Last edit by: villox
FTers attending Polaris Events:
Chicago Willis Tower
November 15 2016
DEN:
Aug 11, 2016
EWR: (Terminal C, Premier Lobby)
Aug 18, 2016
IAD - Dulles International Airport (Main Terminal, Ticket Lobby)
Aug 31, 2016
IAH:
Sep 07, 2016
SFO - Dogpatch Studios / 991 Tennessee Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Sept 27, 2016
Questions/Requests for Event Attendees
For those unable to attend, please post any questions you would like attendees to ask of UA staff at the various events. Attendees, please feel free to fill in your own answers/observations.
Hopefully this exercise will get the UA FT community up to speed on the product, and perhaps allow us to offer the company some actionable feedback before the Polaris rollout.
Observations
Chicago Willis Tower
November 15 2016
- goodeats21
- Cybertronic
- tcdtcd +1
- LASUA1K
- COSPILOT
- Milepig +1
- JDT1955 +1
- ORDOGG
- EWRFlyerAL
- villox+1
DEN:
Aug 11, 2016
- jjmoore + 1
EWR: (Terminal C, Premier Lobby)
Aug 18, 2016
- PsiFighter37 + 1
- Billiken. EXTRA TICKET AVAILABLE
- EWR764 +1
- jackexu
- micp3208 (might have an extra)
- awu25
- UASleeper
- AugustW
- Readog
- goldelite8
IAD - Dulles International Airport (Main Terminal, Ticket Lobby)
Aug 31, 2016
- FlyHighInTheSky +1
- Alpha Golf
- ChrisNY2 +1
- IADFlyer123 +1
- Portolan + 1
- mtbaker + 1
- BigBossman +1
- Robert +1
- thezipper
- BZRORG (might have a space open)
- thorpeflyer (has a space open)
- mh3265a +1
- euslaner + 1
- Taoyuan
IAH:
Sep 07, 2016
- kirkwoodj
- AndyInSaigon +1
- txaggiemiles
- aacharya (might have a space open)
dmunz +1 - azj (may also have a +1 opening, depending on babysitter)
SFO - Dogpatch Studios / 991 Tennessee Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Sept 27, 2016
- MatthewLAX
- goalie
- SF_DUKE
- Sykes
- Popoemt
- Pat89339
- dordal
Questions/Requests for Event Attendees
For those unable to attend, please post any questions you would like attendees to ask of UA staff at the various events. Attendees, please feel free to fill in your own answers/observations.
Hopefully this exercise will get the UA FT community up to speed on the product, and perhaps allow us to offer the company some actionable feedback before the Polaris rollout.
My question would be relating to aircraft type and the requisite amount of dimensional variations.
I.e, do we have another situation wherein the 787 seat is going to be smaller in every dimension than the 777 seat a la AA's [Zodiac] Concept D seat, or CO's Super Diamond seat? If so, are they showing the 777 seat model at these events
I.e, do we have another situation wherein the 787 seat is going to be smaller in every dimension than the 777 seat a la AA's [Zodiac] Concept D seat, or CO's Super Diamond seat? If so, are they showing the 777 seat model at these events
1. I travel with my wife. Do any of the new seat configurations allow interaction (e.g. talking, sharing food)? Hard to tell from the United pics.
2. Does this mean that I will be able to enjoy the same meal in the lounge that I would have on the plane? Will I still be able to get a meal on the plane if I have one in the lounge (e.g. if I am rushed and cannot finish the meal before boarding)?
2. Does this mean that I will be able to enjoy the same meal in the lounge that I would have on the plane? Will I still be able to get a meal on the plane if I have one in the lounge (e.g. if I am rushed and cannot finish the meal before boarding)?
The DEN event was actually quite nice. Enjoyed a glass of Pinot, which was actually very good. Nibbled on some of the cuisine as well, which was above average compared to past experience with UA. I wouldn't say great, but above par.
