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Invitation to UA Private Event - Polaris Related

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Old Aug 9, 2016, 5:06 pm
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Last edit by: villox
FTers attending Polaris Events:

Chicago Willis Tower
November 15 2016
  1. goodeats21
  2. Cybertronic
  3. tcdtcd +1
  4. LASUA1K
  5. COSPILOT
  6. Milepig +1
  7. JDT1955 +1
  8. ORDOGG
  9. EWRFlyerAL
  10. villox+1



DEN:
Aug 11, 2016
  1. jjmoore + 1



EWR: (Terminal C, Premier Lobby)
Aug 18, 2016
  1. PsiFighter37 + 1
  2. Billiken. EXTRA TICKET AVAILABLE
  3. EWR764 +1
  4. jackexu
  5. micp3208 (might have an extra)
  6. awu25
  7. UASleeper
  8. AugustW
  9. Readog
  10. goldelite8


IAD - Dulles International Airport (Main Terminal, Ticket Lobby)
Aug 31, 2016
  1. FlyHighInTheSky +1
  2. Alpha Golf
  3. ChrisNY2 +1
  4. IADFlyer123 +1
  5. Portolan + 1
  6. mtbaker + 1
  7. BigBossman +1
  8. Robert +1
  9. thezipper
  10. BZRORG (might have a space open)
  11. thorpeflyer (has a space open)
  12. mh3265a +1
  13. euslaner + 1
  14. Taoyuan


IAH:
Sep 07, 2016
  1. kirkwoodj
  2. AndyInSaigon +1
  3. txaggiemiles
  4. aacharya (might have a space open)
    dmunz +1
  5. azj (may also have a +1 opening, depending on babysitter)

SFO - Dogpatch Studios / 991 Tennessee Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Sept 27, 2016
  1. MatthewLAX
  2. goalie
  3. SF_DUKE
  4. Sykes
  5. Popoemt
  6. Pat89339
  7. 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.


Originally Posted by tuolumne
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
Originally Posted by WormGod
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)?
Observations

Originally Posted by jjmoore
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:
  1. 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!!!
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. The memory foam pillow is fantastic - I can't wait to use this one.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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?..
Originally Posted by Juventini
The other piece of info from United people tonight: They are planning to retrofit all 772ERs first, both sUA and sCO in two years and GF eventually will be gone.
Originally Posted by DEN
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.
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Invitation to UA Private Event - Polaris Related

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Old Aug 8, 2016, 9:47 pm
  #16  
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: ORD / PHX
Programs: UA LT 1K 3MM (former 12 yr GS), Bonvoy Amb/LT Plat
Posts: 1,341
Originally Posted by mduell
Shame the Houston event isn't at 1600 Smith, like the Denver event is in-town.
Is there really an "in town" in Houston? Just askin'!
tcdtcd is offline  
Old Aug 8, 2016, 9:56 pm
  #17  
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,700
Originally Posted by tcdtcd
Is there really an "in town" in Houston? Just askin'!
Yes
kirkwoodj is offline  
Old Aug 8, 2016, 9:58 pm
  #18  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,693
Originally Posted by tcdtcd
Is there really an "in town" in Houston? Just askin'!
Yes, where the most tall buildings are.
mduell is offline  
Old Aug 9, 2016, 1:59 am
  #19  
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA 1K, Citi Prestige, AMEX Platinum, SPG Gold
Posts: 720
Originally Posted by seenitall
Curious that Denver should be on the road show list -- given that there are hardly any international flights from DEN that will have Polaris -- and the expectation that there will be no Polaris lounge there.

And SFO and LAX are not listed at all. No Polaris for you you left coasters.
SFO is pretty high stakes given the number of HVFs there. Maybe they want to see how it goes before they show it off there...
ftweb is offline  
Old Aug 9, 2016, 6:55 am
  #20  
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: DEN
Programs: UA MP Gold, 1MM, Global Entry
Posts: 470
Originally Posted by goodeats21
I also wonder about the criteria for invitations...
I got the email invite and RSVP'ed for DEN. My wife, who shares my status, did not get the email but when she logged in the invite was available under the premier exclusives link. Seems like all MP members can login, maybe a Gold or Plat can let us know if the invite/RSVP link is there for them?

