United Airlines launches new Polaris business class

United Airlines has begun the roll-out of its all-new United Polaris business class, the airline's most significant product transformation in more than a decade, featuring a ‘reimagined, sleep-enhancing experience’ for intercontinental travellers.

Announced in June, the airline say the first phase of United Polaris features improved inflight food and drinks, 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.

Sleeping amenities

United has worked with specialty store Saks Fifth Avenue for custom-designed bedding. It will feature duvets, lightweight day-blankets and a large and small pillow for each United Polaris customer. In addition, mattress cushions will be available upon request. Slippers will be available on all flights, and customised United Polaris pyjamas will be available by request on flights longer than 12 hours.

Flyers will also be able to request a gel-cooled pillow. New amenity kits will feature ergonomically designed eye shades, pillow mist and additional products from Soho House & Co's Cowshed Spa. The airline says it intends to donate tens of thousands of pillows, blankets and other inflight service items to Fisher House Foundation.

Additionally, United will offer a new and unique channel for customers on its inflight entertainment system focused on sleep and relaxation - nature scenes, guided meditation sessions from Headspace, and Slow TV after boarding.

Dining

On morning flights, passengers can choose a Mimosa or create their own savoury and spicy Tito’s Handmade Vodka Bloody Mary. On afternoon and evening flights, passengers can create their own wine tasting menu. On daytime flights longer than eight hours and on all flights longer than 12 hours, hot mid-flight snacks such as lobster macaroni and cheese will be available.

Lounges

United will also open an exclusive portfolio of United Polaris business class lounges in nine locations around the world that will feature custom-designed chairs, private daybeds, spa-like showers, bespoke art installations by artist Wolfgang Buttress, and hot meals served in a boutique restaurant setting. Premium sparkling wines and spirits, refreshing snacks and bottled water will also be offered.

The first United Polaris lounge opened at Chicago O'Hare International Airport near Gate C18 and lounges in eight other locations – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York/Newark, Washington Dulles, Tokyo Narita, Hong Kong and London Heathrow – will follow.

Seats

The all-new United Polaris business class seat will first take flight in 2017 on Boeing 777- 300ER aircraft and subsequently on Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, as well as on Boeing 767-300 and 777-200 retrofits.

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. It is an individual, forward-facing, suite-like pods and 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.