I’m recalling some histrionic reactions to Polaris 1.0 launch this morning … FTers swearing the new seats were an “eight-across” product, only a slight upgrade over the super dense, zero-privacy IPTE.

Call me an optimist, but I see a lot to like here … more consistent seating across the cabin, and more of it. A warmer, more modern design, with some nice touches. Window seats that all face toward the windows!! A choice between two distinct layouts in the middle section.

This, on top of what is arguably the best fleetwide business class product amongst the legacy carriers. Yes, the 757s are dismal and yes, the F&B program is lacking. But Delta and AA are still flying a lot more ghetto birds, with a very inconsistent J-product. Their lounge programs still don’t match what United has had in place for years with six Polaris lounges at all of the key trans-oceanic gateways (sorry Denver), and United is already started on the second generation.

I will miss the odd row window seats on the 77W … hears hoping for a Studio upgrade before too long.