The Polaris Cutbacks Begin .... one less pillow
Apr 20, 2017, 7:58 pm
#31
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,012
I am totally fine with them getting rid of mattress pads and the extra pillow. As others have noted, there is way too much stuff given the amount of space you have. It's especially ridiculous with the IPTE seats.
I fail to see why this is bad, given that they specifically note that a) customers complain about having too much stuff (which is very valid, IMO), and b) mattress pad usage is low (I highly doubt it would go up, even if you told people about it. Most people would want to go to sleep right away).
Frankly, I would also have no issue with TATL redeye meal service getting cut back as well. I am flying EWR-LHR next week and am semi-dreading the first half of the flight basically being dedicated to meal service...not really sure how I am going to sleep, even if I decide not to eat at all, given all the noise on the plane.
I fail to see why this is bad, given that they specifically note that a) customers complain about having too much stuff (which is very valid, IMO), and b) mattress pad usage is low (I highly doubt it would go up, even if you told people about it. Most people would want to go to sleep right away).
Frankly, I would also have no issue with TATL redeye meal service getting cut back as well. I am flying EWR-LHR next week and am semi-dreading the first half of the flight basically being dedicated to meal service...not really sure how I am going to sleep, even if I decide not to eat at all, given all the noise on the plane.
Apr 20, 2017, 8:11 pm
#32
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: DL Platinum, AA Lifetime Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Radisson Premium
Posts: 6,638
I support this move and I'm glad they're listening. The first thing I noticed was that there were too many things that I didn't need in the seat. I don't use the pillow/blanket until I decide to sleep (maybe 30-45 minutes after the meal service), and that extra sheet seemed a little unnecessary. I haven't yet been on one of the Polaris seats, but at least on the 787 and 747 I felt like there was barely any room.
The big pillow and blanket + the amenity kit are more than enough for me.
The big pillow and blanket + the amenity kit are more than enough for me.
Apr 20, 2017, 9:23 pm
#33
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: UA-1K
Posts: 308
NO!!!! I love the pillows. I use all 3. The big, little & blue. I couldn't read the article quoted, but are they just taking away the little pillow or taking away more? Why not stock a few of them so folks who like lots of pillows can ask for them. One flight, I even used 2 gel pillows, the big & small. I like to put a pillow between my legs when I sleep on my side.
I've tried the mattress pad and have found that I like using the big blanket as one instead. The mattress pad shifts around too much for me, or maybe it's that I'm too restless for the mattress pad.
Apr 20, 2017, 10:07 pm
#35
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Golden, CO USA
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 769
I'm a bit surprised they made this change before more aircraft are updated to the Polaris seating. It seems there is a bit more storage in the new seats (I haven't flown in them yet but did sit in one at the DEN Polaris event). I agree there's a lot in the seat when you board and its a challenge to fit it all away. I don't need a blanket or two pillows for the first few hours but it is nice when I'm trying to sleep.
DEN
DEN
Apr 20, 2017, 11:34 pm
#36
Join Date: Jul 2015
Programs: UA Platinum, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 873
I get the concerns about not having a place to put stuff but this is disappointing to me as all the new bedding definitely makes it easier for me to be comfortable and to fall asleep right away. I think most people are unaware that they could ask for the mattress pad and gel pillow and that's why usage is so low.
Apr 21, 2017, 1:32 am
#37
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,862
On my Polaris C flight yesterday from KIX-SFO, the sundae was eliminated. Instead they handed out little cups of vanilla ice cream, like the ones that sell for Y130 in Japanese convenience stores.
When asked why the cutback, one flight attendant said that it had something to do with the 'guy who was dragged off the plane.' Folks, I really, honestly, cannot make stuff like this up.
When asked why the cutback, one flight attendant said that it had something to do with the 'guy who was dragged off the plane.' Folks, I really, honestly, cannot make stuff like this up.
Apr 21, 2017, 1:44 am
#38
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,878
On my Polaris C flight yesterday from KIX-SFO, the sundae was eliminated. Instead they handed out little cups of vanilla ice cream, like the ones that sell for Y130 in Japanese convenience stores.
When asked why the cutback, one flight attendant said that it had something to do with the 'guy who was dragged off the plane.' Folks, I really, honestly, cannot make stuff like this up.
When asked why the cutback, one flight attendant said that it had something to do with the 'guy who was dragged off the plane.' Folks, I really, honestly, cannot make stuff like this up.
Apr 21, 2017, 2:17 am
#39
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,862
Try this instead http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...il-we-fix.html
Apr 21, 2017, 4:16 am
#41
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: TUS and any place close to a lav
Programs: UA 1.6MM
Posts: 5,423
Apr 21, 2017, 6:29 am
#42
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: ROC/NYC/MSP/LAX/HKG/SIN
Posts: 3,215
Ah, a strike to the Polaris Pillow Fort. 
The mattress pads don't see a lot of use, in my experience. I agree that publicizing their availability would change this a bit, but as long as enough remain to satisfy those who request them, I'm OK with this.
The decadence of having two pillows was fun, but in reality, one is probably sufficient. This is especially true if you request the gel pillow. Currently, you end up with three pillows, and it is a bit of an exercise to find a place for all of them.
Hopefully, this isn't a sign of additional cutbacks to come.
The mattress pads don't see a lot of use, in my experience. I agree that publicizing their availability would change this a bit, but as long as enough remain to satisfy those who request them, I'm OK with this.
The decadence of having two pillows was fun, but in reality, one is probably sufficient. This is especially true if you request the gel pillow. Currently, you end up with three pillows, and it is a bit of an exercise to find a place for all of them.
Hopefully, this isn't a sign of additional cutbacks to come.
Not a good idea.
Apr 21, 2017, 10:23 pm
#43
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 350
The same as smaller pillow. I am actually a big fan of the smaller pillow, but I don't see a lot of people with pajamas, pillow, and the mattress pad. It may have been better to just stock 75% of these items. Small pillows help me get cushion away from the armrest or lumber support.
Not a good idea.
Not a good idea.
At least on the UD window, there's plenty of space for all the stuff
Apr 21, 2017, 10:59 pm
#44
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,324
Well, this clearly isn't a problem in the much larger United Polaris Global First Suites (that's a mouthful), with their large stowage bins.
In IPTE C, I did see many people simply putting the stuff behind their seat. In fact, my IPTE C seat has had a packacked sax duvet behind it when I boarded. Good thing I looked before retracting the seat. Getting rid of the second smaller pillow is smart, since it seems like more than half of the cabin either stows it above, or puts it below their footrest.
As far as the mattress pads and gel pillows, I was the only one out of 12 pax in F today who asked for either. My other Polaris flights (4 in C, 3 other in F), display similar low numbers of takers, likely because people simply aren't aware of the amenities, and I've never once had the crew announce availability.
And oh yes, the ice cream is the same from E due to the aforementioned glassware issue...but I found it rather good (vanilla-ginger something).
In IPTE C, I did see many people simply putting the stuff behind their seat. In fact, my IPTE C seat has had a packacked sax duvet behind it when I boarded. Good thing I looked before retracting the seat. Getting rid of the second smaller pillow is smart, since it seems like more than half of the cabin either stows it above, or puts it below their footrest.
As far as the mattress pads and gel pillows, I was the only one out of 12 pax in F today who asked for either. My other Polaris flights (4 in C, 3 other in F), display similar low numbers of takers, likely because people simply aren't aware of the amenities, and I've never once had the crew announce availability.
And oh yes, the ice cream is the same from E due to the aforementioned glassware issue...but I found it rather good (vanilla-ginger something).
Last edited by tuolumne; Apr 21, 2017 at 11:04 pm