United’s Polaris business class offers lie-flat seating with direct aisle access, upgraded amenities, and elevated service including dine-on-demand meals and lounge access for long-haul premium passengers.
United Airlines Business Class
Seats and Cabins
- United Airlines business class is called “Polaris” after the refurbishment of their long haul business class seats and service in 2016.
- Polaris seats are lie-flat with 6’6” flat beds and have aisle access for all passengers. Seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration so every passenger has direct aisle access.
- The Polaris seats feature an ergonomic design with plenty of privacy as well as storage space and amenities like pillows, blankets and noise cancelling headphones.
Amenities and Service
- United Polaris lounges offer a pre-flight dining with hot food options, drinks, showers and amenity kits for business class passengers. Lounges are available at 7 US airports so far.
- Onboard Polaris service includes pre-departure beverages, dine-on-demand meal service with regionally inspired menus paired with wines, turn down service and custom bedding.
- Other amenities include personal device streaming, WiFi connectivity and access to a substantial movie/TV selection through United’s inflight entertainment system.
Flights and Cost
- United Polaris is currently available on 21 long-haul routes from US hubs and select flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Sydney and Melbourne. More routes are being refitted each year.
- Business class fares vary significantly but expect to pay a premium, often between $2,000 – $5,000 roundtrip for long haul routes like the US to Asia or Europe. Getting the best deals often requires advance booking or luck finding award space.
Overall, United Polaris offers a very competitive international business class experience with its latest hard product, amenities and service.
How To Upgrade To Business Class?
Here are some important points that will help you to upgrade to business class
- Use miles – Upgrade awards start at 30,000 miles one-way for flights under 700 miles. More miles are require for longer flights.
- Use PlusPoints – Eligible as Premier elite member to use PlusPoints for an upgrade. Number needed varies by route and cabin.
- Bid for upgrade – Make an offer using miles or cash to upgrade with my UA upgrade offers. Limited availability.
- Use a certificate – Apply a Regional Premier Upgrade or Global Premier Upgrade certificate if you have one.
- Pay for upgrade – Ask at check-in or at the gate about purchasing an upgrade to business class if seats are available. Can be very expensive.
- Hold elite status – Higher status gives you more upgrade priority over other members on waitlists.
- Fly popular routes – Upgrades are harder to get on competitive or high-demand routes. Opt for less traveled flights.
- Be flexible – Increase your upgrade odds by staying open to different flight times/dates if you get waitlist.
Related Article: How Do I Make A Reservation On United Airlines Flights?
