Review: United Polaris 767 Business Class Newark to London . No excuse. American Airlines Boeing 777-200 at Maui Kahului Airport (OGG). You can buy miles for yourself or another MileagePlus member. Now that food/beverage service is back, y'all wanna complain about the food quality. Also, as a retired Navy officer, and one-time pilot, I asked the FA's, more than once, nicely, if the guys and gals upfront would activate, "From the Flight Deck", to hear the ATC chatter. For the rest of you who have tears welling up in your eyes as youre reading this, weep with me as we taxi our way to the reef runway for the departure back to the mainland. Even in first class, there is no reason for me to spend any longer inside that tube than required. That makes it great for couples traveling together. Wi-Fi is available as well, though United is extremely stingy with it. Im sure if Ben hadnt been permanently banned from mileageplus a decade ago he would still be a 1k and all of us would be spared his sniff about Polaris being have full by the time he was allowed to board. :(((. third I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm a spoiled Business Class guy only complaining about the small stuff. We have always enjoyed Uniteds Business/First Class. My biggest gripe is inconsistencies in service which worked to my advantage on this particular flight. Here are some pictures out my window during the flight: Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. It was breakfast, and it was worse than the quarantine meals I got at Guam's Dunsit Thai Resort hotel. Seat: 11A (Polaris / Business Class). We fly Polaris DEN-HNL in a month and Im sooooo excited to break out the COVID and get in the air again, have nice drinks and good food on 30k ft. After reading through your article my hopes somehow fall apart. But it really occupies me for not trying to ask this guy if he is Matthew Klint. Given how empty Y has been on my international flights and the lack of service in J, I'm really questioning the wisdom of booking business class. All Polaris lounges have now reopened. 757-222s inherited from PMUA? If the airlines are charging the same prices it's not unreasonable to expect the same service. But, still, I contend that I expect curteous, kind, respectful and clean flights along with safety. Back in the day when you could still ask flight attendants to behave like human beings, almost every UA flight I took in Business I had to ask the FAs to tone it down so I could try to get some sleep. A long one, sure - but domestic. Polaris class on this aircraft features a standard Business Class seat which transforms into a fully flat bed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I skipped the mango sorbet, but did enjoy an Old Fashion with some potato chips. But, most of United's international business class fliers can now enjoy a premium Polaris Lounge on the ground and an excellent business class seat in the skies. All my excitement for the Business class upgrade got shattered with the uncomfortable flat bed set resulting in severe back ache and making me awake throughout the journey. That said, even that made up place is better than the Trainwreck that is BER ( possibly the most un German entity in existence). It was one overcooked, greasy, small, thigh of chicken. Duration: 4 hours 43 minutes. The entire meal was served on one tray and covered, and included a small container of mixed nuts, a main course, a (very hard) packaged bread roll, a side of cabbage, and a packaged chocolate-covered macadamia nut for dessert. And the remaining few aircraft are scheduled to be complete by summer 2022. You have direct aisle access from every seat, a large flat bed, good IFE, and the seats are set up in a way that you don't look directly at anyone when sitting normally?? My husband and I recently flew in Polaris IAD-Brussels and Athens-IAD. Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. The highs include that the gate agent was awesome she had a great personality, and cracked some jokes that were actually funny. Los Angeles LAX - Honolulu HNL (UA1158) and HNL-LAX (UA534): Until March 26, 2022; . I have low service expectations after all, Im an American Airlines frequent flyer but even so this crew managed to disappoint: On the plus side, the purser seemed like a nice guy, and his announcements were professional. PS: Lucky, you are so right about United's Boarding process. Hi Guest, join in the discussion on United Airlines 777 Polaris business class, San Francisco to Newark, Executive Traveller is published by Business Travel Media Pty Ltd, a corporate authorised credit representative (#515763) of MGS FINANCIAL PTY LIMITED (#337568). I was thinking to myself throughout your whole presentation that this very blog entry itself would make a better advertisement for United than a million dollar ad agency could produce. Didn't come around with water or snacks for the rest of the 4 hours. ago. Not a fan. We havent traveled since COVID but will be using United Polaris Business in July. Transcon LAX-EWR - this report. Maybe next time. Your feet will feel a bit tight unless you choose a seat in row one. About your comment that United is the "only airline where you really feel like a second class passenger when flying in the forward most cabin," when flying business class recently on Aeromexico, they