13 Hours In United Polaris Business Class: The Ultimate Test
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- čas přidán 18. 11. 2023
- Welcome to the world of Polaris - United Airlines’ take on Business Class.
The question: is it any good? Well, there’s no better way to find out than to take a super long haul flight - from Australia all the way across the Pacific to the USA.
Join me as I spend 13 hours onboard a United 787 and enjoy all the travel comforts that Polaris has to offer.
This United Airlines Flight Review did not get off to the best start. A couple of delays saw us take off over 2 hours late. But that’s life.
Once in the air I got to take full advantage of the United Polaris seat and the uniquely branded Polaris business class product.
From the meals to the crew, the amenities kit to the PJs this United business class flight review covers the entire experience.
Join me, let’s fly to LA.
#United #Polaris #flightreview
Things not on my 2023 bingo card: Dennis saying the word “Eshay” 😂
😂😂😂😂
I had to google it!
It was a total classic. And thanks to my teenage daughters, I know what that is. Hah ha. Well done, Dennis
Came here to say exactly that! Missed an opportunity to say the potions would make him look young enough to fit in with the eshays, though.
Absolutely the best attitude when things go astray - if nothing else you’re not adding to what is probably a pretty ordinary day for staff and other passengers already. Calm is contagious
Dennis using the word "eshay" has just made my day. Thank you Dennis🤣
After the last few years of following you, I now always touch the plane when boarding. NEVER wear pj’s outside of my class and have even tried a g&t or two (although I give credit to Jeb for that too). Usually travel alone but now find myself saying in my head, with my 1st drink in hand, “cheers..here’s to great flight”
I think I watch too many of these vids 😂
Great to hear!
I've flown United to SFO, SAN and LAX several times over the last 18 months and I must say I was really impressed - and that's coming from someone whose regular airline is Singapore Airlines. I think they've definitely put some work into repairing their reputation. Every flight I've done with them, the cabin crew were really positive and engaged and it really felt like they were all super close friends with each other, which was nice to be around.
I flew to Boston with UA a few weeks ago and we were in business Polaris, it was a good flight, everyone was incredibly helpful. The main plus point coming back into Heathrow is that there is a UA business lounge after you have gone through arrivals . We had 4 hours to wait to head onwards to home and that lounge was a life saver. Not too taken by the films and entertainment but can’t complain.
I've been lucky enough to fly United Polaris a couple of times and I think it is one of the better Business Class seats on the market. The crew were fantastic, but i thought the catering was solid but not great. All in all, I believe United is under rated in Business Class.
With Qantas charging ridiculous prices between Australia and the United States, the American carriers need to jump on this chance to capture the Australian market. I saw Qantas charging over $20,000 in business class between Adelaide and New York in March!!
As someone who is Platinum One, I can say for certain that Qantas is no longer a leisure company, especially in premium cabins. It’s purely geared towards business travellers where through an IATA ID corporate travel agency can alleviate some of the cost, it’s still the same high fare.
One way or Return?
@@Coolsomeone234 return and in the cheaper business class
Well a lot of Aussies must agree , according to data and whatever surveys airlines do for service ratings United could surpass Quantas as preferred carriers from Australia to the states and onward. They are doing these really great touches like the Asian and Middle East airliners !! Wanting UA a return to the friendly skies !!
Absolutely fantastic flight review as always Dennis
Another fantastic Vlog, Dennis. Thank you ‼️
Thanks for the review. I fly with UA in a couple of weeks for the first time. The info you provided is very helpful.
Thanks Dennis, excellent review.
Always good to see that notification of when you post a new video.🎉
Cool new intro Dennis! Great review as always! Cheers!
As always, very informative Dennis...
So very missed your long haul reviews, and glad to see this one Dennis! Loved the part where you said about the lotions making you Hollywood ready. Can't wait for you to try the new KLM 777 business class though! Safe travels!
Nice review, I have flown Polaris several times and I absolutely love it.
Great review as always Dennis “ love uniteds pjs . enjoy your trip .
regards philip essex 🇬🇧
Cheers; Here's to a great flight!
Nice to see you back.
Always great Dennis
I always enjoy "travelling" with you, Dennis.
This is the best video ever!
Aruba!! I can’t wait to see that part of the trip Dennis. ❤
You hadn’t popped up in my feed for ages, this is a welcome reappearance in my feed.
Great video. I love your advice about not wearing PJs onboard outside business class!
I flew Polaris last year from EWR to CDG. Obviously it was about half of this distance. The seat was outstanding and I got a few hours of solid sleep. Unfortunately the catering left something to be desired.
