New Zealanders among the first to experience the new United Polaris Business Class service.
- December 1, 2016
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United Airlines has begun the roll-out of its all-new, anticipated Polaris Business Class, making it the most significant product transformation in more than a decade. New Zealanders flying United Airlines to San Francisco will be one of the first to experience the Polaris Business Class service from 1 December. Polaris Business Class seat will progressively be available across the United fleet from 2017.
The unique ‘Lounge to Landing’ product that was announced in June, features elevated inflight food and beverage experience, tranquil custom bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, exclusive amenity kits with products from Soho House & Co’s Cowshed Spa, and the opening of the first of nine United Polaris lounges around the world at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
The new Polaris Business class experience is a result of 12,000 hours of research and from which it emerged that sleep is the single most important priority for international business class travellers. Hundreds of customers, employees and inflight simulations resulted in Polaris’ path-breaking design and sleep-enhancing focus. Each United Polaris seat will offer direct access to the aisle, 180-degree flat-bed recline and up to 6 foot 6 inches of bed space. Crafted as individual, forward-facing, suite-like pods, each customer’s personal suite will feature a “Do Not Disturb” sign, mood lighting, one-touch lumbar support, several storage areas, multiple surfaces for simultaneous working and dining, a 16-inch high-definition entertainment screen and, for seats in the centre of the cabin, electronic privacy dividers. Bespoke to Polaris Business Class, is the new bedding collection that is designed to provide the best sleep in the sky.
The plush new collection features duvets, lightweight day-blankets and a large and small pillow for each United Polaris customer including a gel-cooled pillow available upon request. Mattress cushions will also be available. To further enhance personal comfort, slippers will be available on all flights, and customised United Polaris pyjamas will be available by request on flights longer than 12 hours.
New amenity kits will feature ergonomically designed eye shades, calming pillow mist and additional products from leading design house Soho House & Co’s Cowshed Spa.
To further soothe the senses in-flight, United will offer a new and unique channel for customers on its inflight entertainment system focused on sleep and relaxation. Guests will be able to relax with soothing nature scenes, guided meditation sessions from Headspace, and experience Slow TV as they settle-in.
The Polaris Business Class promises the World’s most exquisite and extravagant dining experience in the air. Upon boarding choose a pre-departure beverage of your choice and gourmet chocolate. On morning flights, choose a sweet and bubbly Mimosa or create their own savory and spicy Tito’s Handmade Vodka® Bloody Mary.
Create your own wine tasting menu, with a customised wine flight with the highest-quality options curated exclusively by United’s Master Sommelier on afternoon and evening flights. In the air, customers will also enjoy seasonal and regionally influenced in-flight menus developed in partnership with The Trotter Project and its critically recognised chefs, including Chef Bill Kim of Chicago restaurants Urbanbelly, bellyQ and Belly Shack and Chef Jesse Dunford Wood, chef-owner at Parlour in London.
For desserts, the service will also include made-to-order signature ice cream sundaes and a dessert cart with a variety of petit dessert options.
On the ground, United will also open an exclusive portfolio of Polaris Business Class lounges in nine locations around the world – the only lounge of its kind offered by a U.S. airline to business class customers.
The lounges will have custom-designed chairs, private daybeds, spa-like showers, bespoke art installations by artist Wolfgang Buttress, and chef-inspired hot meals served in a boutique restaurant setting so customers can refresh and dine before boarding their planes including premium sparkling wines and spirits.
