Jan 17, 2020, 6:38 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Archive thread -- Active thread is United Polaris - New Business Class seats & inflight service -- 3+ years after Intro
United website - Explore: http://view.ceros.com/united/polaris-business-class/p/1
from UA's Facebook stream
Official Polaris Lounge Access Rules are here: Polaris Lounge Access Rules
United Polaris Business and Polaris First pax may access the Polaris lounge at connecting airports and their final destination within 24 hours of departure or arrival.
*A international J and F pax may only access the Polaris lounge at the departure airport. For purposes of Polaris lounge access, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, and Guam are excluded from the definition of "international."
Seat Chart.
Press release: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...300278706.html
NEW YORK, June 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With the aspiration of making weary business travel a relic of the past, United Airlines today unveiled its all-new United Polaris business class, the airline's most significant product transformation in more than a decade, featuring a reimagined, sleep-enhancing, departure-to-landing experience for intercontinental travelers.
Named after the North Star, United Polaris is the shining new star of business class travel that flyers can turn to for a tranquil and restful journey.
"United Polaris will change the game in international business travel with an exceptional level of relaxation and comfort throughout our customers' journeys," said Oscar Munoz, president and CEO of United. "This completely reconceived experience exemplifies the new spirit of United and the innovation, excitement and operational momentum across our airline."
Path-Breaking Design
In setting out to create a transformative business class experience, United chose to outfit its widebody fleet with a custom-designed, exclusive-to-United seat, rather than select an option already in the marketplace. Designed in partnership with Acumen Design Associates and PriestmanGoode and manufactured by Zodiac Seats United Kingdom, each United Polaris seat will offer direct access to the aisle, 180-degree flat-bed recline and up to 6 foot 6 inches of bed space.
Crafted as individual, forward-facing, suite-like pods, each customer's personal suite will feature a "Do Not Disturb" sign, mood lighting, one-touch lumbar support, several storage areas, multiple surfaces for simultaneous working and dining, a 16-inch high-definition entertainment screen and, for seats in the center of the cabin, electronic privacy dividers. Complementing the new seats, United and PriestmanGoode have also conceived an all-new look for the United Polaris cabins.
In rethinking the international business class experience, United conducted more than 12,000 hours of research, and sleep emerged as the single most important priority for international business class travelers. United Polaris' path-breaking design and sleep-enhancing focus was inspired and informed by insights from hundreds of customers and employees, inflight product simulations and more than 100 product evaluations.
Sleep-Enticing Amenities
In addition to the sleep-enticing United Polaris personal suites, several other amenities were designed with our customers' sleep in mind.
In a first-of-its-kind partnership, United has worked with leading luxury specialty store Saks Fifth Avenue for custom-designed bedding. All designed to provide the best sleep in the sky, the new bedding collection will feature plush duvets, lightweight day-blankets and a large and small pillow for each United Polaris customer. In addition, mattress cushions will be available upon request.
Slippers will be available on all flights, and customized United Polaris pajamas will be available by request on flights longer than 12 hours**. Flyers will also be able to request a gel-cooled pillow. New amenity kits will feature ergonomically designed eye shades, calming lavender pillow mist and additional products from Soho House & Co.'s Cowshed Spa.
With the introduction of United Polaris, the airline intends to donate tens of thousands of pillows, blankets and other inflight service items to Fisher House Foundation, which United and its employees have long supported.
Elevated Dining Experience
Upon boarding their flight, each United Polaris customer will be welcomed with a pre-departure beverage of his or her choice and gourmet chocolate. While in the air, customers will enjoy regionally influenced in-flight menus updated seasonally, developed in partnership with The Trotter Project and its critically recognized chefs, including Bill Kim of acclaimed Chicago restaurants Urbanbelly, bellyQ and Belly Shack.
The airline will offer an upgraded wine experience, with the highest-quality options curated exclusively by United's Master Sommelier. Inflight service will also include made-to-order signature ice cream sundaes, a dessert cart with a variety of petit dessert options, chocolate truffles and wine flights. On daytime flights longer than eight hours and on all flights longer than 12 hours, hot mid-flight snacks such as lobster macaroni and cheese will be available.