insisted that business group passengers board last. I have never understood the obsession with priority boarding (but maybe that is because I do not live in the US) or dining in a metal tube but having said that, I do appreciate french bubbles in the sky and a decent lounge pre-flight. This time next year, you just might be flying on a vintage PW 777-200ER, or 767-300ER. Featured user comments I had a similar experience on HNL-ORD in January. OkAGREE completely. U arent their market. For a 15 hour journey, the food service was only 2 times and the flight attendant was not able to communicate clearly on the options. United Airlines business class is one of the best ways to fly when jetting between the east and west coast hubs of New York and San Francisco. Im surprised they havent added on in their comments by complaining that they have to wait for the disabled pax to board or even the pilots to be on board first. It is a total embarassment. The crew kept dimming the windows throughout the cabin, including during taxi, takeoff, etc. Thankfully, that's now a thing of the past. United does a really good job with their ground operations here in Honolulu. It never ceases to amaze me quite how awful the US legacy carriers are! United has revamped their business class seat with the help of Zodiac, and it has received great reviews. I don't understand why most first class food offered by the US-based airlines (domestic) are so pathetic and simply put, unhygienic. @ Dmodemd -- I'm not claiming this is a Polaris business class review? You can go to the new Grand Central Madison (east side) or Penn Station (west side) and connect by subway or taxi from there. Since Uniteds flagship Polaris Lounge at San Francisco is only available to international travellers, we visited the United Club lounge, located on Terminal 3. When it comes to getting work done, a spacious tray table slides smoothly out from under the video screen, while a large faux-marble benchtop on the side is wide enough to spread out any work-related documents. What a wonderful set of pictures! Usually Im better at resisting this crap. So I still struggle to see the context of highlighting this observation. @Ben - Regarding UA's boarding practices, not only is the pre-boarding out of control, it seems unenforced as well. No way! Anyways, nice to see the flight reviews back. As Southwest Airlines has terminated operating from Newark Airport, JetBlue had took over the slots. The 757 lavatory is showing its age, but was clean and included Sunday Riley face mist and hand creme as well as a garment groom (like an instant cleaner) from Murchison-Hume. That food looks like something my dog threw up. . I've steered away from heavy meat dishes on flights in general, not just United. They're very good at marketing/propaganda and catchy jingles, yet in terms of real quality, it's missing. But the best entertainment of all was the approach to Newark Airport (EWR). Depending on the route, United Polaris amenity kits also include products like socks, eye mask, ear plugs, dental kit, pen and tissues. Honolulu, HI (HNL) San Francisco, CA (SFO) Onboard WiFi was available for the entire flight for just US$8 (if you're a MileagePlus member). I booked my return flight on United to the mainland on the day of departure. But u going and add up everything u write off. It looked about as good as it tasted. Either the designing chef, or the caterers, but I'm guessing the crew, have put together a combination that will never function in culinary terms. Great FA thoughand post and pictures. All ofher US origins to HI market premium plus. Power ports and USB ports are located at shoulder height on a shelf adjacent to the seat. So, we shall see. After reading the comments I am sick that I paid for the upgrade from ORD-LAX for my wife and I and back this coming Friday, January 14, 2022. But, Ben u should be lucky they let you fly on them. The upside of this system is that you can log into your MileagePlus account to easily find your check baggage allowance. Log in below. This will fast-track your check-in process. I don't fly international any longer so I do not worry about the food. That flight from Europe is a bit*h eh. They are going to give you for free, so prepare to spend at least $20 for decent Wi-Fi to get you through an entire flight. Hi! Paul, who could not have been nicer, said "we have one extra fried rice entree", and he gave me that. Business Class Flights to Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) from $298 - KAYAK EWR Find Business Class Flights to Newark Liberty Airport Seattle (SEA) Newark Fri 3/24 Fri 3/31 Search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on business class flights to Newark Liberty Airport I'm not expecting 4 or 5 star service. If you're focusing on getting sleep during your flight, you have the option of dining in the Polaris lounge before your flight. I agree that UA should bring back the Polaris comforter. Individual air vents are overhead too. American boards Executive Platinum members after first class, Delta boards Diamond Medallion members with first class. United doesnt provide the full Away-designed flying kit as they do in long-haul international flights for their transcontinental crossings. The EWR-LAX route started with 1 daily flights in July 2020 ,and in September 2020, it was already at 3 daily flights, and in October 2020, the service would go up to 5 daily flights. My wife and I pre-ordered the Japanese meal as to avoid being served Golden Corral quality American food. Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord. But still. There were some highs and lows to boarding. I think a comparison of food between the three major US carriers is like trying to select between choices for how you want to die - ultimately they are all deadly. Mealy scrambled eggs, fatty sausage and that's it. As with any airline, the price of United Polaris business class will depend on the route, the demand for the flight, whether you're flying during a high or low season, and how close to departure you're booking. Of course, theres also an inflight map you can use to keep tabs on your progress across the States. For breakfast they only had oatmeal with fruit, fruit bowl, and croissant, which I thought was fine. Hi Jan yeah, I stayed at the Hilton (Waikiki Beach) again. You can rest in a daybed in United's Quiet suites and refresh in the lounge's private shower suites. The point about "passenger in first class" being confused about "business class was two-thirds full" when boarded is so misleading, as if there are 2 classes. Meanwhile on Monday I flew Delta One on HNL-MSP on a 333. United business class inflight entertainment. Pushing off the gate and knowing that youre leaving Hawaii sucks. Needed to say I love Ben, and OMAAT, and this airline-loving community Ben has birthed. For example, AA always has a real side that is served but on UA for breakfast apparently the side is a prepacked Dole fruit cup. Review: United Airlines 757-200 Business Class, The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles, @malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire i, Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! Yes, you can ruin pasta. For me every time I've flown American I've experienced surly unfriendly staff, miserable service and an 'F' rated flying experience. Search . All United widebody aircraft have lie-flat seats in business class. One question - was the bread roll served warm? However, the price depends on many factors and isn't published. U arent that style. So, somewhere between 75 and 90 pax had already boarded. Agree with previous comments great shots! I especially like the first in your Conclusion of the three aircraft facing that panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline. Coming back we flew a 757 with the newish recliner seats. Like, really bad. United Platinum and 1K elite members earn PlusPoints upon qualifying for elite status and reaching certain additional thresholds. Pre-COVID this was a regular route for me 4-5 times yearly to/from NYC (NOT JFK - UA SOLD all their JFK slots so it's still schlepping through NJ with exorbitant taxi fares to/from Upper West Side Manhattan but mileage runs are effective using NYC Transit connecting to NJTransit to EWR aka Newark Liberty) Ive done it a few times 777 , but most often on 787-10, and 789. Time on the ground means better connectivity which translates into productivity. Its foolish to think youll get international business class treatment on a transcon flight in the US. Is food served in business class on United? Thinking back on it, I guess thats what they gotta do to get a plane full of depressed people leaving Hawaii to cooperate, UA372 Roll was hard. The seat map for this United Airlines 757-200 features United's p.s. And occasionally, Im pleasantly surprised. Many airlines board their high value customers before others in business class. The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben! He has given few reviews complimenting them. Wow! Judging by the crew description, no @ pgSFO -- Nope, it was not warm. Leaving from. And, non-U.S. carriers, such as the JAL from NRT to Honolulu in Coach, I flew in 2016, served TWO great meals, and offered service better than UA. Each way is 16 hours. Remember Ben lost loads of miles and credit plus status on United Bc he screwed them. I remember about 8+ yrs ago, UA used to offer the gourmet meals you could buynow they were on intl flights if you flew econ or premium econ. Theyre simply United First. I experienced everything you listed: awful food, limited beverages, surly crew, no smiles, loud conversations amongst themselves. Even when in "Oceanic" mode, some old United pilots would turn on their High Freq channels, and it was glorious to listen to. Wed. 1 stop . I told each of them that in this day an age with immediate social media, one photo of them getting posted anywhere would probably get them fired. This is still a domestic flight. