United Airlines unveils new Polaris Business Class

All-new, sleep-focused, front-cabin service launches Dec. 1 on intercontinental flights.

United Airlines recently unveiled its new United Polaris business class service, its most significant product transformation in more than a decade. Set to launch in December, Polaris offers a re-imagined departure-to-landing experience for intercontinental serve business class travelers.

“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.”united_star_3p_h_4c_tm

Path-breaking design

United outfitted its wide-body fleet with custom-designed, exclusive-to-United seating, rather than use an option already in the marketplace. Each United Polaris seat offers direct aisle access, 180-degree flat-bed recline and up to 72 inches (198.12 cm) of bed space. Crafted as individual, forward-facing, suite-like pods, each traveler’s personal suite features 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.

United Polaris cabins have also been redesigned to complement the space.

Sleep-enticing amenities

United conducted more than 12,000 hours of travel research that found sleep was the most important priority for international business class travelers.

In addition to the personal suites, several other amenities were designed with sleep in mind:

  • Custom-designed bedding from leading luxury specialty store Saks Fifth Avenue
  • Mattress cushions (available by request)
  • Gel-cooled pillows
  • Slippers on all flights and customized United Polaris pajamas (available by request on flights longer than 12 hours)
  • New amenity kits, including eye shades, calming lavender pillow mist and additional products, from Soho House & Co.’s Cowshed Spa.

Elevated dining experience

Each United Polaris traveler will receive a pre-departure beverage of their choice and gourmet chocolate. In the air, customers can enjoy regionally influenced in-flight menus updated seasonally and developed in partnership with The Trotter Project and its critically recognized chefs, including Bill Kim of acclaimed Chicago restaurants Urbanbelly, bellyQ and Belly Shack.

In-flight service will also include made-to-order signature ice cream sundaes, a dessert cart, chocolate truffles and wine flights. The airline also has upgraded its wine experience, curated by United’s Master Sommelier.

United Polaris business class lounges raise the bar

United is set to open an exclusive portfolio of United Polaris business class lounges in nine locations around the world. The first of their kind to be offered by a U.S. airline to business class customers, the lounges feature custom-designed chairs, private daybeds, spa-like showers and chef-inspired hot meals served in a boutique restaurant setting. 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. United will open lounges in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York/Newark, Washington Dulles, Tokyo Narita, Hong Kong, and London Heathrow in 2017.

United Polaris will serve business class travelers flying the U.S. airline industry’s most global route network, reaching more than 330 destinations in more than 50 countries.

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