United Airlines is one of the leading and oldest US air carriers. It was founded in 1926. Since then, United Airlines continuously took the air travel experience to the next level by adding various features and amenities. One-third of united airlines’ destinations are domestic. One such addition to its fleet was the introduction of the Polaris – United Airlines business class in 2016 which was a huge headline maker in the aviation industry. Business class and United Polaris business class are the two business variants available on United flights.
United Airlines Business Class vs. United Polaris
There are two different United Airlines business class seats in its premium business class accommodations:
United Polaris
Polaris business class on United Airlines is available on long-haul international flights offering a much more grand experience. This includes new Polaris seats that are spacious, stylish, and a newly reconfigured cabin convertible into flat beds, bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, a world-class dining experience, and a range of in-flight entertainment options.
United Business
United Business is the name of the premium travel class that is available on some transcontinental and short-haul international flights operated by United Airlines.
Which aircraft provide Polaris United Airlines Business Class Cabins?
United Airlines consist of 840 aircraft under its fleet, making it the third-largest commercial airline in the world. The United fleet consists of 46 Boeing Dreamliners and more than 90 Boeing 777 aircraft. 179 Airbus planes are currently part of United’s fleet. New Polaris seats are fitted into the majority of United’s widebody aircraft. The following aircraft have the Polaris cabins.
- Boeing 767-300ER
- Boeing 777-300ER
- Boeing Dreamliner 787-10
- Boeing Dreamliner 787-8
United Airlines is upgrading their Boeing 787-9 aircraft with the new Polaris business class seats currently.
United Airlines Polaris Business Class: Cabin Configuration
The long-haul fleet of the airline consists of Boeing 767-300ER, 767-400ER, Boeing 777-200ER, and Boeing 777-300ER, and different types of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
There are several differences in width, screen quality, and configuration, but all of the seats recline into a flatbed and are covered in leather. Most flights have new 1-2-1 configurations.
No matter the configuration, each seat is able to lie completely flat and offers a large amount of storage space either to the side or behind the seat. However, those with a 1-2-1 seating arrangement have a larger side table as well as entertainment screens that are of a higher resolution.
Because the airline does not charge a fee for seat assignments, it is in your best interest to check the seat map prior to departure in order to select the most suitable seat for your journey.
United Polaris: On-Ground Privileges
United provides passengers with access to two distinct styles of departure lounges known as United Club and Polaris Lounges. Passengers traveling on United Polaris business class bookings get various premium benefits.
Lounge Access
Passengers can access the United Polaris lounges at the following airports:
- Chicago (ORD)
- Newark (EWR)
- Houston (IAH)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Washington Dulles (IAD)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
When you purchase a ticket in the Polaris Business Class cabin for long-haul international travel, you will have access to the very best lounge that the airline has to offer.
The Polaris lounges offered by United Airlines are thoughtfully crafted according to the needs of the passengers. Also, these enormous lounges come equipped with a wide variety of facilities. You have the option of grabbing a hot meal from the buffet or relaxing at your table and ordering some food. Moreover, the lounge bars offer an extensive selection of free wines, hand-crafted cocktails, and local craft beers. The Polaris Lounge provides a selection of comfortable seating options and also an abundance of outlets for charging electronic devices and free access to wireless internet.
Other features include a private shower room designed in the style of a high-end spa and stocked with all of your favorite personal care products crafted by Sunday Riley.
Free Checked Baggage
Passengers traveling in the business class of united airlines will have 32kg (70 pounds) of baggage weight limits. As a United Polaris passenger, you have permission to check up to two bags of standard size at no additional cost.
United Polaris Business Class: In Air Privileges
Cuisine & Beverages
When it comes to food, United does not let you down. Pre-orders for low-calorie, vegetarian, or Kosher can be arranged online or over the phone. Moreover, Polaris customers flying with United may enjoy a multi-course in-flight dining experience, complete with the airline’s signature Polaris sundae for dessert. Beer, wine, and liquor, as well as non-alcoholic beverages like juice, coffee, soft drinks, and tea, are provided free of charge to United Polaris business class passengers. However, there may be a difference in drink options depending on the destination.
Entertainment
United’s planes have many entertainment options available on the plane’s large screens. Moreover, there is a plethora of film options, TV shows, and music from all around the world accessible on the go. Also, noise-canceling headphones are provided at each seat.
Also, passengers on most long-haul international flights can have paid, time-limited wireless internet access.
Bedding
United Airlines have partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue to design and manufacture exclusive, high-end bedding exclusively for United Polaris passengers.
Seat Upgradation To Polaris United Airlines Business Class
Passengers can choose seat upgradation by visiting the “My Trips” section of the official website. However, the fare differences will be applicable.
Seat upgradation to United Polaris business class can also be acquired by either MileagePlus Upgrades or PlusPoints. Any United MileagePlus member can use their miles to purchase an upgrade to a higher cabin class.
However, it all depends on how many PlusPoints passengers have. The required PlusPoints also depends on the original rented cabin. United Polaris’ business class upgrades cost:
- United Airlines discount economy class: 80 PlusPoints (fare classes T, K, L, G, and S).
- United Economy Class: 40 PlusPoints (fare classes M, E, Q, V, Y, B, U, H, W, and Q).
- United Premium Plus: 30 PlusPoints.
Frequently Asked Questions on United Airlines Business Class
Do business class seats on United Airlines convertible into flat beds?
Yes, seats in United Airlines business class are convertible into beds. Furthermore, It comes with six and a half sleeping spaces.
What is the difference between United Business and first class?
United first class is exclusively available on domestic and Canadian flights. On the other hand, United business class is available on flights between the United States and Latin America, the Caribbean, and certain transcontinental routes.
Can United business class passengers enjoy free drinks?
Business class passengers, both international and domestic, can enjoy an assortment of alcoholic beverages, juices, and tea free of cost.
How much baggage can passengers carry on a United Polaris business class flight?
Polaris business class passengers can carry two complimentary baggage weighing up to 32 kilograms each.
