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}
Dec 21, 2016, 12:32 pm
#2491
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
Try sleeping in the SQ angle seats on its A330, 772 and 773, then tell me they are actually making the product better. As much as I love flying SQ, I aviod those angle seats on red flights. Not sure SQ, NH and TG still have them around on a numer of planes flying the intercontinetal routes. There are no absolute seat consitency on some of the Asian carriers people has been glowing about.
SQ remains to be my favorite airlines, but we also need to be objective on this issue about slowly rolling out of hard product and mis-informing the passengers about seats not being ready. No airlines in the world can pull that off across the entire fleet. Sure, UA could postpone the soft product launch until all the planes are fitted with new seats, but that is not a good solution either. Improvement is needed in the premium cabin. At least UA is trying.
SQ remains to be my favorite airlines, but we also need to be objective on this issue about slowly rolling out of hard product and mis-informing the passengers about seats not being ready. No airlines in the world can pull that off across the entire fleet. Sure, UA could postpone the soft product launch until all the planes are fitted with new seats, but that is not a good solution either. Improvement is needed in the premium cabin. At least UA is trying.
If they were more clear about what to actually expect and the seats are coming, I would have a lot more respect for them.
But that is probably wishful thinking in the current culture.
Dec 21, 2016, 4:11 pm
#2492
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NYC: UA 1K, DL Platinum, AAirpass, Avis PC
Posts: 4,599
I don't disagree with any of the above. My nit with United over this is their prominent use of the seat in advertising the Polaris product. When they proclaim their focus on Polaris is sleep and show the new seat, they are setting up a false claim. Thankfully, I am engaged enough with Airlines to know the real story.
If they were more clear about what to actually expect and the seats are coming, I would have a lot more respect for them.
But that is probably wishful thinking in the current culture.
If they were more clear about what to actually expect and the seats are coming, I would have a lot more respect for them.
But that is probably wishful thinking in the current culture.
In 2008 they were actively touting their 'new' first and business class. Even though not a single 777 (over half the fleet) wouldn't see the seat for 2 years.
Read this well thought out critique of their advertising approach for the new biz class and the reputation of UA:
http://adage.com/article/ad-review/u...rlines/130516/
Dec 21, 2016, 4:47 pm
#2493
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: UA, Starwood, Priority Club, Hertz, Starbucks Gold Card
Posts: 3,953
My nit with United over this is their prominent use of the seat in advertising the Polaris product. When they proclaim their focus on Polaris is sleep and show the new seat, they are setting up a false claim. Thankfully, I am engaged enough with Airlines to know the real story...
The real story is, nitpicking about UA over something that all airlines do is just unique thing to the UA board.
Dec 21, 2016, 6:27 pm
#2494
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 suggest that we head over to the DL board here on FT and engage in the heated discussion about Delta One's "World's First All-Suite Business Class." Oh wait, there isn't such a discussion over there, even though there isn't a single "all-suite business class" in service yet, nor does DL plan to have "all-suite business class" for its entire international fleet.
The real story is, nitpicking about UA over something that all airlines do is just unique thing to the UA board.
The real story is, nitpicking about UA over something that all airlines do is just unique thing to the UA board.
My relationship is with United. I am engaged enough to understand the real story, but am detached enough to realize the credibility gap that United's marketing has created.
What United advertises versus what an unwitting customer actually experiences. (Images taken from web).
Dec 21, 2016, 6:38 pm
#2495
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: UA, Starwood, Priority Club, Hertz, Starbucks Gold Card
Posts: 3,953
Right. The fact remains that all airlines, not just UA, market with hype and exaggerated expectations.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Dec 21, 2016 at 7:56 pm Reason: Discuss the issue, not the poster.
Dec 21, 2016, 7:27 pm
#2496
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: UA 1k
Posts: 103
I am not really concerned about Delta. I don't recall seeing any advertising for Delta's product, though I readily admit that I probably wouldn't have paid much attention.
My relationship is with United. I am engaged enough to understand the real story, but am detached enough to realize the credibility gap that United's marketing has created.
