United Introduces Upgrades to Polaris Business Class Seats

For countless travelers, particularly frequent fliers, the primary reason for upgrading to business class is to achieve a more restful sleep at 35,000 feet. Thus, it's no surprise that United Airlines' latest enhancements to its Polaris international business-class seats emphasize improving rest and relaxation for passengers.

On Tuesday, United unveiled its most significant update to the Polaris experience in seven years, aiming to provide customers with ‘the ultimate sleep in the sky.’ The airline has teamed up with Saks Fifth Avenue and Therabody to bring new bedding and amenity kits on board.

Passengers in Polaris lie-flat seats will now enjoy a duvet and two pillows—one featuring cooling gel—courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue. Additionally, from now until early 2024, they will receive an extra day blanket made from 100% recycled plastic, designed by the renowned Cameroonian fashion designer Claude Kameni.

At an event in New York to showcase the new offerings, Kameni expressed, “I draw inspiration from my heritage. When selected, I aimed to create something that reflects both United and my culture. I incorporated United's blue alongside brighter colors—lavender and green—symbolizing the vibrancy of my roots.”

The new onboard amenity kits feature an eye serum for reducing puffiness, a hydrating facial spray, hand cream, and cleansing towelettes from the wellness tech brand Therabody. Additionally, the kit contains a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, an eye mask, earplugs, socks, and a pen.

Therabody's collaboration with United goes beyond just in-flight offerings. The brand will introduce its advanced relaxation devices in Polaris lounges. New Reset Suites will begin launching this fall, starting with the Newark Liberty International and San Francisco International Airport Polaris lounges in late October, followed by locations in Chicago O’Hare, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles, and Washington Dulles.

Each Polaris lounge will feature at least one semi-private room equipped with a Therabody Lounger (chairs that offer sound and vibration therapy), along with Theraguns (the brand's famous massage devices), RecoveryAir JetBoots (wireless compression boots), and Therabody SmartGoggles (smart eye masks) for guests to utilize. Therabody skincare items will also be available in the restrooms and showers of the Polaris lounges.

Moreover, all United international passengers, regardless of their cabin class, will have access to Therabody content on their seatback screens, featuring exercises, breathwork, and meditation videos. The hand cream and facial spray from Therabody will also be accessible in the onboard bathrooms throughout the cabin.

The Polaris revamp coincides with a growing demand for premium offerings and international travel.

United is enhancing its Polaris experience as the appetite for premium seating surges—the airline reports a 30 percent increase in bookings for United Polaris and United Premium Plus this year compared to 2022.

“We see the future as expanding further into the premium segment, catering to both business and leisure travelers,” states Mark Muren, United’s managing director of identity, product, and loyalty, in an interview with Dinogo.

There has been no announcement regarding updates to the design of the Polaris business seats, which were first launched in 2016. Muren explains, “We custom designed [the Polaris seat] to endure over time. It accommodates a growing number of leisure travelers and groups exceptionally well, while also providing excellent privacy for solo travelers.”

United foresees a robust future for international travel, according to Muren. As a result, the airline is pursuing significant international growth post-pandemic, including a more than 40 percent increase in service from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand this year compared to 2022. Additionally, its Latin America network has expanded by 10 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels, among other growth initiatives.

The United Polaris business experience is offered on all long-haul international flights, providing access to United Polaris lounges in Chicago O’Hare, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles, Newark Liberty, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles. If a Polaris lounge isn’t available at the departure airport, Polaris passengers can use United Club lounges and partner lounges instead.

The pod-like United Polaris seats transform into lie-flat beds and come equipped with 16-inch seatback screens and noise-reducing headphones. The airline is also enhancing its onboard food and beverage selections for the Polaris experience.

“The wine program at United Airlines has never been better. These are not just airplane brands; they’re exceptional in any restaurant,” Muren remarks. Currently, United features wines from Whispering Angel, Groth, and Mer Soleil. “For many of our passengers, enjoying a fine glass of wine while seated comfortably is an essential part of their journey.”

Muren highlights that United has added over 100 new items to its menu in an effort to broaden options for international travelers, including the return of the popular ice cream sundae service. The airline has also introduced the ability to view the menu prior to boarding and preorder meals.