I found this video in anticipation of an upcoming SYD to IAH Polaris flight so I'm hopeful that the food service is improved and will make for a much enjoyable significantly longer flight.
Enjoyed your video. Quality presentation as usual. Hope your travel agency in Adelaide is making a full and prosperous recovery after the Covid travel shut down. A Melbourne viewer.
Bunnik Travel are doing just fine and have a great product - been on two Bunnik Japan tours this year and had an excellent time. Qantas economy SYD-NAR was average, leg room (pitch) seems about the worst on the market.
@ 0:01 you can tell it’s going to be a great flight😅🤭🙈 great to see you back Dennis
Great start of a Sunday morning, fresh pot of coffee, and a new video from Dennis, LOL, it had been a while since I heard you say, 'don't be a dick", loved it!
Great review, as usual, D. Way ahead of the QF J product!
Agreed! Thanks for the view Mr Burnet, I trust you are well.
Love the golden rule, thanks for sharing
Great report as always! Next time fly the United Sydney- Houston route, it is their longest flight!
Flew Polaris from Chicago to Frankfurt a couple months ago. They did a great job
I flew economy from SFO to MEL! Was really hesitant flying long haul with United but it was very pleasant with tons of food.
Dennis recently flew United Polaris Frankfurt to San Francisco, and San Francisco to Brisbane. The crew, seat and food were fantastic. One of the better business class flights I’ve had.
The Dreamliner is such a good looking plane! Hopefully they continue to update the wide body United planes like they are doing to the rest of the fleet
Hi Dennis arrived in Perth from Manchester on Tuesday for our 5th visit to see the Grand Children and our son. Nice to be here for a month
I do like Polaris. It’s one of the few products with a nice sized footwell. The 787 is a smooth ride and I stepped off the plane feeling pretty good.
Hi Dennis....a bumbag !😂
Now that's different, it makes a change from all the other styles of bags out there, that intrepid travellers like yourself no doubt collect !😂
It was good to see United sorting out your travel arrangements after you missed your connections.
Eshay 😂 geez that made me laugh out loud !
Did I just notice Mr Bunnik order a SINGLE shot short black? Never thought I'd see the man go so soft in his old age 😂💙
My girlfriend and I burst out laughing at the "Eshay" comment 😂😂 You're a funny man Dennis
Always enjoyes trans Atlantic Polaris - great lounge, seat and service - top marks to United
I flew in Polaris before to JFK from Ams. It was an awesome experience. Food was excellent. Great vid!
*EWR, not JFK!
United does not fly into JFK.
It looks like United Airlines has upped their game. Polaris Business Class looks lovely and comfortable.
"This will come in really handy, if I ever decide to become an eshay" 😂😂👌🏼
Oh Eshay Brah....... you crack me up. xx
Dennis the eshayyyy brahhh
Flew Polaris Munich - DC a few months back. I was not impressed, found the seating too cramped. I'm 6'3", 225 lbs. The flight over on Lufthansa was considerably more comfortable for me.
That would be true on any US airline based on your size.
Great review Dennis. You don't need lotions and potions🙃🙂
Great product, flew it often between west coast and Frankfurt for work. Does the job, and the food serving size is huge. Especially those ribs. I know I know, first world problems 😅. I just don’t like eating a ton on a flight where I’m sitting for 10+ hrs.
I haven't been on UA for over 30yrs as i worked for BA for over 12 yrs.. certain do like the new UA product
United has the best Business Class of the US airlines and their Polaris Lounges are some of the best of any lounges in the world.
I was booked MEL to SFO rtn as part of a larger trip. MEL -SFO was cancelled and, thank to United, we were put on a Qantas flight. At least on the return we got to experience the Polaris Class we paid for SFO-MEL. No complaints what so ever
Im in fits of laughter. Eshay 😅😅😅
Exellent
About to get on my Polaris flight from HKG-SFO
I'm a loyal United fan -- even though I think my traveling days are behind me.
Very nice Dennis did you enjoy it
United has really stepped up there game lately! Definitely dethroned AA for 2nd place in the legacies and DL probably should start being worried, my last few flights with them didn’t look good for the future
I agree with this. UA is (finally) improving.
DL was dethroned years ago. Worst airline flying.
Great video…
ThE ROOM ON ANA next maybe Dennis???
