Best Polaris experience PHX>NRT using MP
#2
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: In between IAD and DCA
Programs: UA Plat 1.1MM , Marriott Gold Elite, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,262
Polaris with the new seats is still very limited. 777-300ER is your best bet right now. I think there is one 767 in service right now with Polaris seats.
SFO-NRT is pretty much your only bet for the new seats. Only other options would be SFO-HKG or SFO-TPE and fly ANA up. Only ORD has new Polaris lounge right now and I'm not sure PHX-ORD-SFO-Asia even works for your trip.
I'd just go ahead and do PHX-SFO-NRT. Unless you want to try ANA from HKG or TPE and spend a night in one of those places. Not sure why you'd want to do that though, I wouldn't.
Your options are limited and best bet is SFO-NRT. Good luck.
SFO-NRT is pretty much your only bet for the new seats. Only other options would be SFO-HKG or SFO-TPE and fly ANA up. Only ORD has new Polaris lounge right now and I'm not sure PHX-ORD-SFO-Asia even works for your trip.
I'd just go ahead and do PHX-SFO-NRT. Unless you want to try ANA from HKG or TPE and spend a night in one of those places. Not sure why you'd want to do that though, I wouldn't.
Your options are limited and best bet is SFO-NRT. Good luck.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,488
As one who flew the new Polaris route, HKG-SFO in J the first few days it was open, I honestly wouldn't go out of my way for it. Fly a good Asian or ME carrier, and you'll have a much better experience.
#5
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Gold (prev. Ex Plat for 10 years); DL Plat; UA Gold; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,337
I like the 787 product a lot, too, especially if you're traveling in pairs. Route via LAX for more reliability schedule-wise (SFO can be a crapshoot). New UA LAX lounge, while not a Polaris product, is quite nice and bright. Wonderful outdoor patio space to grab some Jet-A-infused fresh air, too.
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 14,924
SFO lounge situation sounds abysmal for the next year or so. LAX also has the nice *A lounge at TBIT - a nice walk to stretch the legs.
#7
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
PHX-SFO-NRT is the pretty much the only choice if you want the Polaris seats. Book it before the devaluation hits!
#8
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,298
I wouldn't do any other routing on UA metal.
Note that if you have access to NH miles (AMEX transfer partner), their roundtrip US-Japan is an exceptional value at 95K miles.
#11
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: fwp blood diamond, dykwia uranium
Posts: 7,251
do eva or nh. seriously you'd forgo those 2 for ua? ua is serving sorbet sundaes right now for chrissakes. SORBET. SUNDAES.
yes the sfo eva lounge is closing in a few months (per lounge agent) and the sfo sq lounge is really sad. but good food. is t7 now connected airside to tbit? i know 6 has been connected for a while.
hnd the best if your intention is to hit up tokyo
hnd the best if your intention is to hit up tokyo
#12
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Carolina
Programs: UA LT Gold, American Kettle, Hertz #1 Presidents Circle, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 927