If you’re wondering “Is United Polaris Business Class worth it?” before booking your next long-haul flight — you’re in the right place. I asked myself the exact same thing before flying from London to Boston. It was my first time flying Business Class (and I worry it may have ruined me for future flights!)
United Polaris is marketed as the airline’s premium international business class, with highlights like:
- The exclusive United Polaris Lounge (with à la carte dining and champagne on tap 🍾)
- Lie-flat Polaris seats designed for maximum privacy and comfort
- Saks Fifth Avenue bedding (yes, actual duvets on a plane)
- An upgraded Polaris food and wine menu curated by top chefs
But here’s the real question: does it live up to the hype? In this honest United Polaris Business Class review, I’ll share my full experience — from the Heathrow lounge to the in-flight dining, sleep quality, and whether I think it’s worth the splurge (or the miles).
👉 Book your flight from London to Boston
This experience was part of a press trip with Meet Boston, TravelUp and United Airlines – but all opinions remain my own.
United Polaris Lounge Review (London Heathrow)
If you’re flying Polaris internationally, you’ll get access to the United Polaris Lounge. Honestly, this isn’t just a lounge — it’s a pre-flight luxury experience. The space felt calm, stylish, and a world away from the chaos of Heathrow. There was lots of seating, with both quiet nooks and sociable tables. I was flying from Boston to London but had access to the lounge in Boston, and the Polaris Lounge in London – it was a great place to real pre and post-flight, and get some work done.
The Polaris Lounge dining really stood out:
- A full à la carte restaurant
- Buffet with salads, charcuterie, and warm dishes
- A bar serving cocktails, champagne, and barista-made coffees
👉 Tip: Arrive early. I spent three hours in the lounge, and it made the start of my trip feel like part of the holiday.
Boarding & First Impressions
As a Polaris passenger, I boarded first and headed straight to my seat. The United Polaris Business Class seat is designed as a mini-suite with a 1-2-1 layout (so everyone gets direct aisle access). Right away, I loved how private it felt. I was greeted warmly with a glass of champagne, and the crew explained all the seat functions, including storage compartments, seat adjustments, and entertainment.
United Polaris Seat Review: Sleeping in the Sky
This is the game-changer: the seat transforms into a fully flat bed, paired with Saks Fifth Avenue bedding — a proper duvet, mattress pad, and two pillows. For someone who usually can’t sleep on planes, I managed a solid 5 hours of rest on my 7-hour flight.
Highlights of the Polaris seat:
- Direct aisle access (no awkward climbing over strangers!)
- Plenty of storage for laptops, shoes, and small bags
- Noise-cancelling headphones and a big entertainment screen
- Adjustable positions for lounging, working, or sleeping
👉 Verdict: If sleep matters to you, the Polaris lie-flat seat is worth the upgrade alone.
👉 Book your flight from London to Boston
United Polaris Food Menu & Drinks
The Polaris food and wine menu was another pleasant surprise. It felt more like dining in a restaurant than eating on a plane. I don't think I will ever get over the fact that the bed was so comfortable I slept through the chocolate lava cake that was served mid-flight – actually devastating!
My meal service:
- Starter: smoked salmon with a fresh salad
- Main: braised short rib with creamy mashed potatoes (rich and comforting)
- Dessert: warm brownie with ice cream (yes, they do a proper sundae service 🍨)
The wine list is curated by a Master Sommelier, and I enjoyed a bold California red with my meal. There were also snacks available on demand, plus a hot breakfast before landing. I arrived back in the UK feeling the most rested and well fed I ever have after an overnight flight.
Entertainment & Wi-Fi
The United Polaris entertainment system includes a large HD screen with a solid choice of movies, TV, and music. Noise-cancelling headphones made it feel immersive and I managed to watch about 30 minutes of a film during take-off before promptly falling asleep after a long day of walking around Boston. Wi-Fi was available but patchy — fine for emails, but don’t expect fast streaming.
Polaris Service
Service really makes or breaks business class, and I found the Polaris crew to be fantastic — attentive without hovering, quick with drink refills, and genuinely friendly. It felt personal in a way economy never does.
So… Is United Polaris Business Class Worth It?
So, is United Polaris Business Class worth it? For me — absolutely. I arrived in London actually rested, fed, and feeling refreshed after my trip instead of groggy and jet-lagged. If you were travelling to Boston, I highly recommend it so you can arrive feeling energised and ready to explore on your first-time visit to Boston or solo trip to Boston.
Would I pay full cash fare every time? Probably not. But with miles, points, or an affordable upgrade, it’s 100% worth it.
👉 Ready to try it yourself? Check United Airlines flights here. Sometimes the difference between Premium Plus and Polaris is less than you’d think — and trust me, your future self will thank you when you’re sleeping at 35,000 feet.
Here’s my honest breakdown:
- Comfort: 10/10 — the bed and bedding make this a dream for overnight flights.
- Food & Drink: 8/10 — elevated, but not Michelin-level. Still excellent for 35,000 feet.
- Lounge: 9/10 — United Polaris Lounge is one of the best I’ve tried.
- Value for Money: Worth it if you use miles, points, or catch a good upgrade deal. Paying full price is a splurge, but if you value rest and comfort, it’s justifiable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fully flat lie-flat Polaris seat with Saks Fifth Avenue bedding | No pajamas provided (some competitors do) |
| Access to the Polaris Lounge with à la carte dining and premium drinks | Wi-Fi can be slow and unreliable |
| Restaurant-style Polaris food menu with wine curated by a Master Sommelier | Limited snack selection between meals |
| 1-2-1 layout = direct aisle access for every passenger | Seat storage is good but not the most spacious compared to some rivals |
| Excellent service — attentive without being intrusive | Cash fares can be very expensive |
| Great amenity kit with slippers, socks, and skincare | Availability for upgrades with points can be competitive |
👉 Book your flight from London to Boston
FAQs: United Polaris Business Class
Is United Polaris worth the upgrade?
Yes — especially on overnight flights where the lie-flat seat and Saks bedding help you sleep.
What’s the difference between United Business and Polaris?
Polaris is United’s premium international business class product. It’s completely different from domestic United Business, with better seats, food, and lounge access.
Do you get pyjamas in Polaris?
Not anymore. But you do get slippers, socks, and a full amenity kit.
Can you access the Polaris Lounge with a business class ticket?
Yes — as long as you’re flying Polaris on an international route. Domestic business class tickets don’t include access.
Is United Polaris better than Delta One or American Flagship?
Polaris competes strongly. The seat and lounge are excellent, and while Delta One sometimes wins on food, I’d happily choose Polaris again.
