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If you like to fly United, you may have wondered about United Polaris. United has seven cabin class levels ranging from Basic Economy through to Premium, Business and First Classes. However, Polaris sits at the top of the stack, offering the highest premium level flying experience you can get with United Airlines.
United Polaris is designed to offer a new level of quality to premium cabin travel. It not only offers luxury cabin features, but there are also some excellent on the ground benefits.
What’s Included with United Polaris?
When you book a Polaris fare, there are a number of benefits that you can enjoy. These include:
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Free Checked Bags
Polaris passengers are able to check up two two bags for free. Additionally, your checked bags can weigh up to 70 pounds each, which is increased from the 50 pound standard baggage allowance.
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Premier Access
When you’re flying in the Polaris cabin, you can also enjoy Premier Access. This package includes priority check in, exclusive security line access where available, priority baggage handling and priority boarding.
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Access to the United Polaris Lounge
United Polaris lounges are exclusively available to international premium cabin travelers. These lounges offer a variety of amenities including ample seating with cubicles, two top tables, lounge chairs and restaurant style benches, tables and chairs.
The Polaris Lounges also feature a bar with various drink options including champagne, spirits and premium wines. There is a buffet with hot and cold food or you can order from the menu with table service.
However, what makes the Polaris Lounge particularly special is its relaxation features. The lounges feature spa like shower facilities including products that have been exclusively formulated for the airline by Sunday Riley. There is also a relaxation area with soft lighting, daybeds and white noise if you want to chill out and take a nap before a long flight.
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Polaris Aircraft Cabin Seating
The Polaris cabin on aircraft is in a 1-2-1 or 1-1-1 configuration on new aircraft and 2-2-2 or 2-1-2 in the old configurations. Both versions offer fully reclining seats up to 180º with 75 to 78 inches of sleeping space.
The seat width is up to 22 inches and you can select your seat free of charge when you purchase a Polaris ticket.
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Luxury Bedding
In addition to having plenty of space to stretch out on your flight, Polaris passengers can enjoy luxury bedding. United worked with Saks Fifth Avenue to create luxury, custom bedding for its Polaris customers.
Additionally, you can request a mattress cushion to further enhance the comfort of your onboard bed.
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Sleep Themed Amenities
United has put a strong emphasis on comfort and providing an environment for restful sleep in the Polaris cabin. So, as a passenger, you can enjoy a number of sleep themed amenities including cozy slippers, premium noise reducing headphones and an amenity kit.
This was exclusively designed and features premium Sunday Riley skincare items, earplugs, and an eyemask. On flight itineraries of 12 hours or longer, you can also request pajamas.
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Inflight Dining
The premium experience in Polaris extends to food and drinks as well. You can enjoy complimentary beverages, including non-alcoholic drinks, wine, beer, and liquor. Meals come with an entrée, bread, salad with dressing, mixed nuts, and a single-serve ice cream cup.
Depending on your flight length and destination, there’s also a selection of mid-flight snacks.
United also offers an arrival dining service to round off your journey. Depending on your arrival time, this could be a fresh, packaged, or covered meal.
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Inflight Entertainment
The Polaris inflight entertainment system features a 16 inch touchscreen monitor with a remote. You’ll be provided with premium, noise reducing headphones to use throughout your flight.
The system has lots of movies and tv shows to ensure that you are entertained, but you can also access WiFi.
How Can I Upgrade to United Polaris?
You can purchase a Polaris fare when you book. You will need to select Polaris when you’re searching for your travel dates and itinerary. You will then be able to check the costs to see if you’re happy to pay the additional premium to fly in Polaris, or if there is a cheaper day or time to fly if you’re looking to get the best value.
You can pay for an upgrade, but the upgrade cost will vary according to the itinerary. You should also bear in mind that the cost will relate to your original fare. So, the cost will be higher if you booked economy compared to if you booked a premium fare.
However, you could use your MileagePlus miles to pay for the upgrade. Redemption rates depend on the original fare class and region of travel. If you sign into your account, you can check the cost in miles to pay for an upgrade on your existing travel itinerary.
Premier members may also qualify for an upgrade. These members have automatic eligibility for upgrades, but the upgrade seats will be assigned according to order of priority. This means that there are no guarantees that you will get an upgrade, since higher status members get higher upgrade priority. If you have United Plus Points, you can also them to request an upgrade.
Does United Polaris Get Lounge Access?
One of the main perks of United Polaris is that you can get access to Polaris Lounges. There are currently Polaris Lounges in a number of cities in the U.S including Chicago O’Hare, LAX, San Francisco International, Newark Liberty International and Washington Dulles. However, United is set to roll out new lounges in London Heathrow, Hong Kong and Tokyo Narita.
However, if your departure airport does not have a United Polaris Lounge, you will have access to United Club lounges and other partner lounges.
United Polaris vs. United Premium Plus: How They Compared?
United Polaris sits above United Premium Plus, which is above United Economy, so it is natural that Polaris offers the most features and benefits. However, there are some key differences to note if you’re unsure which fare class to book.
The most obvious difference between these cabins is the seats. Polaris has its flat bed seats, which Premium Plus does not have. However, Premium Plus does have more legroom compared to the economy seats. But, if you’re looking for a “bed” feel, you’ll need to stick to Polaris.
Another obvious difference is the boarding priority. Polaris passengers have Group One boarding and the cabin is up at the front of the cabin. This means that Polaris passengers are the first to both board and disembark. Premium Plus has Group Two boarding, which means that passengers will be able to board before Economy and other fare classes are able to enter the aircraft.
Are United Polaris Seats Worth It?
There’s no simple answer to this, as it really depends on how much you value the Polaris features. If you're on a long-haul flight and being able to relax and stretch out during the journey is important to you, you’ll likely find United Polaris well worth it.
However, if you already lounge access and free checked bags via one of United credit cards, and don’t feel like you would need the lie flat seats, you may prefer to opt for a cheaper cabin and save yourself some cash on your airfare.
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FAQs
United policy means that you can cancel your reservation within five days of purchase and request a refund providing the cancelation request is made before your scheduled departure.
Yes, one of the features of booking a United Polaris fare is that you can select your seat without a fee.
Yes, you can access WiFi in the United Polaris cabin or use the in flight entertainment system to watch movies or television shows.
There is no advertised minimum age for flying in United Polaris, but if you are planning with children, it may be a good idea to check for any specific guidelines before you make your booking.
