I couldn't find a non-airport specific general Polaris Lounge experience thread - if there is one, pls move my post there.

This is really a tale of two lounge products that couldn't be more different. To quote Blanche Devereaux, I am stunned. Stunned. At how United and Delta have taken such different approaches to premium cabin lounge hospitality and how United is really left behind here.

So I've been sitting here for a few hours on a very long layover in SEA - Delta's TPAC hub. While not as busy as EWR, for example, it's still a busy hub with many international departures.

I came in this morning expecting a buffet and small dining area with a long wait, and a big crowd. In reality the entire lounge is menu a la carte with table service. There is no buffet. There is also no big crowd. Busy, but not crowded. Food is served a few minutes after being ordered by the staff in a large open kitchen.

But the big takeaway here is a lounge that really feels premium - and offers a premium menu. The food has been very good - nothing that will end up in the Michelin guide by a long shot, but clearly a major premium over anything in a buffet, and a far broader menu that what is offered in the small dining areas of the Polaris Lounge.

I know United drew their line in the sand first with the Polaris Lounge concept, perhaps an attempt to elevate the floundering AA Flagship Lounge experience, but I would say they are now having their cake handed to them by the Delta interpretation of the premium cabin pre-departure lounge. I don't see any attempt or plan by United to pivot to a different approach, and it would take a complete rebuild of the lounge down to the furniture (all of the seating areas here are designed to accommodate food service for two).

Should United consider a strategic pivot on the lounge given their soon to be updated Polaris seat?

I have one more dish to try, a Dungeness crab pasta, but here is the experience so far