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I worked at Boeing for a number of years. Many are buying revenue premium class domestic flights/Caribbean as its not that much more than Y many times and pays for itself between buying Y+ and 1 checked bag. We have people commenting on United service that have not flown the carrier in 7 years. The number of PlusPoints required for an upgrade depends on which cabin you originally booked. Pretty sure I saw the meal shown in the first two pictures before. I bet ur the bitch tho. All airlines have a lot that Great article. United Polaris business class tickets include access to the Polaris loungeor the United Club when a Polaris lounge isn't available. Feel sorry for you, Ben. The chicken was definitely dry, but the flavor was okay. Note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. The pillow was nice, while the blanket was rather scratchy and warm, and not nearly as good as the Casper bedding that American offered on the outbound. Hi Scott Where did you stay in Waikiki? I despise flying AA and only use them as my absolute last choice. I suppose that if the flight is already full, there's no incentive to improve. but these pics are just embarrassing (I think that cafeteria food at my elementary school looked better than this). Did United sell you a domestic First or Polaris class ticket? Therefore I always like to board last. If youve forgotten your password, simply enter your email address United Airlines 787-10 Business/First p.s. . Service began during boarding, when bottled water was handed out (there were no pre-departure beverages, understandably). Onward and downward! UA has the Guam market to its self and charges accordingly. In order to fit as many seats as possible, United staggers the seats side-to-side from row-to-row. Sorry but I can't be sympathetic. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. I could by u over but u disgust me. I think that you have summed up my quest to understand the airline offerings in the US perfectly! Ive even had one with an orange peel on a TCON in coach! Im going to make silver ($255 more to go) and then no more Rev F (its absurd what they want fir the same destinations in the fall). And you know something? I offered the contrustive criticism rather than, "I got you" approach. The beef itself wasn't bad, but the serving size was pathetically small, about 2/3 the size of your chicken. Lots of available award seats to Oceania for 35,000 United Airlines miles. Thank you and well done! But, in the years since it's been introduced, United Polaris has at least become the standard for United business class. The only real winner is United because you paid that amount. They are much wider (about 4 inches wider) and give you a lot more legroom (about 7 inches more) and they have a 2-2 configuration. The seat map reflects the United Airlines 757-200 used on long-haul intercontinental routes. A Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and pillow were placed on each seat. Imagine paying almost 1000$ and get this kind of food. Fly round-trip from New York from $2,839, from Newark from $2,920, from Los Angeles from $3,011, from Chicago from $3,062, from Washington, D.C. from $3,438. Ur blog lost all but ur making money so kiddos. If the landing was heading the other direction (on runways 9/10), they would have just come straight in from the west and never passed by downtown at all. The only Yikes, that food looks disgusting! . Skip the *service*. I love airlines with ask me when I want to board. Made a flight review vlog about by recent onboard experience with United. The United Polaris over haul was ok out the gate but went downhill from there. I first unwrapped the entire meal and immediately snapped a picture, to make up for my sins on the outbound flight (where I forgot to snap a picture). As the Army SF community says, it's a "Complete Goat Rope". And no, I did not ask permission! but happy on rep tax. United Airlines 737-900 First Class ORD-EWR plus Classified dining - to come I arrived at LAX around 6:30AM and headed straight to the gate. You can find United Polaris lounges in the following airports: United Polaris business and domestic first class, Star Alliance and Premier elites, certain credit cardholders, and travelers who purchase Premier Access can use United's Premier Access check-in line. Access to the lounge is reserved for United Club members, business class travellers on Uniteds transcontinental service, Star Alliance Gold members on an international flight, and international business or first class passengers jetting off on any Star Alliance flight. Ur truly a dividing person. Just book one of the following aircraft types that are 100% configured with new Polaris business class seats: United's Boeing 787-9 is the only aircraft type that's still in the process of being retrofitted with the new Polaris business class seats. On a 16 hour flight there was dinner after takeoff and breakfast an hour before landing. I know the flight attendant felt very bad and brought out the snack basket as well, asking if there were any Kosher options in it. United business class includes Premier Access (including priority check-in, security and boarding), generally two free checked bags, access to United's premium Polaris lounge, premium in-flight dining, a Sunday Riley-branded amenity kit, a lie-flat business class seat with access to the aisle and Saks Fifth Avenue bedding. This is still a domestic flight. Review: Star Alliance Business Class Lounge Los Angeles LAX Review: United 757-300 First Class Los Angeles to Washington Dulles (Updates First Class Service) Review: United Polaris Lounge Washington Dulles IAD Review: United 777-300ER Polaris Business Class Newark to Delhi Review: Air India Domestic Business Class Lounge Delhi DEL Now it may be a very terrible tasting version of it, but aside from the veggies I do not find it that visually appalling. Bc u wont pay for it United sucks, but Delta still best. Detailed flight information from Newark EWR to Los Angeles LAX. AA is horrible from my personal experiences with them. @Ben - You weren't flying first class. Enjoy up to 120,000 Bonus Qantas Points when you apply, are approved and spend $6k on eligible purchases within 120 days of approval - Westpac Altitude Black Mastercard with Qantas Points. Your 100k safari. There was a Saks Fifth Avenue pillow and day blanket. I usually fly on AA so I was excited to try a different product. This flight from Honolulu to San Francisco was the first domestic Polaris experience that Ive ever had where they gave us real blankets and pillows. 