What it’s like to fly United Airlines Polaris Class
The airline has reinstated its direct service between Melbourne and San Francisco.
Flight Number UA61
Route Departing Melbourne 9.30am, arriving San Francisco International 7.05am
Aircraft Boeing 787-9
Seat number Polaris class 11L window
Flight time Scheduled 14 hours 35 minutes
All about the seat Polaris is United’s “most premium” class and with its 1-2-1 seat configuration every traveller has aisle access in a private pod. No more sly struggles over armrests. The “suite” has a 56cm-wide seat with, most significantly for tall people, a length of 198cm in its lie-flat position, although I find my sweet spot is a slight headrest incline. Easily accessed is a cabinet with mirror and there is a side table and night-light lamp.
Tech talk A panel has a powerpoint and USB chargers and the pod is a comfortable workday space for a flight that leaves in the morning. Wi-fi can be purchased (about $35 for the flight), but messaging apps such as WhatsApp are free. The United app is a useful download pre-flight, keeping travellers up to date on departures, connections and forward bookings. It can also provide links to agents. In present hectic times in the skies, access to real-time info is vital. On a San Francisco-New York United flight, I am told by text that my bag has arrived on an earlier flight and is available for immediate collection. I love it.
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On the menu Not long after departure and a welcoming glass of bubbles, I am served a choice piece of beef with mashed potatoes, mushrooms and broccoli, and a salad with a taste of freshly picked about it, unusual for airline food. Expect dishes such as pan-seared salmon with capsicum, carrots and onions in a coconut red curry sauce or a vegetarian chilli and polenta cake. Also on the menu, ice cream sundae, egg custard tart or a cheese plate. Appetising snacks are offered during the flight, with spinach and egg white bites or oatmeal for breakfast. An express dining option is available for meals served on request.
That’s entertainment Connect up to view on your own device or settle back to a 40cm screen and choose from an extensive library of new release and classic films (many of this year’s Oscar nominations) and TV favourites grouped under headings such as actor spotlight, directorial debut and pride (gay) as well as the more garden-variety action, drama, doco, comedy and kids. I am drawn by the Coda Collection of historic music docos, including one on a baby-faced Bob Dylan at the Newport Jazz Festival in the early 1960s. Relax mode delivers soothing music and a log fire on the screen (just don’t wake in fright).
At your service The air crew is warm, helpful and efficient. Pillows and blankets carry the swank Saks Fifth Avenue name, perfect accessories for a Dreamliner flight. Ask for pyjamas, slippers and a mattress pad if desired, and a hard-case kit includes a sleeping mask, dental kit and Sunday Riley face cream, lip balm and hand cream to ensure arrival without a wrinkle. Masks are worn by staff and advised for travellers.
On the ground Arrive early and experience the luxury of the Polaris Lounges that United has rolled out at its US hubs, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, New York and Washington (otherwise it’s a United Club Lounge or in Melbourne that of a Star Alliance partner such as Air New Zealand). The SFO Polaris Lounge is a two-level space of sleek design and good cuisine served at a buffet or a la carte restaurant, with a bar that offers air-themed cocktails. Seating is super comfy, and if work must carry on, connectivity is available in a variety of spaces, including glass offices.
In the know United flies daily to LA and SFO from Sydney, has just resumed its Melbourne-SFO route three times a week and from late October will fly Brisbane-SFO thrice weekly.
The verdict If Polaris is the North or Pole star and the brightest, this class of travel is aptly named.
Graham Erbacher was a guest of United Airlines and San Francisco International Airport.