Yeah! Jeb Brooks recently flew the ANA 🇯🇵 777-300ER in The Room Biz from JFK-HND! I think you NEED TO TRY THAT NEXT! 😂🎉
Had the opportunity to fly the business class product on both Air New Zealand and United on long haul flights between the US and Australia. While the cabin layout of United is better for privacy, we enjoyed everything else on Air New Zealand far more - the crew was second to none, the food service had far better presentation and wine selection and the bed is incredibly comfortable - no shoulder width issues! Even though it requires a stop in Auckland, we would choose ANZ over United for any future travel to Australia!
Air New Zealand business class product is horrible imo
NZ service/food are miles better than UA but UA wins on seat/planes/price/connections.
Opposite experience. Much preferred United over my recent Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to NYC.
The Polaris seats on United's 777 fleet are a bit wider.
Dennis I love your videos but I want to know what luggage brand you use please
Think there are a lot of inconsistencies between flights - depending on start location. Flew Polaris SFO-LHR in May. No booking of meals offered, food was average at best (plus chicken sausage served to a vegetarian!), we got a standard amenity kit (would have loved a bumbag), no mention of PJs. Seems to be hit and miss.
I loathe UA had the worst flight to LA, crew telling everyone there were no pj’s as I witnessed crew “hide”them - food is cafeteria style and their claim to fame desert an ice - cream sundae -WOW how innovative - it’s like a Walmart in the sky- needless to say I cancelled the return and flew back DeltaOne- hmmm - American carriers - there’s a reason they never feature in any awards - glad you seemed to enjoy your flight - nice video as always
Your video looks crisper now - did you upgrade your camera? Thanks for sharing the flight!
Thanks! I'm filming more on my phone these days - Galaxy S22
Best...👍😊🎥🍷🍾
Great video, Dennis! I heard you say that it took 15-20 minutes to go through customs, then recalled a statement you made in a previous video about having a Dutch passport. If you don't have US Global Entry, I really, really encourage you to sign up for it! Believe it or not, Dutch nationals are eligible for Global Entry.
Thanks. Unfortunately my US entry visa is in my Australian passport. But I only visit the States maximum once a year so it's not too bad.
Curious to know what the load factors were? Having just taken a United flight from LHR in premium economy, I found that the business and PE sections were full, but economy was under 50% full and I would've likely had a full row to myself to lie down if I flew economy!
They offer pajama on flights longer then 12 hours, you don't have to ask for it. On our flight to Dubai it was already on our seat. You're right pajama provided makes a difference on a flight.
I used to fly the 747 back in the day
"This will come in handy if I ever decide to become an eshay..." 🤣🤣🤣
I flew Polaris ORD to ZUR and then Brussels back to ORD six months ago. I was not impressed by the Polaris seats. The seat control dial was right where my elbow wanting to rest and it kept adjusting the seat when I didn’t want to move it. The foot wells, as you noted, are incredibly cramped and uncomfortable. I ended up leaving one foot out in the aisle. Not worth the extra cost for business class.
Well then you must be used to flying Lufthansa first class or Sinalgapore. I mean everyone has their opinion but your is just way out touch with the majority of comments. Maybe you should either never fly it again or adjust your first class taste on premium economy budget.
Dennis, the dickhead comment killed me 😂 😂.
I'm surprised you liked the food Dennis - it's easily the worst part of UA Polaris for me. Perhaps ex-Australia it's decent but ex-USA it's dreadful. If you can eat in a lounge before the flight, UA Polaris is perfectly fine - as you pointed out: the bed, the entertainment, the seat & privacy are solid for business class. Service varies on crews. It's a good business class product for a North American carrier (and relatively simple to upgrade into).
Thanks for another great review - and glad you got rebooked to MIA!
I think you're on to something in that the food is better ex-Australia. I just flew Newark to Heathrow and the food was awful Now understand why I saw people loading up their plates in the lounge and declining the meal on board.
Speak for yourself. Love United's catering. Far better than DL or AA.
Compared to other Star Alliance carriers, United's business class is the most basic. It is our last choice if other Star Alliance flights are not convenient. Although their Polaris lounges are excellent
Were you able to check out the Polaris lounges at LA and Houston prior to your connections?
I did visit the one in LA and it was pretty good but very busy. On the way out of Newark I spent a couple of hours in the Polaris lounge there - packed but excellent.
My husband and I will soon fly from Chicago to Rome. We are currently booked in the Premium Economy. My husband is 6ft.1 in and weighs 195 lbs. Is it worth the extra money to upgrade to the Business class seating for extra room and so hopefully he can get a few hours of sleep to feel refr eshed for our first day in Rome?
