United Airlines Business Class Review (Polaris) - Boeing 777

Business Class on United is taking off! Upgraded menus, luxe-bedding, and improved service are all components of what United has branded their Polaris service in the front of the plane.

It’s been ages since I have flown business on United, but I was thrilled to experience the new offering on my last trip to Brussels aboard their Boeing 777.

I know United rolled out Polaris a while ago - but for me it was new! Here’s my review:

At the Airport

United Club - Newark Photo: Calvin Wood

United has dedicated check-ins for Premium and Polaris passengers at Newark. As usual, it was super-speedy and efficient.

After security, I escaped the crowds in the glam of the United Club. I grabbed a glass of bubbly, delved into a fantastic side salad and caught-up on emails before my flight.

Pre-Departure

United Airlines 777-200 Newark Photo: Calvin Wood

Pre-Departure Champagne - United Airlines Business Class Photo: Calvin Wood

After boarding, I was immediately greeted with a glass champagne. The fight was starting off on the right note! Too bad there wasn’t enough time for re-fills.

On my seat I found my monogrammed Saks Fifth Avenue linens meant to cocoon me over the Atlantic: a rich duvet, comfy pillow, and blanket (pictured at the top of the blog post). I swear my heart skipped a beat just thinking about the rich sleep I was going to have in these beauties.

Inflight Amenity Kit- United Airlines Business Class Photo: Calvin Wood

Tucked on the side was my Polaris amenity kit: everything one would want for seven hours of pampering across the Atlantic! Cowshed toiletries, grooming products, socks, earplugs, and probably the best pair of eyeshades I have used in years!

Amenity Kit - Inside - United Airlines Business Class Photo: Calvin Wood

Cowshed Toiletries - United Airlines Business Class Photo: Calvin Wood

The Seat

Business Class Seat Boeing 777 - United Airlines Photo: Calvin Wood

United has heralded the new seating in Polaris – but because of roll-out delays next to no aircraft have them yet.

I wasn’t worried though: the current seat on United is fantastic – especially if you are in the first row. (Bulkhead passengers get a couple of extra inches in the foot-well, which makes all the difference on an overnight flight)

Footwell- Boeing 777 - United Airlines Business Class Photo: Calvin Wood

The current seat is roomy, has plenty of storage spots, and moves into all kinds of comfy positions including fully flat. Slumber came fast on United’s glamoronic flying bed! I almost felt like I was breaking a law when I arrived so rested!

Seat Controls - Boeing 777 - United Airlines Business Class

Lie Flat Seats - Boeing 777 - United Airlines Business Class Photo: Calvin Wood

Beverages

Beverage Service - United Airlines Business Class Photo: Calvin Wood

After take-off, the flight attendants were quick to get everyone’s drink orders. You could have almost anything: spirits, wines, liquors, juices and caffeinated beverages.

I opted to continue the celebrations with a glass of Chardonnay. Gloriously, if you’re unsure of what wine to select, United now offers "tasting-flights" of three in special glasses. I was so impressed! A true oenophiles dream.

Meals

Appetizer and Salad - United Airlines Business Class

The upgraded and enhanced Polaris service continued with dinner.

To start, the flight attendants plated a succulent Thai prawn appetizer and a tasty summer salad. Definitely a step up from the old greenery they used to serve.

Prawn Appetizer - United Airlines Business Class Photo: Calvin

There were four choices of mains on my flight. I opted for the baked salmon that came with broccoli rabe and a lentil (stew). The fish tasted like it was just caught; the rabe like it was just picked! Scrumptious!

Salmon Main - United Airlines Business Class Photo: Calvin Wood

The crowning glory on the meal was a huge dessert cart that was covered in sweets. In fact they had a tri-level tower of cakes and cookies on offer. I actually opted for the cheese and port to top the meal off – with absolutely no room left for anything else!

Cheese & Port - United Airlines Business Class Photo: Calvin Wood

As if that wasn’t enough – the feast continued a few hours later as we approached the coastline of Europe.

Breakfast was served, featuring a farmers’ omelet, fruit salad and yogurt. For the truly needy they also had hot croissants...I had a couple of bites. It was all fabulous but I simply couldn’t eat the whole meal!

Breakfast - Farmers Omelette - United Airlines Business Class Photo: Calvin Wood

My Verdict

Morning Coffee - United Airlines Business Class Photo: Calvin Wood

United has done a wonderful job upgrading its business product! A premium dining, drinking, and sleeping experience all around. Glam from start to finish!

I was very impressed with the direction the airline is taking – and can’t wait to see what they do with their seats when they get fully rolled out.

A fantastic – relaxing- luxe experience.