United Airlines launches new 12-hour direct flight from Brisbane to San Francisco

Hear the phrase ‘international long-haul flight’, and ‘comfort’ is rarely a word that springs to mind. But United Airlines updated Polaris Class is miles above the rest.

Hear the phrase ‘international long-haul flight’, and ‘comfort’ is rarely a word that springs to mind.

Instead, the prospect of six-plus hours on a plane inspires the usual (often realised) fears: lack of sleep, a stiff neck, a seat mate with a weak bladder.

Luckily, there’s a new star in the sky in the form of America’s major carrier, United Airlines, and its updated business class offering that does, in fact, put comfort first.

Intent on improving the international in-flight experience, the new-look Polaris Class is United’s answer to what all travellers wish for: world-class amenities, lie-flat seats that guarantee a good night’s rest, and an elevated service to make your next trip across the Pacific a dream.

Of course, to be able to fly business on a 12-hour journey — as I did recently, on United’s new thrice-weekly service from Brisbane to San Francisco — is a luxury. This was my first international flight since the world reopened, and the thought of being fixed to a seat for such a long period of time filled me, in the days prior, with dread.

Suffice to say, any despair I was feeling quickly dissipated the minute I stepped on-board my flight (one of United’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners), and saw where I’d be spending the aforementioned 12-hour trip: a 52cm-wide seat that flattened to a length of 198cm, housed in an enclosed capsule design that offered privacy and ample storage. If you were also on the plane and heard me emit a squeal of excitement, no you didn’t.

United Airlines Polaris Class is the airline’s answer to everything travellers could wish for. Picture: Supplied

Polaris combines classic business class features — buttery-soft pyjamas in two-tone grey, plush slippers, and a glass of chilled champagne upon arrival — with an impressive array of other amenities.

The airline’s one-of-a-kind, curated partnerships with cult US brands like Saks Fifth Avenue, Sunday Riley and Away mean that Polaris passengers’ bedding, amenity kits and in-flight skincare routines are a cut above the rest.

An enclosed capsule design ensures privacy, ample storage, and comfort.

A bespoke blanket, duvet, and two pillows (one large, the other small and memory foam), brought to you by iconic retailer Saks Fifth Avenue in partnership with United, ensure a comfortable experience, whether you’re asleep or enjoying the extensive range of movies and TV shows on your 16-inch touchscreen.

Each seat in Polaris class flattens to a length of 198cm.

A bespoke blanket, duvet and two pillows, brought to you by iconic retailer Saks Fifth Avenue, ensure a comfortable slumber.

Mattress cushions and flat-bed seats are available upon request — do not turn these down when offered up by one of United’s attentive, friendly staff; they really do take the comfort to another level.

When you wake up, an In-flight-Remedy kit, exclusively formulated for United by coveted US beauty brand Sunday Riley, is the perfect refreshment, replete with Facial Cleaning Cloth, Face Cream, Lip Balm and Hand Cream, housed in a miniature suitcase, designed exclusively by Away.

When you wake up, an In-flight-Remedy kit, exclusively formulated for United by coveted US beauty brand Sunday Riley, is the perfect refreshment. Picture: Supplied

As for dining, United fuses classic American fare with an Australian twist. Leaving Brisbane midmorning means lunch is served almost immediately after takeoff. Expect the likes of seared beef fillet, chicken stuffed with mint and ricotta, seared barramundi, and spinach ravioli.

For dessert, don’t miss the ice cream sundae, with warm chocolate fudge and decadent chunks of brownie. The all-hours dining service means you can snack mid-flight, with a selection of sweet and savoury snacks available on request, and lighter fare including a cheese and Vegemite toastie (the ultimate Aussie culinary homage) and tomato soup.

And for breakfast, a choice between frittata and a French toast twist on the true delicacy of our childhoods, Fairy Bread.

As for dining, United fuses classic American fare with an Australian twist. Picture: Supplied

Be sure to leave enough time before your flight to check out the United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco International Airport.

United doesn’t only prioritise comfort in the air — for Polaris passengers, luxury begins on the ground.

A visit to the United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco International Airport prior to takeoff on the flight back home is a must (also available in Houston, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, and a Washington Dulles).

Available exclusively to international premium cabin travellers, the newly-redesigned Polaris Lounge and its countless amenities — think signature seating, spa-like shower facilities, a cocktail bar, abundant buffet, and private dining area with an a la carte menu — defy belief. Even the longest of wait times before your flight (in my case, six hours) is rendered enjoyable, so much so that you almost don’t want to get on the plane.

In United’s reimagined Polaris Class, comfort on a long-haul flight is not just a pipe dream, but a reality.

United Airlines run a three-time weekly service from Brisbane to San Francisco.

This writer travelled as a guest of United Airlines and the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board.