United Airlines Introduces Major Upgrades to Polaris Business Class for Enhanced Comfort and Wellness
United Airlines has introduced significant upgrades to its Polaris international business-class seats, focusing on enhancing passengers' sleep and skincare experiences. These improvements aim to offer travelers the best rest and relaxation while flying.
United unveiled its most extensive Polaris product overhaul in seven years, emphasizing providing passengers with "the best sleep in the sky." The airline has partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue and Therabody to introduce new bedding and onboard amenity kits.
Polaris passengers in lie-flat seats will now receive a duvet and two pillows, one of which is a cooling gel pillow from Saks Fifth Avenue. Additionally, they will receive an extra day blanket made from 100 percent recycled plastic, designed by the renowned Cameroonian fashion designer Claude Kameni. Kameni explained that he drew inspiration from his culture and background to create a design that reflects both United and his own culture, using colors like lavender and green to represent the vibrancy of his heritage.
The new amenity kits on board include an eye serum to reduce puffiness, a hydrating face spray, hand cream, and a cleansing towelette from the wellness technology brand Therabody. The kits also contain a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, earplugs, socks, and a pen.
The partnership with Therabody extends beyond the flight experience, as they will introduce high-tech relaxation devices in Polaris lounges. These Reset Suites will be available in various United Polaris lounges, equipped with Therabody Loungers, Theraguns, RecoveryAir JetBoots, and Therabody SmartGoggles for travelers to use. Therabody skincare products will also be available in Polaris lounge restrooms and showers.
Furthermore, United will provide access to Therabody content on seatback screens for all international fliers, including exercises, breathwork, and meditation videos. The Therabody hand cream and face spray will be available in the onboard bathrooms throughout the entire cabin.
The decision to revamp Polaris comes as United experiences a surge in demand for premium products and international travel, with a reported 30 percent increase in bookings for United Polaris and United Premium Plus this year compared to 2022.
United is investing in its Polaris product to meet the growing demand for premium seats, aiming to expand its presence in both business and leisure travel. However, there is no information available about any potential updates to the Polaris business seats' design in the near future, as the original product was custom-designed to endure the test of time and provide privacy for passengers.
United anticipates significant growth in international travel and has embarked on a major international expansion path, increasing services from the United States to Australia and New Zealand by over 40 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year. The Latin America network has also grown by 10 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels, among other expansions.
The United Polaris business experience is available on all United long-haul international flights, offering access to United Polaris lounges at select airports. When a Polaris lounge is not available, passengers have access to United Club lounges and partner lounges. The Polaris seats convert into lie-flat beds and feature 16-inch seatback screens with noise-reducing headphones. The airline is also working to elevate the food and beverage offerings in Polaris, including a wine program featuring brands like Whispering Angel, Groth, and Mer Soleil, aiming to enhance the overall passenger experience.