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 23, 2016, 12:26 am
#886
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: EWR, BDL
Posts: 4,471
You would think United would learn from experience. "United Global First" was a ridiculous name to begin with as just "First" would have done but I get they had to do something to differentiate First from Biz since CO came out with the ubsurd name; "Business First".........but now that biz is going to be called Polaris (which is fine), why not call First, just "first"? Again they are asking for confusion when none should exhist and using to many words to explain a simple concept. First is first. It works for EVERY other airline flying around the world and UA is not exactly known as a trendsetter
Jun 23, 2016, 7:56 am
#888
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,480
You would think United would learn from experience. "United Global First" was a ridiculous name to begin with as just "First" would have done but I get they had to do something to differentiate First from Biz since CO came out with the ubsurd name; "Business First".........but now that biz is going to be called Polaris (which is fine), why not call First, just "first"? Again they are asking for confusion when none should exhist and using to many words to explain a simple concept. First is first. It works for EVERY other airline flying around the world and UA is not exactly known as a trendsetter
Jun 23, 2016, 9:24 am
#889
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Does anyone know if UC members will have access to Polaris lounges moving forward after Dec 1? Or will this be restricted to BF/GF (Polaris) travelers only?
Jun 23, 2016, 9:27 am
#890
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,454
Jun 23, 2016, 9:37 am
#891
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott/SPG/Hilton Gold, PreCheck + Clear
Posts: 2,306
Will the first batch of Polaris lounges all be repurposed/refurbished GFLs? Presumably they'll all get some kind of square footage expansion, but I hope UA is aware of the Centurion Lounges' terrible crowding as a cautionary tale.
Or who knows, maybe they'll install Polaris-style seating in the lounges. Gotta get us used to that increased density somehow.
Or who knows, maybe they'll install Polaris-style seating in the lounges. Gotta get us used to that increased density somehow.
Jun 23, 2016, 9:37 am
#892
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Would be nice if they would initially restrict to the same criteria that current GF lounges require for entry. I know for certain that the GF lounges are very quiet for the most part. If, and only if, the lounges are under-utilized, I would say change the criteria and let all BF into the lounges instead of only BF with GS status.
If they are going to install a product that compares to the current GF lounges, I would rather them be more restricted for access than not.
If they are going to install a product that compares to the current GF lounges, I would rather them be more restricted for access than not.
Jun 23, 2016, 10:02 am
#893
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,454
Would be nice if they would initially restrict to the same criteria that current GF lounges require for entry. I know for certain that the GF lounges are very quiet for the most part. If, and only if, the lounges are under-utilized, I would say change the criteria and let all BF into the lounges instead of only BF with GS status.
If they are going to install a product that compares to the current GF lounges, I would rather them be more restricted for access than not.
If they are going to install a product that compares to the current GF lounges, I would rather them be more restricted for access than not.
Ultimately, the Polaris lounges will need to have a larger footprint than the outgoing GFL, as the cabin size per departure goes from 6-12 to 16-60, with more flights. Dedicated premium cabin lounges are tricky to get right at airports where most qualifying departures are tightly grouped. They need to be large enough to accommodate the rush of guests around the banks without getting too crowded. Yet, from a real estate perspective, they are less efficient than a 'standard' lounge which would likely see more regular use. Previous iterations of J-only lounges (DL with BE lounges at JFK, US with Envoy at PHL) ultimately failed when it was realized the spaces were more useful when branded as the basic lounge product.
I don't think the GFL-Polaris transition can be a straight replacement of the existing lounges. I am eager to see how United proposes to manage this.
Jun 23, 2016, 10:27 am
#894
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,322
That would negate much of the value proposition of the Polaris product, which is the dedicated lounge, and as all international premium cabins will be branded Polaris after December 1, it would certainly create an execution issue.
Ultimately, the Polaris lounges will need to have a larger footprint than the outgoing GFL, as the cabin size per departure goes from 6-12 to 16-60, with more flights. Dedicated premium cabin lounges are tricky to get right at airports where most qualifying departures are tightly grouped. They need to be large enough to accommodate the rush of guests around the banks without getting too crowded. Yet, from a real estate perspective, they are less efficient than a 'standard' lounge which would likely see more regular use. Previous iterations of J-only lounges (DL with BE lounges at JFK, US with Envoy at PHL) ultimately failed when it was realized the spaces were more useful when branded as the basic lounge product.
I don't think the GFL-Polaris transition can be a straight replacement of the existing lounges. I am eager to see how United proposes to manage this.
