United Polaris Business Class Review: Travel in Luxury

The year was 2016, and most major US airlines were beginning to roll out premium cabin products in an effort to compete with international carriers like Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines. It was at this point that United launched its new business class product. 

Named Polaris, it was meant to be the new "North Star" for international business class. Almost ten years after its launch, many flight connoisseurs might give that title to ANA’s The Room or Qatar’s Qsuite. But, since it's been introduced, United Polaris has become the standard for United business class with a solid blend of comfort, service, and elevated amenities.

Since 2022, all Polaris business class seats have direct aisle access. Also, travelers get to enjoy the Polaris Lounge, lie-flat business class seating, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and many more comforts of a true international business class product.

In this United Polaris Business Class review, we’ll dive into everything you need to know before booking, from what’s included to how it compares to other United products. Hopefully, we’ll help you decide whether it’s really worth the upgrade for your next flight. 

Key takeaways

• United Polaris offers lie-flat seats, gourmet dining, and lounge access for all its passengers.
• As an international business class, Polaris is available on most international long-haul flights and select transcontinental domestic routes.
• Polaris service stands out from United First or regular business class as United’s top-tier international offering.
• On some domestic routes, older aircraft like the Boeing 777-200s still feature a 2-4-2 seat configuration.
• Going Elite members receive real-time alerts for premium cabin deals, making it easier to upgrade to United Polaris for a fraction of the regular price.

Going experts’ United Polaris business class review & score

If you choose United Polaris business class you’ll receive a reliable premium experience across most routes. From the lie-flat seats with direct aisle access to Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, Polaris feels like a clear upgrade from domestic first class and even United’s older business class products.

The seats are especially ideal on United’s Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft, where you’ll find modern layouts with more privacy, personal space, and room for luggage. The exception is some 777-200s flying domestic routes, which have an older first class in a 2-4-2 configuration.

On top of that, Polaris lounges, available at hubs like Newark, Chicago, and Houston, add to the airport experience with à la carte dining, shower suites, and a more tranquil atmosphere than standard United Clubs. 

Onboard, the experience is just as luxurious with multi-course dining and premium alcoholic drinks. While the food may not be quite up to Qatar or ANA standards, the overall experience is consistent and enjoyable. The entertainment selection is solid, and its amenity kits include practical, high-quality items.

Like with most airlines, service can be hit or miss depending on the crew. But all in all, when flying internationally on a plane with the updated Polaris seat, United’s flagship business class offers a competitive and comfortable journey for business and leisure travelers alike.

Expert Score: 8.5/10

Become a Going Elite member to score the lowest prices in top classes.

What to know about United Airlines’ Polaris business class

Premium Select vs. United Polaris comparison

While both Delta Premium Select and United Polaris business class fall under the umbrella of premium travel, they cater to different levels of comfort—and come with very different expectations. We’ll break it down. 

Delta Premium Select is a premium economy product, not business class. It offers wider seats with extra legroom, increased recline, adjustable footrests, and upgraded meal service. It’s a step up from Delta Comfort+, including priority boarding and a larger baggage allowance, but it does not offer lounge access or the fully elevated in-flight experience that comes with business class.

United Polaris is a true long-haul business class. It features lie-flat seats, dining designed by chefs, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and exclusive access to Polaris lounges at select airports. Polaris also comes with premium amenity kits, higher-tier alcohol selections, and significantly more personal space and privacy than Premium Select.

Which domestic routes have Polaris business class?

Technically, United Polaris is reserved for long-haul international flights. However, you can still experience Polaris-level seating and, in some cases, service on select domestic routes (particularly those flown by Polaris-configured aircraft).

There are four premium transcontinental routes that offer true Polaris business class service, including lie-flat seats and elevated onboard experience:

• Newark (EWR) ⇄ Los Angeles (LAX)
• Newark (EWR) ⇄ San Francisco (SFO)
• New York Kennedy (JFK) ⇄ Los Angeles (LAX)
• New York Kennedy (JFK) ⇄ San Francisco (SFO)

On these routes, you’re most likely to receive the full Polaris experience, including elevated dining and amenities.

Outside of these premium routes, you can still find Polaris-configured lie-flat seats on several high-demand domestic flights. While the full service package is typically not included, these aircraft still offer the same physical seating you’d find on an international Polaris flight. Some examples include:

• Denver (DEN) ⇄ Newark (EWR), Los Angeles (LAX), Houston (IAH), and Chicago (ORD)
• Newark (EWR) ⇄ Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO), Chicago (ORD)
• Washington Dulles (IAD) ⇄ Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Orlando (MCO), Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO)
• Houston (IAH) ⇄ Los Angeles (LAX), Orlando (MCO), Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO), San Juan (SJU)
• Los Angeles (LAX) ⇄ Las Vegas (LAS), Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO)
• Chicago (ORD) ⇄ Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO)
• San Francisco (SFO) ⇄ Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX)

United also operates Polaris-equipped aircraft on several Hawaii routes, which means you can book a lie-flat seat to paradise. While full Polaris service is not always guaranteed, the onboard comfort is a major step up from standard recliner-style domestic first class. Here are the key Hawaii routes where you can find Polaris-configured aircraft:

• Denver (DEN) ⇄ Honolulu (HNL), Kona (KOA), Maui (OGG)
• Newark (EWR) ⇄ Maui (OGG)
• Washington Dulles (IAD) ⇄ Honolulu (HNL)
• Houston (IAH) ⇄ Honolulu (HNL)
• Los Angeles (LAX) ⇄ Honolulu (HNL)
• Chicago (ORD) ⇄ Honolulu (HNL), Kona (KOA), Maui (OGG)
• San Francisco (SFO) ⇄ Honolulu (HNL), Kona (KOA), Maui (OGG)

Polaris business class on international flights 

Polaris was built for long-haul international travel, and that’s where you’ll make the most of your upgrade. On routes across the Atlantic, Pacific, and deep into South America, United offers this premium product. If you're flying overnight or on a flight longer than eight hours, Polaris significantly improves the experience—especially when you're looking to arrive rested and ready for business (or vacation).

