Why United Business Class Matters
Why United Business Class Matters
If you’re planning a long-haul trip, United Airlines Business Class—branded as Polaris—remains one of the strongest premium cabin products from any U.S. carrier. After years of updates, United’s global fleet now features refreshed interiors, upgraded bedding, redesigned lounges, and more consistent service compared to the 2010–2018 era of “old United.” Call our travel experts anytime at +1-833-894-5333 We’ll help you find the best fares, award space, and upgrade options.
Three reasons Polaris stands out in:
True consistency across major long-haul aircraft like the 777, 787, and 767.
Polaris lounges—arguably the best U.S. business class lounges.
Premium bedding and amenities, considered top-tier among North American airlines.
United Airlines Business Class—also known as Polaris—offers lie-flat seats, premium dining, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, priority airport services, Polaris lounges, and enhanced long-haul comfort. It’s best for international travel on 777, 787, and select 767 aircraft.
United Polaris replaced the airline’s former "United Global First," marking a major shift toward consistency and premium quality. Introduced in 2016 and now widely available fleet-wide, Polaris is:
United's highest cabin class (no first class above it)
Offered only on long-haul international flights
Available on select premium transcontinental routes
Not all United “business class” cabins are created equal. The term Polaris applies only to:
Long-haul international flights
Wide-body aircraft
Cabins with the newest 1-2-1 business seat
Older business class seats on domestic flights or unrefurbished aircraft are not Polaris, even though they’re sold as Business Class. Always check the seat map before booking. Call agent anytime at +1-833-894-5333 We’ll help you find the best fares, award space, and upgrade options.
Most United long-haul aircraft now feature the Polaris 1-2-1 layout, offering:
Direct aisle access for every passenger
Angled privacy wings
Forward-facing seats (no herringbone or reverse herringbone mix)
The cabin feels modern, understated, and intentionally quiet.
The hallmark of Polaris is its 180° fully lie-flat bed, with:
20–22” width depending on aircraft
6'6"–6'8" total bed length
Smooth recline and comfortable sleeping position
The hard product is competitive with Delta One and superior to many older AA business class seats.
United’s Polaris seat includes:
High seat walls
Personal privacy dividers in the center seats
Partial sliding partitions
“Cove-style” curved design
It’s not the most enclosed business seat in the world, but it’s very comfortable and practical.
Polaris seats provide:
A large tray table suitable for laptops
Deep storage caddies for headphones, tablets, and water
Side pockets for passports and small items
AC + USB power outlets
A small vanity light
Storage is noticeably better on the 777 and 787 compared to the 767.
The flagship of the Polaris fleet features:
A large 60-seat business cabin
Quiet engines and smooth ride
Roomy footwells
Best seats: Odd-numbered window seats (A/L) for maximum privacy
The Dreamliner’s cabin is smaller and quieter:
More intimate 30–48 seat offering
Slightly narrower cabin but great ambiance
Best for solo travelers seeking a calmer flight
Though narrower, the 767 offers:
A boutique-style 1-1-1 layout
Fully refurbished Polaris cabins
Some of the quietest cabins in United’s fleet
Best for couples or passengers preferring fewer people around.
United's Polaris Lounges are industry-leading. Unlike other airlines, United restricts access strictly to:
Passengers flying long-haul business class
No access for elite members without a qualifying ticket
No guest access (except in rare exceptions)
Inside a Polaris Lounge, expect:
Restaurant-style dining rooms with chef-crafted meals
Buffet service
Premium alcohol, including Champagne & cocktails
Showers with Cowshed amenities
Quiet suites for sleeping
Barista-made coffee drinks
These are far better than traditional U.S. airline lounges.
The top locations:
Chicago (ORD) – Flagship, excellent sit-down dining
Newark (EWR) – Great for Europe-bound flights
San Francisco (SFO) – Stylish with great Asian meal options
Los Angeles (LAX) – Smaller but premium
Houston (IAH) – Underrated with short walking distances
Meals are served in courses, typically including:
A plated appetizer
Choice of entrée
A signature ice cream sundae or dessert
Bread basket
Cheese plate (on some routes)
Wine options include reds, whites, and Champagne; United’s newer menus emphasize higher-quality proteins and regional dishes.
