UA Polaris was a big mistake
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,324
I agree that you're looking in the wrong place flying any US carrier for their service, but I find Polaris quite nice for sleeping with the big comfy duvet and the seat is nice. But then as a window person I have something against herringbone designs..
#17
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NZ
Programs: NZ Gold, BA Gold, QF Silver, IHG Platinum Elite Ambassador, Accor Diamond
Posts: 1,047
This explains why J class on US carriers has been substandard for so long. Low premium yields results in low revenues to lift J standards (and reflects reliance on US corporate contracts for international J business). Having said that, the big 3 US carriers have significantly improved their J class hard product on some aircraft, but NZ J still remains better than UA.
#18
Join Date: Dec 2013
Programs: NZ Airpoints GE, Qantas Platinum, Accor Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 943
I was expecting the Polaris product on their new 787 from SYD-LAX. It was a very standard affair. No seat privacy (especially as I had an irritating seat neighbour). Angled seating meant I was generally peering at other peoples screens. Middle aisle front row has no overhead locker as there is a crew rest compartment above.
Food was simple - steak. Crew served food and drinks; thats it.
i hate the fact that an 11.00 departure late morning and the crew dimmed the windows for the entire flight encouraging people to sleep and presumably reduce the passenger interface.
will avoid in future but see why they charged several $000s less than more direct options from AKL.
The early morning arrival time into LAX makes for a tough day, too. Give me a midnight departure from AKL any time.
Food was simple - steak. Crew served food and drinks; thats it.
i hate the fact that an 11.00 departure late morning and the crew dimmed the windows for the entire flight encouraging people to sleep and presumably reduce the passenger interface.
will avoid in future but see why they charged several $000s less than more direct options from AKL.
The early morning arrival time into LAX makes for a tough day, too. Give me a midnight departure from AKL any time.
#19
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: New Zealand (most of the time)
Programs: Air NZ Elite *G, Honors Gold, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 6,055
I've experienced this a few times on Air NZ as they do this as standard on day flights to Japan. Due to the fact these still let a lot of light through it's kinda strange for a while until you get used to the light. The new Dreamliners from early 2017 onwards have the new windows that tint a lot darker.
Last edited by sbiddle; Mar 3, 2018 at 2:00 pm