Polaris class seats are great, but I find United’s service inconsistent.
You need to turn off mirror mode on your phone selfie camera.
Everything is backwards when you use it. I don't know why Android (I have no idea about Apple) enables that by default. It's a silly idea.
Yeah it's annoying, i usually flip them in editing but once uploaded i realised I missed a couple of them.
Because I'm living vicariously through you and will never have the opportunity to sample PJs in the air. Do you get to keep them or do you give them back at the end?
Thanks for watching...yes you get to keep the pjs
Thank you!
I’ve not flown Polaris on a 787, but a couple of jaunts on a refurbished 777 between EWR and BOM. Similar challenge with shoulder room, I ended up trying to pass the time on my side which had the advantage of pulling my feet up a little.
EsHaYz BrAh! 😂
Dennis: hate to disagree but I found the seat to be very tight and cocoon/casket like. Foot well was very tight and because it was so narrow it was hard to sleep especially if you tend to sleep on your side. I flew from ORD to HND and return . I tried both the odd window seat one way and the middle seat on return . Window odd seat hard to get into/out of , storage very sparse even if you put all the bedding in the over head. United needs to redesign ----disappointing . Food just OK, service OK and no pajama anymore.
Nice video Dennis. Cute jammies. Is that only an Aussie thing that they'd think you were a dickhead in them in Economy...? Think that would work equally well in NZ too. Pleased you enjoyed your coffee. ☕
I think you're right, our Kiwi cousins would definitely have the same opinion if they saw business pjs in economy
Any eshay photos Cuz?
Haha the sparerib dish is one of the only good ones. The seats aren’t great. I took a 7 hr flight in Polaris Ord to Ams and I couldn’t sleep. I’m 6’3 and felt like I was in a coffib
I did Polaris for 14 hours from SFO to TPE. It was okay, I enjoyed the extra leg room. I had some trouble sleeping, but overall, it was a good experience. I loved getting out of the plane quickly and breezed through customs.
What is an eshay?
I think I would pick the SQ lounge for the food. More tasty Asian delights
Both NZ and SQ lounges at Sydney are very good - if you are *G, you can use both!
@@seanp7dc IF you fly star alliance business class like Dennis did here you can use both so I guess that's good
Yes, that works too! I think Dennis said it was too busy so he skipped. But yes you can access both with a business class ticket (or *G).@@hanj31
United Polaris is pretty good but not yet world class in my opinion. I recently flew to Melbourne from NJ, USA and I chose Emirates business class. Yes it was longer but cheaper! Also a much more pleasant experience. Thanks Dennis for another great trip report.
These foot coffins have to change on newer seats for business, sometimes its ok for bulkhead seats but everyone else gets lumped with a tiny box for your feet.
Why on earth didn't you get the ice cream sundae????
What was the whiskey you had, i know United had Buffalo Trace which is one i like
Yes it was Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace is a decent US bourbon. Good with Coke Zero.
Im surprised United didn't offer any Scotch or even a Canadian whiskey on an international flight, i like bourbon and would've picked bourbon over the others, but im pretty sure people would appreciate more selection
They are supposed to stock Glenfarclas Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, and Jack Daniels (in addition to Buffalo Trace). Sounds like a mis-cater.@@darrenjohnson4420
Of note: most Air France A350s have essentially the same seat as Polaris.
Overall, I liked this video, as usual from your channel, Dennis, but not sure how I like the new editing style. Maybe I'll get used to it.
Thanks. Was it the intro or other aspects of the editing? interested to know. Played around with the start of the video on this one as my usual intro is getting a bit old.
@@DennisBunnikTravels Yes, the new intro threw me a bit, but I could get used to it. The "sneak peek" intro can work if done right, so that might be a nice change, although I always liked your original title sequence. The rest of the editing seemed not quite as smooth as your other videos, if that makes sense. None of this is meant as criticism. You do a great job on these, and I love watching them. Just a couple of observations.
Thanks mate, really appreciate the feedback. Will keep playing around with the sneak peak intro - this one was done on a run and was the second half of the video as I was keen to a video out. It had been too long already. My editing skills are all self taught and I do need to devote some more time to getting it to the level I want. Thanks again.
13 hours with the unfriendly skies
You are a brave man Dennis
Fortunately the “best business class is on another airline” didn’t apply here 😂😂
I flew Sydney to San Fran business can’t say I was impressed, Monitor didn’t work, it’s a long flight with no entertainment. Service was ok but not great but better than Lufthansa