Depending on route length, you’ll find:
Sandwiches
Fruit plates
Ramen or hot snacks
Fresh cookies
Self-serve snack stations on some aircraft
United offers:
Vegetarian
Gluten-free
Vegan
Low-sodium
Kosher/Halal (must be pre-ordered)
The standout feature of Polaris includes:
A large plush duvet
Cooling gel pillow
Regular pillow
Optional mattress pad (ask a flight attendant early)
Delta One may have better seats, but United has the best bedding of the U.S. airlines.
Recent kits typically include:
Skincare products (often Sunday Riley or Therabody partnerships)
Lip balm and moisturizer
Eye mask
Socks
Earplugs
Dental kit
Polaris offers:
Quiet cabins
Cooler cabin temperature (rare in U.S. carriers)
One of the best setups for real rest on long-haul flights
Overall: Excellent for red-eyes and ultra-long-haul flights.
Prices vary by route, season, and aircraft:
$1,200–$2,200 for domestic “Polaris-equipped” positioning flights
$2,500–$4,000 for Europe
$4,000–$7,000 for Asia
$5,000–$9,000 for Australia/New Zealand
MileagePlus uses dynamic pricing:
Europe: 55,000–80,000 miles one-way
Asia: 70,000–110,000 miles one-way
Australia: 80,000–130,000 miles one-way
Booking early usually yields better rates.
Historically low-cost Polaris routes include:
Newark (EWR) → Dublin (DUB)
Chicago (ORD) → London (LHR)
San Francisco (SFO) → Tokyo (NRT/HND)
Los Angeles (LAX) → Sydney (SYD) during shoulder seasons
Use miles to upgrade from eligible economy or premium economy fare classes.
Higher fare classes (W, Y, B) clear sooner
A co-pay may be required
Best results on less busy routes
Premier Platinum and 1K members receive PlusPoints, United’s elite upgrade currency.
Higher status = priority
Upgrades clear in waves before departure
Premium routes (Sydney, Singapore) are more competitive
One of the cheapest methods:
Offered during check-in
Pricing varies but can be surprisingly affordable
Great tactic during slower travel periods
United frequently emails passengers post-purchase with upgrade deals.
Can be cheaper than buying miles
Especially good when business class loads are light
2 checked bags free (70 lbs each)
Priority baggage handling included
Business class passengers receive:
Priority check-in
Fast Track or Premier Access security
Early boarding (Group 1)
Wi-Fi available on all long-haul aircraft
Charges apply except for messaging on some routes
Large 16–18" HD screens with hundreds of movies
Odd-numbered A/L seats on 777 and 787
Farther from aisle, more privacy
Ideal for work and sleep
Center seats (D/G)
Movable privacy divider
Easy conversation without leaning
Last row in cabin (proximity to galley)
Bulkhead seats with slightly smaller footwells
Yes — United Polaris is absolutely worth it for long-haul travel.
What makes it stand out:
Polaris Lounges are the best business class lounges in the U.S.
Bedding is unmatched among U.S. carriers
Seats are consistently comfortable and fully lie-flat
Service, while variable, has improved noticeably
Award pricing can be excellent, especially to Europe and Asia
If you value sleep, comfort, lounge access, and overall cabin consistency, United Business Class is one of the best premium cabin values available from a U.S. airline.
Is United Polaris the same as business class?
Yes—Polaris is United’s international business class.
Does every aircraft have Polaris seats?
No. Some older 767 and 787 aircraft still rotate into service without Polaris seats.
How much does United business class cost?
Typically $2,500–$7,000 for international routes.
What is included in Polaris?
Lie-flat beds, lounge access, premium dining, and Saks bedding.
Do I get lounge access?
Yes, on long-haul business class tickets you get Polaris Lounge access.