Raising The Bar With United Polaris Business Class Lounges
United will also open an exclusive portfolio of United Polaris business class lounges in nine locations around the world – the only lounge of its kind offered by a U.S. airline to business class customers – that will feature custom-designed chairs, private daybeds, spa-like showers and chef-inspired hot meals served in a boutique restaurant setting so customers can refresh and dine before boarding their planes. Premium sparkling wines and spirits, refreshing snacks and bottled water will also be offered.
The first new United Polaris lounge will open at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Dec. 1, 2016. Lounges in eight other locations – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York/Newark, Washington Dulles, Tokyo Narita, Hong Kong and London Heathrow – will follow in 2017.
United Polaris Introduction
United will begin to introduce United Polaris on Dec. 1, 2016, with the new inflight food and beverage experience, new custom bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, new amenity kits and the new United Polaris lounge in Chicago. The United Polaris business class seat will first take flight in December on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and subsequently on Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, as well as on Boeing 767-300 and 777-200 retrofits.
United Polaris will serve business class customers flying the U.S. airline industry's most global route network, reaching more than 330 destinations in more than 50 countries.
More information on the United Polaris business class can be found at united.com/Polaris.
** Flights with pajama service (for both directions)
SFO - ICN, PEK, PVG, HGH, XIV, TPE, AKL, HKG, CTU, SYD, TLV, SIN
EWR - NRT, PEK, DEL, BOM, HKG, PVG
ORD - NRT, PEK PVG, HKG
LAX - PVG, SYD, MEL, SIN
IAD - NRT, PEK
IAH - NRT, SYD
(from United Twitter feed https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CyjFHZLW...jpg&name=large
{Similar Threads:
Polaris Lounge Roadmap 2017-2018 (wiki) (thread)
Polaris lounge ORD - opened 01 Dec 2016 (wiki) (thread)
SFO Lounge changes? Which will become Polaris? Shower options?(wiki) (thread)
United Polaris-New Business Class seats & inflight service and new Polaris Lounges(wiki) (thread)}
United website - Explore: http://view.ceros.com/united/polaris-business-class/p/1
from UA's Facebook stream
Only customers traveling in United Polaris business class or United Polaris Global First on international flights and customers in Star Alliance international first or business class cabins on flights longer than six hours will have access to the United Polaris Lounge.
United Polaris Business and Polaris First pax may access the Polaris lounge at connecting airports and their final destination within 24 hours of departure or arrival.
*A international J and F pax may only access the Polaris lounge at the departure airport. For purposes of Polaris lounge access, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, and Guam are excluded from the definition of "international."
Seat Chart.
Press release: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...300278706.html
NEW YORK, June 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With the aspiration of making weary business travel a relic of the past, United Airlines today unveiled its all-new United Polaris business class, the airline's most significant product transformation in more than a decade, featuring a reimagined, sleep-enhancing, departure-to-landing experience for intercontinental travelers.
Named after the North Star, United Polaris is the shining new star of business class travel that flyers can turn to for a tranquil and restful journey.
"United Polaris will change the game in international business travel with an exceptional level of relaxation and comfort throughout our customers' journeys," said Oscar Munoz, president and CEO of United. "This completely reconceived experience exemplifies the new spirit of United and the innovation, excitement and operational momentum across our airline."
Path-Breaking Design
In setting out to create a transformative business class experience, United chose to outfit its widebody fleet with a custom-designed, exclusive-to-United seat, rather than select an option already in the marketplace. Designed in partnership with Acumen Design Associates and PriestmanGoode and manufactured by Zodiac Seats United Kingdom, each United Polaris seat will offer direct access to the aisle, 180-degree flat-bed recline and up to 6 foot 6 inches of bed space.
Crafted as individual, forward-facing, suite-like pods, each customer's personal suite will feature a "Do Not Disturb" sign, mood lighting, one-touch lumbar support, several storage areas, multiple surfaces for simultaneous working and dining, a 16-inch high-definition entertainment screen and, for seats in the center of the cabin, electronic privacy dividers. Complementing the new seats, United and PriestmanGoode have also conceived an all-new look for the United Polaris cabins.
In rethinking the international business class experience, United conducted more than 12,000 hours of research, and sleep emerged as the single most important priority for international business class travelers. United Polaris' path-breaking design and sleep-enhancing focus was inspired and informed by insights from hundreds of customers and employees, inflight product simulations and more than 100 product evaluations.
Sleep-Enticing Amenities
In addition to the sleep-enticing United Polaris personal suites, several other amenities were designed with our customers' sleep in mind.
