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}
Apr 25, 2018, 9:06 am
#3961
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
My wife and I are one data point supporting this statement. Domestic flights: 2 carry-ons. Long-haul international: 1 carry-on and 1 big checked luggage. And if we could trust that UA would not send the checked luggage to airport X when we are flying to airport Y, my wife would insist on 2 big checked luggage and no carry-on. Needs space for the purchases......
Apr 25, 2018, 9:14 am
#3962
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: SPG Plat
Posts: 1,017
My wife and I are one data point supporting this statement. Domestic flights: 2 carry-ons. Long-haul international: 1 carry-on and 1 big checked luggage. And if we could trust that UA would not send the checked luggage to airport X when we are flying to airport Y, my wife would insist on 2 big checked luggage and no carry-on. Needs space for the purchases......
Always should have enough for two days in carry on (plus all meds for entire trip) if your unlucky enough to have checked bags routed wrong. If bags are truly lost, have fun shopping after that.
Apr 25, 2018, 11:26 am
#3963
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: BA Bronze, United 1K, HH Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,477
But, to answer your question in another way, it happens enough to us to be a nuisance, most probably because all our trips involve connections. Luggage is not lost forever. It comes 1 to 3 days later and is delivered to where we are staying (thank you all airlines for doing this!).
Anyways, in Business Class on international flights, I have never had problems finding place in the bins for my luggage on any plane type. Flying Economy is another story that is totally alleviated by being able to board in Group 1. Problem is only when the first flight delivers me on the late side for the international flight and I end up boarding with Group 5.
Apr 25, 2018, 11:37 am
#3964
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
I think that AZjohns answered this question. I'm not into arriving in HKG at 7:00 PM and have no change of clothes for the next morning. Two big pieces of luggage + 1 carry-on would be too much.
But, to answer your question in another way, it happens enough to us to be a nuisance, most probably because all our trips involve connections. Luggage is not lost forever. It comes 1 to 3 days later and is delivered to where we are staying (thank you all airlines for doing this!).
Anyways, in Business Class on international flights, I have never had problems finding place in the bins for my luggage on any plane type. Flying Economy is another story that is totally alleviated by being able to board in Group 1. Problem is only when the first flight delivers me on the late side for the international flight and I end up boarding with Group 5.
But, to answer your question in another way, it happens enough to us to be a nuisance, most probably because all our trips involve connections. Luggage is not lost forever. It comes 1 to 3 days later and is delivered to where we are staying (thank you all airlines for doing this!).
Anyways, in Business Class on international flights, I have never had problems finding place in the bins for my luggage on any plane type. Flying Economy is another story that is totally alleviated by being able to board in Group 1. Problem is only when the first flight delivers me on the late side for the international flight and I end up boarding with Group 5.
I guess I've been lucky with this many flights in the past years and never having a real issue (on itens like JFK-NRT-BKK-PER or SFO-TPE-BKK-CNX).
2017 - 64
2016 - 77
2015 - 80
2014 - 63
2013 - 38
2012 - 28
2011 to 1992 - ~110
Once (I think p.s.) I checked in early at SFO, stayed on my ticketed flight but apparently my bag took an earlier flight so when I landed at EWR I waited until the belts stopped and then went to the baggage counter and they had it in a locked bin. Mid-00s I was coming back from Dominican Republic connecting LAX-SBA. I think they said the SBA bags got loaded on the plane to Santa Maria or SLO. A few hours later it was dropped off at my door in Isla Vista. Last year I flew EWR-LHR-TXL and we were late arriving to LHR so I had about 25 min to get from the plane, running all the way through the halls to transit security and back into T2A to make the 4U flight. I made it, my bag didn't but it was on the next flight and delivered to The Westin Grand at about 7pm.
With all that said I am actually doing my first long-haul carry on only for SFO-CPH-TXL r/t mostly because I am only there for 4 days and coming back I have to do a non-interline/separate ticket on EasyJet TXL-CPH because the SAS flights leave Berlin too late to make the just after Noon CPH-SFO.
Back to the thread. The issue that I've seen is a late boarding group of 2-3 couples in J on SFO-FRA had OH bin issues because the FAs had the last pax in Y come forward and put their carry ons in the open space of the J bins.
