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}
Jun 2, 2016, 12:50 pm
#256
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA GS 1MM, CM PP
Posts: 689
I like positive change (aisle-access seating) but there are a few things that bug me:
1) The name Polaris. Sounds kinda douchey, not to mention makes translation of class product across *A carriers confusing.
2) The Logo on the lounge wall. Too much going on. You don't need all three things (United, Polaris and Lounge) each with their own design/typeface. Just drop the "Lounge" or the United logo.
3) The seat design looks a little dated for some reason, if not a little cramped.
4) As a GS, I have a feeling my level of elite-ness has been weakened as GF class and GFLs go away and I'm combined with the masses
1) The name Polaris. Sounds kinda douchey, not to mention makes translation of class product across *A carriers confusing.
2) The Logo on the lounge wall. Too much going on. You don't need all three things (United, Polaris and Lounge) each with their own design/typeface. Just drop the "Lounge" or the United logo.
3) The seat design looks a little dated for some reason, if not a little cramped.
4) As a GS, I have a feeling my level of elite-ness has been weakened as GF class and GFLs go away and I'm combined with the masses
Jun 2, 2016, 12:56 pm
#257
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Did anyone notice in the marketing video that the meal was served on a tray? Interesting choice given that other carriers, like Lufthansa, are moving towards restaurant-style trayless/trolleyless service.
Not that I'm complaining too much. The description of the food sounds like an improvement over what they currently have. ^
Not that I'm complaining too much. The description of the food sounds like an improvement over what they currently have. ^
Jun 2, 2016, 12:57 pm
#258
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,848
Looks like a very long roll out is in store according to this:
http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea....o-oscar-munoz/
"They’ll be retrofitting existing aircraft but united says that most of the fleet won’t have the new product until 2021."
--
Not sure if this means that only 50%+1 will have the product by then or if the target is some greater number. Taking 5 years to get some of the fleet retrofitted means by the time they are finished, they will have to start the process all over again.
http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea....o-oscar-munoz/
"They’ll be retrofitting existing aircraft but united says that most of the fleet won’t have the new product until 2021."
--
Not sure if this means that only 50%+1 will have the product by then or if the target is some greater number. Taking 5 years to get some of the fleet retrofitted means by the time they are finished, they will have to start the process all over again.
Jun 2, 2016, 12:58 pm
#259
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Honolulu, HI
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 1,240
Looking good. Seat appears to be a small improvement over the well rated AA seat in 773s. The lounge looks good as well. Hope the implementation works out.
Jun 2, 2016, 1:03 pm
#260
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: 1K 1MM; Bonvoy Ambassador; Nat'l EE; Hertz PC; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,466
Looks like a very long roll out is in store according to this:
http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea....o-oscar-munoz/
"They’ll be retrofitting existing aircraft but united says that most of the fleet won’t have the new product until 2021."
--
Not sure if this means that only 50%+1 will have the product by then or if the target is some greater number. Taking 5 years to get some of the fleet retrofitted means by the time they are finished, they will have to start the process all over again.
http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea....o-oscar-munoz/
"They’ll be retrofitting existing aircraft but united says that most of the fleet won’t have the new product until 2021."
--
Not sure if this means that only 50%+1 will have the product by then or if the target is some greater number. Taking 5 years to get some of the fleet retrofitted means by the time they are finished, they will have to start the process all over again.
Jun 2, 2016, 1:04 pm
#261
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
OK... thanks for that information. The C-concourse idea makes more sense than B-concourse because so many international flights leave from C anyway.
I like that I will have access to the Polaris Lounge because of my 1K status, which I've almost got covered this year for 2017!
I like that I will have access to the Polaris Lounge because of my 1K status, which I've almost got covered this year for 2017!
GS only gets access to GFL if you're flying in BF, and if you are flying in Polaris, you would get access anyway. You don't get access to the United Club today domestically without a membership, so I would doubt that changes. The only remaining question is whether a GS will suddenly get access to Polaris when flying international economy - but then I imagine a GS does that relatively rarely.
Jun 2, 2016, 1:13 pm
#262
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
I still don't understand leaving the 787 out. This new product looks to be far superior to what in on the 787s now, and putting new blankets and pillows aren't going hide the fact that those aircraft aren't going to have all aisle access and will retain an uncomfortable seat.
I'll wait to hear specifically what UA plans to do with BF/Polaris on the 788 and 789 before sharing judgment. If UA does upgrade those, as I expect they will, then all this consternation will have been for naught--as it so often is. If UA does not upgrade those, then I will avoid those 788 and 789 routes.
Jun 2, 2016, 1:16 pm
#263
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: UA/CO GS, PP, MM
Posts: 360
GS only gets access to GFL if you're flying in BF, and if you are flying in Polaris, you would get access anyway. You don't get access to the United Club today domestically without a membership, so I would doubt that changes. The only remaining question is whether a GS will suddenly get access to Polaris when flying international economy - but then I imagine a GS does that relatively rarely.
Jun 2, 2016, 1:17 pm
#264
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pittsburg, KS USA
Programs: UAL Global Services; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Diamond; SPG Gold
Posts: 106
Some people don't like any changes. During the merger someone posted they would never fly on a United plane without the tulip. I want the service to be safe, clean and reliable. What we call it, I don't care.
Jun 2, 2016, 1:17 pm
#265
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
I agree that the new product looks great and sleeping comfort trumps all else. There are a few caveats though...the seats are up to 78" long. On some seats and some aircraft I would expect it to be less. Given the seat arrangement, some seats will have significantly less footwell space than others as well.
It is what it is...and what it will be. It's pretty simple for me--I will choose the Polaris routes and seats where they truly offer 78"...and avoid those routes/seats which don't.
Up to now, I always flew UA BF only in 2-2-2 config routes in middle seats in order to always have aisle access. Not every BF seat has aisle access, but then I never flew UA BF without aisle access. You work with what you have available.
Jun 2, 2016, 1:19 pm
#266
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: Alaska FF
Posts: 302
To be honest, I think this UA Polaris business pod looks more appealing than the vaunted and so well regarded AA/CX reverse herringbone business seat--which I find to be claustrophobic when in lay flat position, and almost impossible to get out of in most seating positions.
These seats are not as spacious as the AA/CX Cirrus.
Jun 2, 2016, 1:20 pm
#267
Suspended
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Jun 2, 2016, 1:28 pm
#268
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: UA/CO GS, PP, MM
Posts: 360
Agree. This is a very positive overall repositioning and upgrade for the international product. I'm looking forward to Polaris.
Jun 2, 2016, 1:52 pm
#269
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,418
Jun 2, 2016, 1:53 pm
#270
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
I'm excited to fly the 1-2-1.... definitely a huge step for UA to be competitive.
Has there been an inaugural flight date announced for the United B773?
Has there been an inaugural flight date announced for the United B773?