In a first-of-its-kind partnership, United has worked with leading luxury specialty store Saks Fifth Avenue for custom-designed bedding. All designed to provide the best sleep in the sky, the new bedding collection will feature plush duvets, lightweight day-blankets and a large and small pillow for each United Polaris customer. In addition, mattress cushions will be available upon request.
Slippers will be available on all flights, and customized United Polaris pajamas will be available by request on flights longer than 12 hours**. Flyers will also be able to request a gel-cooled pillow. New amenity kits will feature ergonomically designed eye shades, calming lavender pillow mist and additional products from Soho House & Co.'s Cowshed Spa.
With the introduction of United Polaris, the airline intends to donate tens of thousands of pillows, blankets and other inflight service items to Fisher House Foundation, which United and its employees have long supported.
Elevated Dining Experience
Upon boarding their flight, each United Polaris customer will be welcomed with a pre-departure beverage of his or her choice and gourmet chocolate. While in the air, customers will enjoy regionally influenced in-flight menus updated seasonally, developed in partnership with The Trotter Project and its critically recognized chefs, including Bill Kim of acclaimed Chicago restaurants Urbanbelly, bellyQ and Belly Shack.
The airline will offer an upgraded wine experience, with the highest-quality options curated exclusively by United's Master Sommelier. Inflight service will also include made-to-order signature ice cream sundaes, a dessert cart with a variety of petit dessert options, chocolate truffles and wine flights. On daytime flights longer than eight hours and on all flights longer than 12 hours, hot mid-flight snacks such as lobster macaroni and cheese will be available.
Raising The Bar With United Polaris Business Class Lounges
United will also open an exclusive portfolio of United Polaris business class lounges in nine locations around the world – the only lounge of its kind offered by a U.S. airline to business class customers – that will feature custom-designed chairs, private daybeds, spa-like showers and chef-inspired hot meals served in a boutique restaurant setting so customers can refresh and dine before boarding their planes. Premium sparkling wines and spirits, refreshing snacks and bottled water will also be offered.
The first new United Polaris lounge will open at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Dec. 1, 2016. Lounges in eight other locations – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York/Newark, Washington Dulles, Tokyo Narita, Hong Kong and London Heathrow – will follow in 2017.
United Polaris Introduction
United will begin to introduce United Polaris on Dec. 1, 2016, with the new inflight food and beverage experience, new custom bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, new amenity kits and the new United Polaris lounge in Chicago. The United Polaris business class seat will first take flight in December on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and subsequently on Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, as well as on Boeing 767-300 and 777-200 retrofits.
United Polaris will serve business class customers flying the U.S. airline industry's most global route network, reaching more than 330 destinations in more than 50 countries.
More information on the United Polaris business class can be found at united.com/Polaris.
[From [email][email protected] 11/15/2016]
Starting December 1, 2016, United Polaris Business Class service will replace United BusinessFirst service on international flights, and United Polaris Global First service will replace the current United Global First service.
Between 2017 to 2019 eight additional United Polaris lounges will open at EWR, HKG, IAD, IAH, LAX, LHR, NRT and SFO. We do not have the exact opening dates at this time. A scheduling announcement will be forthcoming.
Starting December 1, 2016, United Polaris Business Class service will replace United BusinessFirst service on international flights, and United Polaris Global First service will replace the current United Global First service.
Between 2017 to 2019 eight additional United Polaris lounges will open at EWR, HKG, IAD, IAH, LAX, LHR, NRT and SFO. We do not have the exact opening dates at this time. A scheduling announcement will be forthcoming.
SFO - ICN, PEK, PVG, HGH, XIV, TPE, AKL, HKG, CTU, SYD, TLV, SIN
EWR - NRT, PEK, DEL, BOM, HKG, PVG
ORD - NRT, PEK PVG, HKG
LAX - PVG, SYD, MEL, SIN
IAD - NRT, PEK
IAH - NRT, SYD
(from United Twitter feed https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CyjFHZLW...jpg&name=large
{Similar Threads:
Polaris Lounge Roadmap 2017-2018 (wiki) (thread)
Polaris lounge ORD - opened 01 Dec 2016 (wiki) (thread)
SFO Lounge changes? Which will become Polaris? Shower options?(wiki) (thread)
United Polaris-New Business Class seats & inflight service and new Polaris Lounges(wiki) (thread)}
United Polaris - New Business Class seats & inflight service {Archive}
Oct 24, 2016, 5:11 am
#1771
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
NH uses plastic as well. The only reason it bothers me is that I hate single use plastic waste...it's not a "refinement" or class thing for me.