Apr 25, 2018, 12:49 pm
#3965
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: UA-1K MM, AA-Gold, DL-Silver, AS-MVP
Posts: 2,509
Per news release, looks like EWR Polaris lounge has been pushed to June?
United Airlines Unveils United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco International Airport - Apr 25, 2018
And gel pillows at every seat?
United Airlines Unveils United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco International Airport - Apr 25, 2018
The United Polaris lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport is expected to open by early June, the lounge at George Bush Intercontinental in Houston this summer and the lounge at Los Angeles International Airport this fall.
Beginning July 1, every seat onboard will be provisioned with a cooling gel pillow. The gel pillow, previously available by request, has proven to be one of the most popular items of United Polaris bedding.
Apr 25, 2018, 1:31 pm
#3966
Join Date: May 2015
Programs: All the programs!
Posts: 1,006
Also note this change.
In response to customer feedback, beginning May 1, United will offer customers a pre-arrival dessert in place of the pre-departure chocolate that is currently served. On flights departing the U.S., customers will be served a white chocolate cranberry cookie... Customers on flights that originate outside the U.S. will receive a box of chocolates.
Apr 25, 2018, 2:06 pm
#3967
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Chicago IL US
Programs: UA 1K; National Executive Elite; Hertz PC & Hotels Galore
Posts: 949
Also being reported by the Chicago Tribune United speeds rollout of lie-flat seats, other Polaris business-class perks - Chicago Tribune
United speeds rollout of lie-flat seats, other Polaris business-class perks
Most of the planes that will ultimately have Polaris seats are 777-200s, and the overhauls should move faster now that the first is complete, Schmerin said. One new aircraft will get Polaris seats every 10 days, on average, until the process is complete in 2020, according to United.
Apr 25, 2018, 2:13 pm
#3968
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,454
Gel pillows to be provisioned at every seat... a change I love!!
Apr 25, 2018, 2:25 pm
#3969
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SJC / DPS
Programs: AS G75K, UA Silver
Posts: 1,757
Also being reported by the Chicago Tribune United speeds rollout of lie-flat seats, other Polaris business-class perks - Chicago Tribune
If not, that line is incredibly misleading by United
Apr 26, 2018, 9:42 am
#3970
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
This is really great. I think it will be positive for a few reasons:
- Will alleviate flight attendant workload in having to get gel pillows on request
- Will reduce stress on my part - even though I've never been unsuccessful in getting one, it is always a pain to have to request it and worry about not getting one
- It will be easier to see who might have stolen one, since everyone will have gotten one in the first place, though not sure United will really do any enforcement.
Gotta say I'm quite surprised. I thought the removal from the menus was a sure sign of the imminent demise of the gel pillow.
- Will alleviate flight attendant workload in having to get gel pillows on request
- Will reduce stress on my part - even though I've never been unsuccessful in getting one, it is always a pain to have to request it and worry about not getting one
- It will be easier to see who might have stolen one, since everyone will have gotten one in the first place, though not sure United will really do any enforcement.
Gotta say I'm quite surprised. I thought the removal from the menus was a sure sign of the imminent demise of the gel pillow.
Apr 26, 2018, 12:33 pm
#3971
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,463
This has been discussed in this thread, all the 787's that have the Diamond seats will be retrofitted last. It appears that UA will continue with the older seats on the new 787's, which really doesn't make much sense.
Apr 26, 2018, 1:04 pm
#3972
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
Plus if the new 787 deliveries were to use the new Polaris seats, it would potentially slow the conversion of the older aircraft (due to a limited supply of Polaris seats)
And the 787s have the best aisle access of the present (non-Polaris seat) UA fleet, so it makes sense for them to be the last.
While one may not like the decision, but it could be the most sensible business decision.
Apr 26, 2018, 1:42 pm
#3973
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,008
I thought the 78J deliveries this year were coming with new seats, based on the seat map that was released.
Apr 26, 2018, 4:49 pm
#3974
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,454
Apr 26, 2018, 4:51 pm
#3975
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,463
One would hope, but from what UA has written 787s are the last to get upgraded. The way UA has been upgrading its fleet they have finally finished the first 772.