My non-status kids see the link but get this message when clicked: You may need to log in to see these items. Logged in and can't bid? We may have sold out of the item you are looking for or currently don't have any available. Items may also be restricted to certain member levels and cardholders. Click here to learn more about our credit cards. Click here to learn about Premier status qualification requirements. Please check back often as we update the MileagePlus Exclusives website daily to bring you exciting experiences and reward items. Click here to view available items.
azzurro is offline  
Old Aug 9, 2016, 6:57 am
  #21  
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: UA1K .455 MM, Hilton and Marriott Gold
Posts: 397
Going to the Dulles Event

Received the invite yesterday and sent in my RSVP quickly as it seemed to show only 75 tickets (plus a guest) were available.

If my +1 plans fall through, I may be able to bring in a fellow FT'er if one wants to go.
BigBossman is offline  
Old Aug 9, 2016, 6:58 am
  #22  
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: DEN/OGG
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 1,482
Got the invite, but will miss the DEN event due to travel while sampling the better LH FC seats and FCT/FCL
Plane-is-home is offline  
Old Aug 9, 2016, 7:08 am
  #23  
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NY
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Titanium, National Exec Elite
Posts: 126
Going to EWR!
AugustW is offline  
Old Aug 9, 2016, 7:16 am
  #24  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
I'm actually flying through IAH during the event - and if I can SDC to a later East Coast flight, I can stay longer.
aacharya is offline  
Old Aug 9, 2016, 7:17 am
  #25  
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: TX
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 729
Originally Posted by azzurro
I got the email invite and RSVP'ed for DEN. My wife, who shares my status, did not get the email but when she logged in the invite was available under the premier exclusives link. Seems like all MP members can login, maybe a Gold or Plat can let us know if the invite/RSVP link is there for them?

My non-status kids see the link but get this message when clicked: You may need to log in to see these items. Logged in and can't bid? We may have sold out of the item you are looking for or currently don't have any available. Items may also be restricted to certain member levels and cardholders. Click here to learn more about our credit cards. Click here to learn about Premier status qualification requirements. Please check back often as we update the MileagePlus Exclusives website daily to bring you exciting experiences and reward items. Click here to view available items.
Thank you for this! I did not receive the email but by following this advice I was able to confirm two tickets to the event at IAH as a Plat. I also hold the Presidential Plus cc FWIW.
txaggiemiles is offline  
Old Aug 9, 2016, 7:26 am
  #26  
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: SFO/CDG
Programs: UA 1k
Posts: 211
available as a Gold too following the link. Hopefully they schedule an SFO stop in the Fall.
SFO28L is offline  
Old Aug 9, 2016, 8:01 am
  #27  
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Originally Posted by SFO28L
available as a Gold too following the link. Hopefully they schedule an SFO stop in the Fall.
Available to me as a Silver too. Looks like they will be in Dulles on August 31st and I will be flying through IAD on September 1st which is unfortunate timing for me. Bummer since there is no chance they'll be coming through RDU
Duke787 is offline  
Old Aug 9, 2016, 8:13 am
  #28  
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1MM, MP 1K, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 462
Got tickets for Denver from the link. I may have an extra since getting one ticket wasn't a choice. Not sure what business casual is for a woman in Denver these days, though.

I was interested since the reply to my note to customer care about the platinum award fees basically said that Polaris will be the answer to everything.
FlyfromDenver is offline  
Old Aug 9, 2016, 8:14 am
  #29  
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: back in the saddle in AMWAJ
Programs: EK PLAT 2022-2023, UAplat soon to be LH senator!
Posts: 367
I'm shocked i received an invite, will be at the denver event.
cosflyer is offline  
Old Aug 9, 2016, 8:31 am
  #30  
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: DEN
Programs: UA MP Gold, 1MM, Global Entry
Posts: 470
Originally Posted by txaggiemiles
Thank you for this! I did not receive the email but by following this advice I was able to confirm two tickets to the event at IAH as a Plat. I also hold the Presidential Plus cc FWIW.
You're welcome. Glad we know that all MP levels are eligible.

Last edited by azzurro; Aug 9, 2016 at 8:55 am
azzurro is offline  


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