Oct 24, 2016, 5:49 am
#1772
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott/SPG/Hilton Gold, PreCheck + Clear
Posts: 2,306
I wonder if the new Polaris PDB stemware is intended to be reused? From the photos it appears to be of much higher quality than disposal plastic cups.
Oct 24, 2016, 6:40 am
#1773
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,159
Oct 24, 2016, 7:14 am
#1774
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
My guess is zero. Qantas heavily marketed this feature before it launched and I find it hard to believe UA would have gone this long without mentioning it once if it was a Polaris feature
Oct 24, 2016, 7:15 am
#1775
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: 1 thousand
Posts: 2,112
There's additional fuel wasted in lifting that heavier glassware into the air though. (A comparison would be interesting to be honest.)
Oct 24, 2016, 1:52 pm
#1776
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,657
I am wondering how sudden the 12/1 cutover will be for the soft product. I am outbound (SFO-TPE) on 11/29 and return on 12/15, so I presume I won't have Polaris outbound, but will I see some of the features then? I mean, will FA training be "activated" on 12/1 exactly?
Oct 24, 2016, 2:46 pm
#1777
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,159
I would imagine the first couple of days are going to be muddled. They will need to change over all the dishware, bedding, etc. which I doubt will be accomplished at outstations. So it will be switched out when the plane cycles through a provisioning hub.
May even have a new service (entrees, etc) on existing plateware or something. I would expect by the first week, things will be pretty well implemented.
Oct 25, 2016, 7:12 am
#1778
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Posts: 189
Polaris versus other Star Alliance?
I have flown almost all of the United Star Alliance partners as well as Etihad and Qatar, and this product is going to have to be more than a new cabin, however much that is needed. I am just completing a round-trip from Chicago to Geneva on LOT, and I was absolutely stunned at the quality of the service as well as the general business class cabin in their 787. I decided on LOT for this trip because the least expensive business class fare on United was over $5,000. I paid just under $3,000 on LOT for this trip in business and cannot even rate the product on the same scale as current United. My pet peeve is not having true sparkling water in United's premium cabins and the wines and meals in business or global first are just cheap--there is no other word. On LOT, I was offered 3 white wines--one of them Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, which is a $15+ bottle wine in most instances. I have NEVER recognized a United wine and they have often served the only sauvignon blanc from either New Zealand or South Africa that is absolutely undrinkable. There was none of the "first and second choices" of entrees because enough meals were boarded so that premium passengers could choose their meal. Also--expresso, cappuccino, 2 bathrooms and 3 flight attendants (meticulously and professionally attired and mannered) for 18 business class passengers. And, almost half the price of United's business class. This was infinitely superior to United's Global First product. The lounge was spacious and offered complimentary spa services (not quite like the ME3, but still nice for a long layover). I'm planning my 2017 trips and will likely book on other Star Alliance carriers unless the Polaris is something more than the same lie-flat seats with direct aisle access that other airlines have had for years. I'm a 2MM flyer at this point, 1K for 20 years and purchase business class fares (discounted when possible). I just can't justify a $5000+ ticket for such mediocre service.
Does anyone know anything other than "plans" for upgraded menus.
Does anyone know anything other than "plans" for upgraded menus.
Oct 25, 2016, 8:39 am
#1779
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,159
I have flown almost all of the United Star Alliance partners as well as Etihad and Qatar, and this product is going to have to be more than a new cabin, however much that is needed. I am just completing a round-trip from Chicago to Geneva on LOT, and I was absolutely stunned at the quality of the service as well as the general business class cabin in their 787. I decided on LOT for this trip because the least expensive business class fare on United was over $5,000. I paid just under $3,000 on LOT for this trip in business and cannot even rate the product on the same scale as current United. My pet peeve is not having true sparkling water in United's premium cabins and the wines and meals in business or global first are just cheap--there is no other word. On LOT, I was offered 3 white wines--one of them Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, which is a $15+ bottle wine in most instances. I have NEVER recognized a United wine and they have often served the only sauvignon blanc from either New Zealand or South Africa that is absolutely undrinkable. There was none of the "first and second choices" of entrees because enough meals were boarded so that premium passengers could choose their meal. Also--expresso, cappuccino, 2 bathrooms and 3 flight attendants (meticulously and professionally attired and mannered) for 18 business class passengers. And, almost half the price of United's business class. This was infinitely superior to United's Global First product. The lounge was spacious and offered complimentary spa services (not quite like the ME3, but still nice for a long layover). I'm planning my 2017 trips and will likely book on other Star Alliance carriers unless the Polaris is something more than the same lie-flat seats with direct aisle access that other airlines have had for years. I'm a 2MM flyer at this point, 1K for 20 years and purchase business class fares (discounted when possible). I just can't justify a $5000+ ticket for such mediocre service.