17,500 United Airlines miles for one-way coach flights from North America to Central America. But nope, an hour out drinks and Biscoffs were served, and that was it. The chicken was not great, but probably very edible. The seats are well-appointed and sport a premium finish in blue and grey, with a wraparound shell offering a degree of individual privacy. Come on, it's CLE-ORD. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. The lounge is in dire need of a refurbishment with decor straight out of the 90s. . United Airlines currently offers daily Boeing 777-300 flights between San Francisco and New York, with UA1442 departing SFO at 8:30am, arriving at EWR at 4:47pm. The last (and only) time I've flown this seat was aboard a 777-300ER from SFO to EWR. Service was okay. United first class food is junk Business/First Class On U.S. domestic flights in first-class, special meals are available for pre-order on flights over 2,000 miles such as New York/Newark and Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and from the continental U.S. to Hawaii and vice versa. However, if my choice were United or American I'd run to United every time. Each seat is fitted with spacious footwells that allow easy movement of your feet. It was breakfast, and it was worse than the quarantine meals I got at Guam's Dunsit Thai Resort hotel. I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. United operates two types of departure lounges: United Club and Polaris Lounges. Hahahaha. Aircraft: 757-222. That would have enhanced your HNL flight. The foot cubby space in all seats are exactly the same. @ Trent -- It's an observation more than anything else. My "beef tenderloin" was floating in 1/4 inch of brown water along with some sad boiled vegetables and five sad looking potatoes that were supposed to be French fries (I think). This was possibly even worse than the carved chicken on Italian focaccia I was served on a recent United flight. That might get someone's attention. All from my iPhone indeed. You were flying in their premium cabin, but ultimately it is business class. Just for fun I also snapped a picture of the American 777-200 that I was initially going to fly to Dallas. United 787-9 Polaris business class cabin. I appreciated that there were individual air nozzles, since airplane cabins can otherwise feel pretty warm, especially when wearing a mask. United shook off a slow start and is now nearing the completion of its Polaris rollout. I was the second person in the Group 1 line, yet business class was two-thirds full by the time I boarded. I think the effective cost of the meal that United serves is around 1 - 2$. While I greatly prefer the 787-10 to the 757-200 for transcontinental flights, this was still a very comfortable ride. I recently had the opportunity to try the new Polaris configuration on a 777-200 from Honolulu to San Francisco, and it was just as comfortable as any other recent United Polaris experience that Ive had. Only from west coast. Sorry for all my negativity. Unfortunately, United is maintaining a sub-fleet of Boeing 777-200ER with United's original business class seats. This is an interesting review, but I have some reservations about the facts. Great experience! As a side note - my last few AA flights have forgotten the catering. Well not too long ago Domestic First was not offered separate boarding. I was expecting the experience to be roughly comparable (American vs. United is like Chili's vs . or Business Class on the B757-200 New York Newark (EWR) to Los Angeles (LAX). For the love of God. But u are clueless tax hikes. . Producing food like this is a heritage crew problem. Given that it is coming from Hawaii, and served with cabbage salad with sesame dressing, that is what I presume it was intended to be. Any chef/cook/mother or indeed brother knows that if you reheat steamy vegetables with roast meat, you'll end up with meat that a Samurai's sword wouldn't cut, let alone human teeth. Thankfully, those inconsistencies skewed towards being better than worse. Now that was special! Things did change quickly. Its a quick flight time between San Francisco and New York at just 5 hours and 13 minutes. A little pepper adds a lot of flavor. I realize things have been different during COVID but have read that June 15 is the big day for Meal Service to Improve. Youll get a massive video screen with loads of movies, TV shows, and audio selections. Bc your past. FYI Domestic Flights are not called Polaris. Only one meal on the 7.5 hour flight to Honolulu (HLN). Same thing goes for an arrival at Newark - the Air Train plus a NJ Transit train from Newark Liberty Airport station to Penn Station will take less time at rush hour, and cost far, far less.