What United advertises versus what an unwitting customer actually experiences. (Images taken from web).
My relationship is with United. I am engaged enough to understand the real story, but am detached enough to realize the credibility gap that United's marketing has created.
What United advertises versus what an unwitting customer actually experiences. (Images taken from web).
Obviously the marketing campaign functions as a symbolic translation for what united wants you to experience, on board a polaris flight, and that is a good night sleep.
The bedding (pillows, blankets etc.) do support what is shown in their ad campaign.
Dec 21, 2016, 7:35 pm
#2497
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: ORD
Programs: 1K, MM, Marriott Plat
Posts: 427
Disagree completely and Delta, AA... never lied to me like UAL did. Million miler benefits for life. Even the judge called them dishonest while dismissing the suit on a technicality. Like many, will never trust them again unless they admit and correct their mistake and you justify misrepresentation? No wonder it continues when deemed acceptable by some.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Dec 21, 2016 at 7:56 pm Reason: Updated quote to reflect Mod edit
Dec 21, 2016, 7:47 pm
#2498
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: UA, Starwood, Priority Club, Hertz, Starbucks Gold Card
Posts: 3,953
Personal anecdotes are just that, one person's account. Google "deceptive advertising" and (name your own airline), and see what all comes up. The DOT also keeps a whole compendium of cease-and-desist orders. A quick search reveals AA, DL, UA, WN, and basically every conceivable airline that advertise in the U.S.
Dec 21, 2016, 7:50 pm
#2499
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: UA 1K (Million Miler). AA Gold (lifetime 1 Million). TK Elite Gold
Posts: 895
UA 895 on 19Feb
I am flying ORD-HKG on UA 895 on 19Feb. Polaris Business seems to map as 2-4-2 configuration. Is this really a Polaris Business seating plan?
Dec 21, 2016, 7:53 pm
#2500
Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Starwood Gold
Posts: 951
How are they advertising the new seats, selling it as "polaris business", and serving up the old seats? Seems pretty unethical. If I purchase Polaris Business how do I know what seat i'm getting?
Dec 21, 2016, 8:01 pm
#2502
Moderator: United Airlines
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
Your aircraft will be the older lie flat sUA IPTE seats.
See the wiki of http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...3-economy.html for a view of the new all aisle access Polaris seatmap.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Dec 21, 2016 at 8:07 pm Reason: link to polaris seat map
Dec 21, 2016, 8:54 pm
#2503
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
You are comparing apple with oranges using those two photographs of two different hard products.
Obviously the marketing campaign functions as a symbolic translation for what united wants you to experience, on board a polaris flight, and that is a good night sleep.
The bedding (pillows, blankets etc.) do support what is shown in their ad campaign.
Obviously the marketing campaign functions as a symbolic translation for what united wants you to experience, on board a polaris flight, and that is a good night sleep.
The bedding (pillows, blankets etc.) do support what is shown in their ad campaign.
Even in this thread, FTers (highly engaged air travel consumers) are posting with confusion about what exactly is Polaris service / seat confusion.
Not a great campaign, for either Polaris or the United Brand.
Dec 21, 2016, 9:38 pm
#2504
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: WN, AA, UA, DL
Posts: 1,313
It's a fine campaign--the best the U.S. industry has seen in years. You and much of FT have made a mistake. FT is fixated on a new seat. But Polaris is NOT a new seat. It's a new brand name for an upgraded business class experience, of which a new seat is part of. If travelers are wise enough to spot and know differences in seats, they're wise enough to understand what product they're receiving when they book a flight.
Dec 21, 2016, 10:00 pm
#2505
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,703
It's a fine campaign--the best the U.S. industry has seen in years. You and much of FT have made a mistake. FT is fixated on a new seat. But Polaris is NOT a new seat. It's a new brand name for an upgraded business class experience, of which a new seat is part of. If travelers are wise enough to spot and know differences in seats, they're wise enough to understand what product they're receiving when they book a flight.