Ultimately, the Polaris lounges will need to have a larger footprint than the outgoing GFL, as the cabin size per departure goes from 6-12 to 16-60, with more flights. Dedicated premium cabin lounges are tricky to get right at airports where most qualifying departures are tightly grouped. They need to be large enough to accommodate the rush of guests around the banks without getting too crowded. Yet, from a real estate perspective, they are less efficient than a 'standard' lounge which would likely see more regular use. Previous iterations of J-only lounges (DL with BE lounges at JFK, US with Envoy at PHL) ultimately failed when it was realized the spaces were more useful when branded as the basic lounge product.
I don't think the GFL-Polaris transition can be a straight replacement of the existing lounges. I am eager to see how United proposes to manage this.
Jun 23, 2016, 10:40 am
#895
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 betting they copy the LH Senator / Business Lounge concepts - which UA will call UA Polaris / United Club lounges. In the end - the most important point is what you mentioned about execution - the greatest strategy in the world is worthless without proper execution - herein lies my biggest fear for UA - the ability to execute even simple things (i.e. building properly sized clubs) as an organization has proven incredibly difficult for them - and I don't see that changing any time soon - but remain hopeful they can...
Jun 23, 2016, 10:47 am
#896
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,454
I'm betting they copy the LH Senator / Business Lounge concepts - which UA will call UA Polaris / United Club lounges. In the end - the most important point is what you mentioned about execution - the greatest strategy in the world is worthless without proper execution - herein lies my biggest fear for UA - the ability to execute even simple things (i.e. building properly sized clubs) as an organization has proven incredibly difficult for them - and I don't see that changing any time soon - but remain hopeful they can...
It also appears that the B6 ORD club is to be significantly expanded in size. Not sure if this has anything to do with Polaris (doubt) but it shows UAL is serious about increasing lounge square footage at its hubs. Crowds at EWR and ORD clubs have to be a major source of complaints.
Thinking of international locations like NRT, it might even make sense for the GFL and UC to change places, as I wonder if most pax in the lounge during the PM rush are already in premium cabins. UC members and *G might actually be the minority.
Jun 23, 2016, 11:29 am
#897
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: New England
Programs: UA 1P, Hyatt Diamond, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,502
I'm betting they copy the LH Senator / Business Lounge concepts - which UA will call UA Polaris / United Club lounges. In the end - the most important point is what you mentioned about execution - the greatest strategy in the world is worthless without proper execution - herein lies my biggest fear for UA - the ability to execute even simple things (i.e. building properly sized clubs) as an organization has proven incredibly difficult for them - and I don't see that changing any time soon - but remain hopeful they can...
Jun 23, 2016, 11:34 am
#898
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,480
Because it's much harder to achieve *G on LH - requires SEN status, which is 1K equivalent.
Jun 23, 2016, 12:53 pm
#899
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Dubai / NYC
Programs: EK-IO, UA-1K2MM, ETIHAD-GOLD, SPG-PLAT LIFETIME, JUMEIRAH SERIUS GOLD
Posts: 5,220
The point of my post had nothing to do with it "bothering" me.........it had to do with MY OPINION that UA is repeating the same old mistakes. Isn't that what FT is for, our opinions?
Jun 23, 2016, 2:17 pm
#900
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, UA Plat
Posts: 311
Your missing my point completely. Most Travellers are not as educated as those here on FT. I know a great number of Canadians who believe they fly first class on business with AC & they have no idea it's actually business class. The same holds true with pmCO. The name BUSINESSFIRST is misleading. BEFORE the merger it was not a big deal but when CO merged with an airline that actually had a first class, it left many J customers with a bad taste in their mouths, finding out they could not use the F LOUNGES, not the shortest check in lines, etc. it doesn't "bother" me at all......I know the difference & fly true F on foreign carriers. But it is misleading and IMO it's fine UA is rebranding J & calling it Polaris. However, isn't the whole point of UA doing this to UPGRADE the J service & with F going away trying to create a product a notch above regular biz (good luck with that). In that case there is absolutely NO reason to further confuse people & rebrand a cabin that is going away. FIRST is FIRST. That's what other airlines call it & some of them are carriers that actually ave a money making F product.
The point of my post had nothing to do with it "bothering" me.........it had to do with MY OPINION that UA is repeating the same old mistakes. Isn't that what FT is for, our opinions?
The point of my post had nothing to do with it "bothering" me.........it had to do with MY OPINION that UA is repeating the same old mistakes. Isn't that what FT is for, our opinions?