Does anyone know anything other than "plans" for upgraded menus.
Does anyone know anything other than "plans" for upgraded menus.
As for Polaris, the meal service is being update as well as additional training for the FAs. Of course we will not know the real-world impact until after Dec. 1. I am hopeful, but skeptical.
Pretty sure there will not be espresso / cappuccino, etc. though the tea selection is slated to improve. Have not heard about any changes to sparkling water. They have been touting some wine service, but nothing specific. I haven't even heard if they will be providing a printed wine list.
I will be attending the upcoming Polaris event in Chicago, so will get a chance to check out the seats. Not sure how the catered event will compare to on-board service to evaluate meals.
Bottom line: I guess time will tell.
Oct 25, 2016, 10:30 am
#1780
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NYC: UA 1K, DL Platinum, AAirpass, Avis PC
Posts: 4,599
I have flown almost all of the United Star Alliance partners as well as Etihad and Qatar, and this product is going to have to be more than a new cabin, however much that is needed. I am just completing a round-trip from Chicago to Geneva on LOT, and I was absolutely stunned at the quality of the service as well as the general business class cabin in their 787. I decided on LOT for this trip because the least expensive business class fare on United was over $5,000. I paid just under $3,000 on LOT for this trip in business and cannot even rate the product on the same scale as current United. My pet peeve is not having true sparkling water in United's premium cabins and the wines and meals in business or global first are just cheap--there is no other word. On LOT, I was offered 3 white wines--one of them Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, which is a $15+ bottle wine in most instances. I have NEVER recognized a United wine and they have often served the only sauvignon blanc from either New Zealand or South Africa that is absolutely undrinkable. There was none of the "first and second choices" of entrees because enough meals were boarded so that premium passengers could choose their meal. Also--expresso, cappuccino, 2 bathrooms and 3 flight attendants (meticulously and professionally attired and mannered) for 18 business class passengers. And, almost half the price of United's business class. This was infinitely superior to United's Global First product. The lounge was spacious and offered complimentary spa services (not quite like the ME3, but still nice for a long layover). I'm planning my 2017 trips and will likely book on other Star Alliance carriers unless the Polaris is something more than the same lie-flat seats with direct aisle access that other airlines have had for years. I'm a 2MM flyer at this point, 1K for 20 years and purchase business class fares (discounted when possible). I just can't justify a $5000+ ticket for such mediocre service.
Does anyone know anything other than "plans" for upgraded menus.
Does anyone know anything other than "plans" for upgraded menus.
And also enjoyed the meal service / beverages - really nicely done.
But there would be howls here if UA stuck with that 2x2x2 layout (which I personally find fine) and cut the size of the cabin in half.
They're able to spend more on that soft product with the layout, smaller cabin, better underlying costs, and well...not the same profit margin!
We definitely will see change in the menus. But whether it just becomes something slightly better than AA is what the reality will tell.
Oct 25, 2016, 11:33 am
#1781
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: RDU
Programs: AA, UA, DL Silver, SW, BA, AC 25k, Marriott Gold
Posts: 56
Polaris soft product should include San Pellegrino sparkling water, judging by the photos of the Polaris events.
Oct 25, 2016, 12:22 pm
#1782
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
Oct 25, 2016, 12:40 pm
#1783
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DFW
Programs: UA peon (+decades 1K), AA Exec Plt
Posts: 1,117
Never been on one but it is advertised as "Gate-to-gate seat recline".
Oct 25, 2016, 7:35 pm
#1785
Join Date: Nov 2015
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 183
I think I've finally figured this out. If I order seltzer I get plain seltzer but sparkling water gets me the Dasani. Of course, now that I've said it I will be proven wrong in my next flight.