the likes of SQ or NH or even JL, but I have heard of some 'horror' stories about flying AC business class like being served gelatinous scrambled eggs and having outright grumpy FAs. Also not sure how the AC (arrival) lounge in YYZ compares with the UA Polaris lounge in IAD.
My experience is consistent with a lot that has been said here. The signature lounge in YYZ is IMO better than any of the Polaris lounges, from them actively finding you a seat to the quality of the food and drink. I have a slight preference for the Polaris seat over the AC signature business class seat but only slight. I've had more consistent good service in AC business class than i have had in Polaris and the food on AC is (much) better.