Here are a few notes to share after asking some questions to the staff that was present at the event:
Here are a few notes to share after asking some questions to the staff that was present at the event:
- First and foremost, the seats are quite comfortable, and are more spacious (6'6") and private than current BF sCO seats. No more climbing over other pax to access the aisle!!!
- The inside seats are far more private than the outside seats. I do not like how the outside seats are nearly flush with the walkway. I would be concerned that people walking by may bump into my actual seat.
- The tray tables are sophisticated yet simple - they can be positioned to be completely available and still allow the pax to exit the seat to the aisle. They have a little flip slot for tablets to prop up. Very nice.
- There was not nearly enough knowledge among the staff about menus and meal choices on flights. They have not published any menus, and the only information being distributed is that there is a large variety of main course options, and the choices for a given flight will be seasonal, as well as route dependent.
- The memory foam pillow is fantastic - I can't wait to use this one.
- make-down bedding is available (comforter), but they were very direct in saying that there won't be enough to accommodate every Polaris seat on the plane. They will be first-come first-serve.
- I appreciate that I will be able to enjoy my meal in the Polaris lounge, and not have to worry about having to stay awake for the first 3 hours of a TATL / TPAC flight in order to get my meal. In-flight, there will be an open refreshment and snack bar for those that wish to dine / graze at will. There will be a "do not disturb" button that will notify the FA's to not bother.
- I got mixed responses on the route for the inaugural flight (some believe it will be a hub-hub, and a couple believed it would be EWR-TPAC. They all were consistent in saying that the inaugural 777-300 flight would occur sometime in December, as UA plans to take possession of the aircraft by Dec. 1. I hope for EWR-SFO.... wishful thinking. It will probably end up being some silly route like ORD-IAD... who knows?..
The seats were very interesting however. The center quad seats were fully functional and, although I felt a little claustrophobic, they were comfortable. It took a bit of time to understand the controls and where everything is. One set of two seats (everyone has isle access of course) seems to be a bit more confined due to the layout but I was told they are all the same size wise, it's just an optical thing. I think I'd have to actually fly in both to see if I preferred one or the other. The window seat display was roped off so it wasn't available to try but looked similar in size and functionality.
One question I did ask is if there is any in-seat storage during take off and landing and the answer was no. You could tuck away a phone or iPad probably, but not much else.
Equipment, food and amenities were all addressed, that just leaves the cabin crew. There is always room for improvement in this area with United.
I was told by one host that a Polaris Lounge was scheduled for DEN. Two further questioned hosts said there were no plans for a lounge in DEN, which makes more sense. The airports mentioned were EWR, ORD, SFO and IAH, but no time frame was offered.
One question I did ask is if there is any in-seat storage during take off and landing and the answer was no. You could tuck away a phone or iPad probably, but not much else.
Equipment, food and amenities were all addressed, that just leaves the cabin crew. There is always room for improvement in this area with United.
I was told by one host that a Polaris Lounge was scheduled for DEN. Two further questioned hosts said there were no plans for a lounge in DEN, which makes more sense. The airports mentioned were EWR, ORD, SFO and IAH, but no time frame was offered.
Invitation to UA Private Event - Polaris Related
#151
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,098
I doubt they know the answer yet, but am very interested to know whether Global Services members flying domestic itineraries in F and/or BF will be allowed into the Polaris lounges.
#152
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,098
#153
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
Unless connected to a Polaris flight, why should GS get access? Makes no sense whatsoever.
#154
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,300
#155
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
Yes, GS gets access with an International BF ticket. Poster was asking about access for (I assumed by the post) domestic F or BF.
I also assumed that this was not including p.s. service either.
#156
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
Programs: Lifetime UA 1K, Lifetime Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,261
I prefer the GFL lounge in San Francisco to any of the others there (including the Centurian) because it is quiet and has decent wines. I was in the SFO Centurian yesterday morning and they were out of coffee cups for an hour, and there were so many kids I felt like I was visiting an elementary school. Lounges that are completely packed are worthless.