Which planes have Polaris Business Class? 

Polaris cabins are mainly found on wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 777-200, 777-300ER, 787-8/9/10 Dreamliners, and 767-300/400, depending on the route. Most feature a 1-2-1 layout, giving every passenger direct aisle access and a fully lie-flat seat. Updated cabins include angled privacy partitions, and mood lighting that helps you create the most relaxing environment for your flight.

United's Boeing 787-9 was the last aircraft type to be retrofitted with the new Polaris business class seats. Up until summer 2022, you could still find some aircraft with older lie-flat business class seats—particularly on first-class domestic routes.

Still wondering what’s the difference between these products? Read more about the differences between business class and first class to find the best option for your next flight!

What is included with United Polaris business class?

The United Polaris business class experience in the air

United Polaris business class seats

All United widebody aircraft have lie-flat seats in business class. On the vast majority of United's international fleet, you'll get to enjoy the new United Polaris seats, which guarantee aisle access for every seat. 

In order to fit as many seats as possible, the seats are arranged side-to-side from row-to-row. That means some seats are close to the aisle while others are tucked away close to the window.

United is maintaining a sub-fleet of Boeing 777-200ER with United's original business class seats. This aging product is arranged with eight business class seats in each row. The best that you can say about these seats is that they lie flat. But there's virtually no privacy—especially if you're stuck in the middle seats.

United Polaris business class perks

United Airlines Polaris business class passengers get in-flight amenity kits that elevate the experience on long-haul international and certain domestic coast-to-coast flights. United partners with Sunday Riley to provide skincare products for everything from in-flight amenity kits to soaps and lotions in lavatories and lounges.

Sunday Riley even designed a line of "in-flight remedy" products exclusively for United. By booking a United Polaris ticket, you’ll receive products like face cream, hand cream, lip balm, and a facial cleaning cloth. Polaris passengers also get Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, a cooling gel pillow, and slippers with their in-flight kit. Some long-haul flights also offer pajamas and mattresses upon request.

Want to save on your next trip? Find out how to find cheap flights and lock in the lowest fares!

Entertainment

Each seat includes a large screen with a diverse selection of movies, shows, and games, along with noise-canceling headphones and in-seat power and USB outlets.

Meals & alcohol

Polaris comes with a "chef-redesigned, multi-course inflight dining experience." This means the flight attendants will serve each course separately, including the now-famous Polaris sundae.

 Additionally, if you're focusing on getting sleep during your flight, you have the option of dining in the Polaris lounge before your flight. Or, you can request Express Dining service to get all courses served at the same time.

In United Polaris business class, passengers can enjoy complimentary beer, wine, liquor, and non-alcoholic drinks. United hasn’t published a list of alcohol drink options, but many passengers reported the adult drinking options include: White Claw Hard Seltzer; red, white, and sparkling wine; gin; Bailey’s Irish Cream; amaretto; Kentucky and Scotch whiskey; cognac; vodka and rum.

How to book United Polaris business class

Can you upgrade to business class after purchase?

You can upgrade to United Polaris business class after purchasing an economy or premium economy ticket, though availability and cost will vary. United offers paid upgrades, which are sometimes promoted during the booking process, at check-in, or even at the gate. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand depending on the route and fare class originally purchased.

Upgrades are also possible using United PlusPoints, a benefit for Premier Platinum and 1K MileagePlus members. These upgrades are processed through a waitlist, and seats are not guaranteed. To improve your odds, request the upgrade early and choose flights that historically have lower business class occupancy. The upgrade experience can be an affordable way to enjoy Polaris amenities—especially when lie-flat seating can make or break an overnight flight.

How do I upgrade to United Polaris business class for free?

Free upgrades to Polaris business class are possible but rare and typically limited to United’s top-tier elite members. Premier 1K and Platinum members receive PlusPoints, which can be used to request upgrades from lower fare classes.

Outside of elite status, scoring a free upgrade often depends on special circumstances—like being bumped from an oversold flight, schedule changes, or exceptional customer service recovery situations. However, it's definitely not something you should count on.

Using credit cards to book Polaris business class with miles

The following are some credit cards that earn United miles:

Transfer partners to United 

In addition, the following Chase cards earn points that transfer 1:1 to United. This means that 1,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points can become 1,000 United MileagePlus miles. 

Join Going to catch the best Polaris business class deals

After hearing all the benefits of Polaris, learning that you can find a seat for less than $2,000 roundtrip seems very unlikely, right? Well, Going members have gotten front-row seats to cheap deals just like that! In fact, here are some recent deals we’ve found for our Elite members:

• Denver nonstop to Chicago for $338 roundtrip in Polaris
• Chicago to Porto for $1,833 roundtrip
• LA to Honolulu for $978 roundtrip
• San Francisco to Santorini for $2,515 roundtrip

By tracking mistake fares, flash sales, and award availability on most airlines and OTAs, Going makes it possible to fly Polaris for a fraction of the usual price. Try Going Elite for exclusive access to deals in Polaris, Qsuite, and other luxury flight products.

Download Going’s app and start receiving flight deals alerts!