#157
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,300
Good point, the domestic part didn't register at first read. I'd agree, there's no way to support the possible # of pax that might entail at those hubs that'll have a Polaris lounge.
#160
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Potomac MD
Programs: UA MP 1K
Posts: 7,182
My wife and I will be at the IAD event. Very excited about it. Now I need to requalify for 2017 (easy on miles, need an expensivce domestic trip for EQD since a December trip to Moscow has been cancelled)--will go somewhere nice in the west, perhaps in F if necessary to get the miles.
#161
Join Date: May 2007
Location: All over
Programs: UA 1K 1MM
Posts: 176
#163
Join Date: May 2016
Programs: MileagePlus, SkyMiles, HHonors
Posts: 7
Two questions for someone who has attended the event in DEN already..
1. The event at IAD is scheduled to run from 6-11PM. Is this a come and go type event or should I plan to get to Dulles at 6 and stay the entire time?
2. My friend who has Premier status qualified for a ticket and now cannot make it so he was going to send me his ticket for IAD to use for entry (I don't have status) since his name isn't on the ticket. Was there any type of guest list/ID Check for the event that would prohibit me from getting in with a ticket in hand if I'm not Premier
Thanks!
1. The event at IAD is scheduled to run from 6-11PM. Is this a come and go type event or should I plan to get to Dulles at 6 and stay the entire time?
2. My friend who has Premier status qualified for a ticket and now cannot make it so he was going to send me his ticket for IAD to use for entry (I don't have status) since his name isn't on the ticket. Was there any type of guest list/ID Check for the event that would prohibit me from getting in with a ticket in hand if I'm not Premier
Thanks!
#165
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Golden, CO USA
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 766
1. We were there for about 2 hours. 45 Minutes looking and interacting with the displays, 30 minutes for food & beverage and the rest of the time was spent chatting with a delightful couple we shared a table with.
2. No ID check found at Denver, in fact, they didn't even want my copy of the invitation I presented them. We were dressed appropriately and are of a age that event crashing isn't probably likely. Because the DEN venue was in a hotel ballroom, they may have been more relaxed about checking us against the guest list. Because a airport location is a bit more public, they may screen more closely. If you look young, expect that they will ID you simply because of the open bar.
As a reminder, this is a by invitation only event designed for Premier flyers .... just keep that in mind *should* you get turned away.
DEN
P.S. Welcome to Flyertalk!
2. No ID check found at Denver, in fact, they didn't even want my copy of the invitation I presented them. We were dressed appropriately and are of a age that event crashing isn't probably likely. Because the DEN venue was in a hotel ballroom, they may have been more relaxed about checking us against the guest list. Because a airport location is a bit more public, they may screen more closely. If you look young, expect that they will ID you simply because of the open bar.
As a reminder, this is a by invitation only event designed for Premier flyers .... just keep that in mind *should* you get turned away.
DEN
P.S. Welcome to Flyertalk!
Two questions for someone who has attended the event in DEN already..
1. The event at IAD is scheduled to run from 6-11PM. Is this a come and go type event or should I plan to get to Dulles at 6 and stay the entire time?
2. My friend who has Premier status qualified for a ticket and now cannot make it so he was going to send me his ticket for IAD to use for entry (I don't have status) since his name isn't on the ticket. Was there any type of guest list/ID Check for the event that would prohibit me from getting in with a ticket in hand if I'm not Premier
Thanks!
1. The event at IAD is scheduled to run from 6-11PM. Is this a come and go type event or should I plan to get to Dulles at 6 and stay the entire time?
2. My friend who has Premier status qualified for a ticket and now cannot make it so he was going to send me his ticket for IAD to use for entry (I don't have status) since his name isn't on the ticket. Was there any type of guest list/ID Check for the event that would prohibit me from getting in with a ticket in hand if I'm not Premier
Thanks!
Last edited by DEN; Aug 16, 2016 at 4:35 am